City of Fall River issuing 2021 dog licenses

According to a memo from the City Clerk’s Office, dog licenses for the 2021 licensing period of April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022 will be available at the Fall River City Clerk’s Office beginning on Monday, March 15, 2021. Due to Covid-19, walk-in service will be available on the first day from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the Government Center Lobby.

After such time, an appointment with the City Clerk’s Office will be required to purchase the licenses in person. To schedule an appointment, please call the office at 508-324-2220. Licenses may also be purchased by sending a request by mail to City Clerk, One Government Center, Fall River, MA 02722 or on the city’s website www.fallriverma.org by searching “Dog Licenses”.

Owners are required to obtain a dog license for all dogs four months or older. Dog owners cannot be issued a license unless they first produce a veterinarian’s certificate indicating that their dog has been vaccinated against rabies and that the vaccination has not expired. To avoid
unnecessary inconvenience, when applying for a dog license, please bring a valid veterinarian’s certificate with current Fall River address.

License fees are $15.00 for male or female dogs and $10.00 for neutered males or spayed females. To obtain a neutered male or spayed female license, owners must present a veterinarian’s certificate stating that the dog has been neutered or spayed. A $5.00 mail processing fee for the total order is required for mailed and online requests. All forms of payment are accepted. Checks or money orders should be made payable to the City of Fall River.

Under Massachusetts General Laws, any dog owner 70 years of age or older is entitled to a free license with proof of age. Owners of unlicensed dogs shall be subject to all fines and penalties as set forth in Section 6-12 of the Code of the City of Fall River.