Dog Licenses

Note: Only dogs with current rabies vaccination on file with the Town Clerk’s Office can use the online renewal.


Why does New York State law require dogs to be licensed?

  • NY State Law requires every dog over four months of age to be licensed annually by the local municipality in which they reside.  The Town of Perinton issues dog licenses for residents in the Town of Perinton & the Village of Fairport, in accordance with Chapter 78 of the Town Code.  Once a dog is licensed, the Town Clerk’s office will mail renewal notices each year.
  • Dog Licensing ensures the dogs in our community are vaccinated against the rabies virus, and if there is an outbreak, dog owners in the licensing system can be made aware.
  • Dog Licensing assists Animal Control in returning a lost dog back to its owners.
  • If your dog is found and needs medical attention, license tags allow Animal Control to contact the owner to approve emergency care.
  • If an unlicensed dog is picked up by Animal Control, it must be licensed before the Town can legally release the dog back to its owners. If this happens on a weekend, the dog cannot be released back to its owners until the Town Clerk’s Office opens on Monday, which could mean days before the dog is reunited with its owners.
  • Dog licenses are mandatory for all dog parks.