NH State Law on Licensing of Dogs – RSA 466
NH State Law requires that puppies must be licensed promptly after their first rabies inoculation and that all dogs be licensed EACH YEAR by April 30th, at the office of the clerk of the town in which the dog is kept.
As a courtesy, reminder notices are sent by email once monthly beginning in January. However, it is ultimately the owner’s responsibility to license their dog(s).
STRAFFORD’S TOP DOG OF 2025
Every year a Strafford dog that was licensed by April 30th is chosen as Top Dog and featured on the website and at Town Hall. Send a photo of your dog to include them on Strafford Dogs Photo Page townclerk@strafford.nh.gov
In Strafford we love our dogs and we make licensing them easy. This can be done:
- Online (pay online here)
- By Mail: Send check made out to “Strafford Town Clerk” to: Strafford Town Clerk, PO Box 169, Strafford NH 03884
- By Phone 664-2192 X102
- In person at the Town Hall, 12 Mountain View Drive, behind the Post Office.
Rabies Clinics
Tractor Supply Co. https://petvet.vippetcare.com/find-a-clinic/
NH SPCA https://nhspca.org/low-cost-rabies-clinics/
Shot Vet – Rite Aid https://www.shotvet.com/find-a-clinic/
Cocheco Valley Humane Society https://cvhsonline.org/event/rabies-and-microchip-clinic
Dog Licensing Information
NH State Law requires that puppies must be licensed promptly after their first rabies inoculation and that all dogs be licensed EACH YEAR by April 30th, at the office of the clerk of the town in which the dog is kept.
Information Needed to License a Dog in Strafford
- Owners name, address and email
- Dog’s name, breed, sex, color, vet name
- Current Rabies Certificate (local vets send us a copy of rabies certificates)
Dog Licensing Fees
Male or Female – Unaltered $9.00
Spayed/Neutered Dog $6.50
1st Dog owned by a Senior citizen (65+) $2.00
Puppies (3-7 months) $6.50
Group/Kennel Licenses (5+ dogs) $20.00
Reminders
As a courtesy, reminder notices are sent by email once monthly beginning in January. However, it is ultimately the owners responsibility to license their dog(s).
Late Fees
Beginning June 1st, all unlicensed dogs will be charged a late fee of $1.00 per month.
Each year, the Town Clerk’s Office is required to give a list of all unlicensed dogs to the Strafford Police Department. At that time, a $25.00 Civil Forfeiture Fine is issued for each unlicensed dog.
If you have additional questions, please contact the Town Clerk’s Office.
