Licenses

V.S.A. tit. 20, ch. 193, subch. 2

in effect

20 V.S.A. § 3581 General requirements

3581. General requirements (a) A person who is the owner of a dog or wolf-hybrid more than six months old shall annually on or before April 1 cause it to be registered, numbered, described, and licensed on a form approved by the Secretary for one year from that day in the office of the clerk of the municipality in which the dog or wolf-hybrid is kept. A person who owns a working farm dog and who intends to use that dog on a farm pursuant to the exemptions in section 3549 of this title shall cause the working farm dog to be registered as a working farm dog and shall, in addition to all other fees required by this section, pay $5.00 for a working farm dog license. The owner of a dog or wolf-hybrid shall cause it to wear a collar and attach a license tag issued by the municipal clerk to the collar. Dog or wolf-hybrid owners shall pay for the license $4.00 for each neutered dog or wolf-hybrid, and $8.00 for each unneutered dog or wolf-hybrid. If the license fee for any dog or wolf-hybrid is not paid on or before April 1, its owner or keeper may thereafter procure a license for that license year by paying a fee of 50 percent in excess of that otherwise required. (b) Before a person shall be entitled to obtain a license for a neutered dog or wolf-hybrid, the person shall exhibit to the clerk a certificate signed by a duly licensed veterinarian showing that the dog or wolf-hybrid has been sexually sterilized. (c)(1) A mandatory license fee surcharge of $4.00 per license shall be collected by each city, town, or village for the purpose of funding the dog, cat, and wolf-hybrid spaying and neutering program established in chapter 193, subchapter 6 of this title. (2) An optional license fee surcharge of up to $10.00 per license is to be implemented by the legislative body of a city, town, or village that has established an animal and rabies control program for the sole purpose of funding the rabies control program. (3) The license fee surcharges in this subsection shall not be considered part of the license fee for purposes of calculating a penalty for late payment. (d)(1) Before obtaining a license for a dog or wolf-hybrid, a person shall deliver to the municipal clerk a certificate or a certified copy thereof issued by a duly licensed veterinarian, stating that the dog or wolf-hybrid has received a current preexposure rabies vaccination with a vaccine approved by the Secretary, and the person shall certify that the dog or wolf-hybrid described in the certificate or copy is the dog or wolf-hybrid to be licensed. The municipal clerk shall keep the certificates or copies thereof on file. The Secretary shall prescribe the size and format of rabies certificates. The owner of any such dog or wolf-hybrid shall maintain a copy of the rabies vaccination form and provide it to State or municipal officials upon request. (2) Before obtaining a license for a wolf-hybrid, a person shall deliver to the municipal clerk a certificate or a certified copy thereof, issued by a duly licensed veterinarian, stating that the wolf-hybrid has been sexually sterilized. (e) For the purposes of licensing a dog or wolf-hybrid, a current vaccination against rabies means that: (1) All dog and wolf-hybrid vaccinations recognized by State and local authorities shall be administered by a licensed veterinarian or under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. (2) All dogs and wolf-hybrids over three months of age shall be vaccinated against rabies. The initial vaccination shall be valid for 12 months. Within nine to 12 months of the initial vaccination, the animal must receive a booster vaccination. (3) All subsequent vaccinations following the initial vaccination shall be valid for 36 months. (4) All vaccinations, including the initial vaccination, shall be with a U.S. Department of Agriculture-approved three-year rabies vaccine product. (f) In addition to the license fees assessed in subsections (a) and (c) of this section and section 3583 of this title, municipal clerks shall assess a $3.00 fee for each license sold. The clerks shall forward the fees collected under this subsection to the State Treasurer on or before the 15th day of May, September, and January of each year, together with an accounting of the licenses sold. The funds collected under this subsection are to be used for rabies control programs and for administration of animal welfare laws in the State. For this purpose, on or before the 30th days of May, September, and January, the State Treasurer shall disburse the funds collected under this subsection as follows: (1) 14.85 percent to the Fish and Wildlife Fund; (2) 14.85 percent to the Commissioner of Health; (3) 3.3 percent to the Secretary of Agriculture, Food and Markets; and (4) 67 percent to the Animal Welfare Fund created by section 3203 of this title. Amended 1965, No. 36, § 1, eff. April 28, 1965; 1966, No. 62 (Sp. Sess.), § 1; 1977, No. 215 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. April 12, 1978; 1979, No. 92 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. Feb. 28, 1980; 1989, No. 256 (Adj. Sess.), § 10(a); eff. Jan. 1, 1991; 1993, No. 213 (Adj. Sess.), § 9, eff. April 1, 1995; 2001, No. 39, § 5; 2003, No. 42, § 2, eff. May 27, 2003; 2003, No. 163 (Adj. Sess.), §§ 37, 38; 2007, No. 153 (Adj. Sess.), § 13; 2009, No. 48, § 9, eff. May 28, 2009; 2015, No. 57, § 31; 2017, No. 113 (Adj. Sess.), § 144; 2021, No. 20, § 199; 2023, No. 167 (Adj. Sess.), § 2, eff. Jan. 1, 2025; 2025, No. 121 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. June 8, 2026.

20 V.S.A. § 3581a Immunization

3581a. Immunization (a) An owner of a domestic pet or wolf-hybrid shall have that animal inoculated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian in accordance with section 3581 of this title, if applicable, and with rules adopted by the Secretary. (b) No rabies vaccine may be used for domestic pets unless it is first approved by the Secretary. (c) Until the Secretary approves a rabies vaccine for use on wolf-hybrids, these animals shall be vaccinated with a vaccine approved by the Secretary for domestic dogs and a veterinarian inoculating a wolf-hybrid in accordance with this section shall not be liable for the failure of the rabies vaccine to protect the animal from rabies nor for any adverse reaction that may be attributable to the vaccination. (d) A person may use an approved vaccine to inoculate a feral feline that takes up residence in a building other than the person’s home and need not use the services of a licensed veterinarian for this purpose. (e) The Secretary of the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets and the Department of Health shall provide notices to veterinarians designed to help them to inform people about the provisions of this section regarding cats, wolf-hybrids, and other domestic pets. Added 1993, No. 213 (Adj. Sess.), § 10, eff. June 15, 1994; amended 2003, No. 42, § 2, eff. May 27, 2003.

20 V.S.A. § 3582 Dogs or wolf-hybrids obtained after April 1

3582. Dogs or wolf-hybrids obtained after April 1 A person who becomes the owner after April 1 of a dog or wolf-hybrid six months old or older that has not been licensed, or a person who owns, keeps, or harbors a dog or wolf-hybrid that becomes six months old after April 1, shall within 30 days apply for and obtain a license for the dog or wolf-hybrid in the same manner as the annual license is obtained. If an application under this section is made after October 1, the fee for the license shall be one-half the amount otherwise required. If the license fee is not paid within 30 days, the owner may thereafter procure a license for that license year by paying a license fee of 50 percent in excess of that otherwise required. Amended 1977, No. 215 (Adj. Sess.), § 4, eff. April 12, 1978; 1979, No. 92 (Adj. Sess.), § 4, eff. Feb. 28, 1980; 1993, No. 213 (Adj. Sess.), § 11, eff. April 1, 1995; 2019, No. 131 (Adj. Sess.), § 125.

20 V.S.A. § 3587 Dogs brought into State

3587. Dogs brought into State Without obtaining a Vermont license, a person may bring or cause to be brought into the State for a period not exceeding 90 days one or more licensed dog or dogs bearing the identification of the owner, provided that the owner possesses a certificate signed by a licensed veterinarian or a State official of any other state that the dog has received a rabies vaccination that is current for the 90 days following entry into the State. Amended 1977, No. 215 (Adj. Sess.), § 6, eff. April 12, 1978; 1979, No. 92 (Adj. Sess.), § 6, eff. Feb. 28, 1980.

20 V.S.A. § 3588 Issuance of licenses; record of licenses

3588. Issuance of licenses; record of licenses Municipal clerks shall issue licenses and receive the money for the license, and pay the amount received into the municipal treasury within 60 days of receipt, retaining to their own use $2.00 for each license or permit, and shall include with the amount deposited into the municipal treasury a sworn statement of the amount received and paid over by them pursuant to this section. Amended 1966, No. 62 (Sp. Sess.), § 3; 1971, No. 84, § 11; 1977, No. 215 (Adj. Sess.), § 7, eff. April 12, 1978; 1993, No. 213 (Adj. Sess.), § 13, eff. June 15, 1994; 2021, No. 20, § 201.

20 V.S.A. § 3589 Record of licenses

3589. Record of licenses Municipal clerks shall also keep a record of licenses issued by them, with the names of the owners or keepers of the dogs or wolf-hybrids licensed and the names registered numbers, and descriptions of such dogs or wolf-hybrids. Amended 1993, No. 213 (Adj. Sess.), § 14, eff. April 1, 1995.

20 V.S.A. § 3590 List of dogs and wolf-hybrids not licensed

3590. List of dogs and wolf-hybrids not licensed (a) The legislative body shall annually designate one or more persons to maintain a list of unlicensed, inoculated, and licensed dogs and wolf-hybrids owned or kept in their municipality and to submit the list to the municipal clerk. (b) On receiving a list of dogs and wolf-hybrids from persons authorized by the legislative body, the municipal clerk shall notify the owners or keepers of all dogs and wolf-hybrids named on the list that have not already been licensed or inoculated and after May 30 shall furnish to the legislative body a list of dogs and wolf-hybrids not licensed or inoculated as required by law. Owners shall also be notified that unlicensed or uninoculated dogs or wolf-hybrids may be destroyed. Amended 1965, No. 36, § 3, eff. April 28, 1965; 1977, No. 215 (Adj. Sess.), § 8, eff. April 12, 1978; 1979, No. 92 (Adj. Sess.), § 7, eff. Feb. 28, 1990; 1993, No. 213 (Adj. Sess.), § 15, eff. April 1, 1995.

20 V.S.A. § 3591 Transfer of license

3591. Transfer of license A license from a municipal clerk shall be valid in any part of the State and may be transferred with the dog or wolf-hybrid licensed, provided such license is recorded by the clerk of the municipality where such dog or wolf-hybrid is kept. Amended 1993, No. 213 (Adj. Sess.), § 16, eff. April 1, 1995.

20 V.S.A. § 3621 Issuance of warrant to impound; complaint

3621. Issuance of warrant to impound; complaint (a)(1) The legislative body of a municipality may at any time issue a warrant to one or more police officers, constables, pound keepers, or appointed animal control officers, directing them to promptly impound all dogs or wolf-hybrids within the town or city not licensed according to the provisions of this subchapter, except as exempted by section 3587 of this title, and to enter a complaint against the owners or keepers of the impounded dogs and wolf-hybrids. (2) A dog or wolf-hybrid impounded by a municipality under this section may be transferred to an animal shelter or rescue organization for the purpose of finding an adoptive home for the dog or wolf-hybrid. If the dog or wolf-hybrid cannot be placed in an adoptive home or transferred to a humane society or rescue organization within ten days, or a greater number of days established by the municipality, the dog or wolf-hybrid may be destroyed in a humane way. The municipality shall not be liable for expenses associated with keeping the dog or wolf-hybrid at the animal shelter or rescue organization beyond the established number of days. (b) A municipality may waive the license fee for a dog or wolf-hybrid impounded pursuant to subsection (a) of this section for the current year upon a showing of current vaccinations and financial hardship. In the event of waiver due to financial hardship, the State shall not receive its portion of a dog license fee. Amended 1977, No. 215 (Adj. Sess.), § 10, eff. April 12, 1978; 1979, No. 92 (Adj. Sess.), § 2, eff. Feb 28, 1980; 1993, No. 213 (Adj. Sess.), § 17, eff. April 1, 1995; 2009, No. 121 (Adj. Sess.), § 3; 2013, No. 162 (Adj. Sess.), § 4; 2021, No. 20, § 202.

20 V.S.A. § 3622 Form of warrant

3622. Form of warrant Such warrant shall be in the following form: State of Vermont: ) ) __________ County, ss. ) To ________________ , constable or police officer of the town or city of _________________ : By the authority of the State of Vermont, you are hereby commanded to impound all dogs and wolf-hybrids not duly licensed according to law without delay, except as exempted by 20 V.S.A. § 3587; and you are further required to make and return complaint against the owner or keeper of any such dog or wolf-hybrid. A dog or wolf-hybrid that is impounded may be transferred to an animal shelter or rescue organization for the purpose of finding an adoptive home for the dog or wolf-hybrid. If the dog or wolf-hybrid cannot be placed in an adoptive home or transferred to a humane society or rescue organization within ten days, or a greater number of days established by the municipality, the dog or wolf-hybrid may be destroyed in a humane way. Hereof fail not, and due return make of this warrant, with your doings thereon, within 90 days from the date hereof, stating the number of dogs or wolf-hybrids destroyed and the names of the owners or keepers thereof, and whether all unlicensed dogs or wolf-hybrids in such town (or city) have been destroyed, and the names of persons against whom complaints have been made under the provisions of 20 V.S.A. chapter 193, subchapters 1, 2, and 4, and whether complaints have been made and returned against all persons who have failed to comply with the provisions of such subchapter. Given under our (my) hands at __________ day of _____ , 20 ____ . _________________________________________ Legislative Body Amended 1977, No. 215 (Adj. Sess.), § 11 eff. April 12, 1978; 1993, No. 213 (Adj. Sess.), § 18, eff. April 1, 1995; 2011, No. 155 (Adj. Sess.), § 5; 2021, No. 20, § 203.

20 V.S.A. § 3623 Constable to make complaints

3623. Constable to make complaints A constable to whom a warrant has been issued pursuant to section 3621 of this subchapter shall make complaints required by the warrant to the designee of the legislative body of the municipality. Amended 2017, No. 93 (Adj. Sess.), § 17; 2021, No. 20, § 204.

20 V.S.A. § 3624 Who may destroy; fees

3624. Who may destroy; fees (a) A police officer or constable shall humanely destroy or cause to be destroyed dogs or wolf-hybrids whenever a warrant has been issued authorizing such actions, except as exempted by section 3587 of this title. Any action must be taken within 90 days of the issuance of the warrant. The officer shall incinerate, bury, or cause to be buried or otherwise properly dispose of their remains. (b) Any officers, other than those employed under regular pay, shall receive compensation for each dog or wolf-hybrid so destroyed as authorized by the legislative body of their respective towns. Bills for any services shall be approved by the legislative body of the municipality in which the dogs or wolf-hybrids are destroyed, and paid from monies received under the provisions of this subchapter. Amended 1977, No 215 (Adj. Sess.), § 12 eff. April 12, 1978; 1993, No. 213 (Adj. Sess.), § 19, eff. April 1, 1995.

20 V.S.A. § 3625 Return by officers

3625. Return by officers Each police officer or constable to whom a warrant is issued pursuant to section 3621 of this subchapter shall make the return directed by the warrant to the authority issuing the warrant within 90 days from its date. Amended 1977, No. 215 (Adj. Sess.), § 13, eff. April 12, 1978; 2021, No. 20, § 205.

20 V.S.A. § 3626 Certificate to State’s Attorney

3626. Certificate to State’s Attorney The selectboard or mayor shall annually, within ten days from July 25, transmit a certificate, subscribed and sworn to, of the fact of the issue of such warrant, and whether the same has been duly executed and returned agreeably to the provisions of this chapter, to the State’s Attorneys of their respective counties, who shall prosecute town officers who fail to comply with the provisions of this subchapter.

Source: Vermont General Assembly (legislature.vermont.gov)URL: https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/chapter/20/193Fetched: 10/21/2026