Most dogs in Fall River need to be licensed; here is what you need to know and how to get them

If you live in Fall River and own a dog, you likely need to get a license. Here is the information recently released by the City.

Dog licenses for the 2023 licensing period of April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024, will be available at the Fall River City Clerk’s Office Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. beginning on Monday, March 20, 2023. Counter service will be provided in the Government Center Lobby from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on March 20, 2023.

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, 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.