HOULTON, Maine — Dave Rairdon, the animal control officer for the Houlton Police Department, reminds area residents that the deadline for licensing dogs is fast approaching.
“The state law says all dogs need to be registered by Dec. 31,” Rairdon said. “Most, if not all, municipalities will give you a 30-day grace period to get your dog licensed.”
The average cost to license a dog is $6 for a spayed or neutered animal and $9 for a pet that is not. If a person gets issued a summons for not having their pet licensed, that fine is typically $75 per animal.
Houlton has almost 1,300 dogs in the community, Rairdon said. Of that number, 1,100 were licensed in 2018. To get a dog licensed, the animal must be up to date on all of its shots.
He said that after Jan. 31, 2019, he will call or visit the owner of any dog on his list that has not been licensed. After Jan. 31, a $25 late fee will be added on to all registrations without exception, Rairdon said.
“Some people try to play that game, but regardless, they will have to pay the late fee,” he said.
