Note: State Law Requires Collars & Tags On All Dogs. Every Dog Must Be Licensed In The Town It Resides In (VSA 20-3581).

A:  All you have to do is bring a copy of your up to date rabies certificate (by law the City must have a copy of it on file) and also a copy of your spaying/neutering certificate if applicable, to the Clerk/Treasurer's Office. You will then be issued a license tag. We start registering dogs in January for the new year. If you are purchasing a license between January 2^nd and April 1^st, you will need a rabies certificate with an expiration date of April 1st or after for the current licensing year.

Q:  How much does a dog license cost?
Before April 1st	After April 1st
Spayed/Neutered $26.00	Spayed/Neutered $28.00
Un-Spayed/Neutered $46.00	Un-Spayed/Neutered $48.00

A:  Please bring your pooper scoopers with you when you go for walks so it doesn't end up on the bottom of someone’s shoes. (Burl. Ordinance 5-4 & 17)
Cleaning up after your dog, also helps to keep Lake Champlain clean. Read more about how dog droppings can affect the Lake on the “Scoop the Poop Campaign” website All dogs need to be on a leash. (Burl. Ordinance 5 – 13 & 14)

A:  Generally two things can happen – you may receive a municipal ticket and depending on the circumstances, your dog may be impounded.

A:  The first thing to do is talk to your neighbor about the situation. If you do not get a satisfactory response from your neighbor, you can call the Police Department at 658-2700. (Burlington Ordinance 5-4)

First Offence in a 12-month period - $50-$100.00
Second Offense in a 12-month period - $100–$200.00
Third and subsequent offense in a 12-month period- $200-$500.00

Impounding:

First Offense in a 12-month period - $75.00 for release
Second Offense in a 12-month period - $75.00 for release
Third Offense in a 12 month period - $75.00 for release** (Burl. Ordinance 5-24 & 25)

There is also a $10.00 a day boarding fee.
No dog will be released until it is properly registered.
A fee must be paid to the Clerk/Treasurer’s Office before a dog may be released from the pound.

**If a dog is impounded 3 or more times in a 12-month period, the case may be referred to the Animal Control Committee of the Police Commission. The Committee will hold a hearing to decide what, if any, action should be taken to protect the public. (Burl. Ordinance 5-27)