June is “Dog Licensing Month” and town officials are urging residents with canine pets to get them licensed in one of three ways.
Marvin Dinan.
Applications are available here and may be mailed to the New Canaan Town Clerk’s office or delivered in person at Town Hall. Those renewing their dogs’ licenses may do so online here so long as the Town Clerk’s office has up-to-date proof of rabies vaccinations.
Dogs who are spayed or neutered cost $8 to license, otherwise $19.
The licensing period ends June 30, after which time dog owners face a late fee.
New Canaan is among the very best at getting its town dogs licensed:
Top-10 Dog Licensing Towns in Connecticut*
| Town | No. Dogs Licensed |
|---|---|
| 1. Enfield | 5,088 |
| 2. Manchester | 3,900 |
| 3. Fairfield | 3,235 |
| 4. New Canaan | 3,067 |
| 5. West Hartford | 2,862 |
| 6. Glastonbury | 2,854 |
| 7. Westport | 2,828 |
| 8. Southington | 2,810 |
| 9. Stamford | 2,761 |
| 10. Norwalk | 2,715 |
*Data tracks the 2015-16 licensing year
“We certainly encourage every dog owner to get their dog licensed,” said Officer Allyson Halm of the New Canaan Police Department’s Animal Control section.
“It’s state law. We are required to enforce it. It’s a great way for us to find you once your dog gets lost—and I’m willing to give the dog a free ride home for the first offense.”
The revenue from dog licensing helps with the state’s Animal Population Control Program, Halm added. That’s where lower-cost spays and neuters for dogs and cats are offered in Animal Control facilities.
Halm credited New Canaan’s high rate of licensed dogs to her predecessor in the role, former NCPD Animal Control Officer Maryann Kleinschmitt. By way of comparison, neighboring Darien last licensing year had 2,373 dogs licensed compared to New Canaan’s 3,067. Here’s a look at how New Canaan has fared over time:
Dog Licensing over Time, New Canaan
| Year | No. Dogs Licensed |
|---|---|
| 2015-16 | 3,067 |
| 2014-15 | 3,008 |
| 2013-14 | 3,034 |
| 2012-13 | 2,890 |
| 2011-12 | 2,913 |
| 2010-11 | 2,835 |
| 2009-10 | 1,854 |
| 2008-09 | 2,687 |
| 2007-08 | 2,496 |
| 2006-07 | 2,378 |
| 2005-06 | 2,276 |
More information about licensing your dog is available here.
Mike…looks like Marvin…good shot!!