City Clerk's Office Now Issuing 2025 Dog Licenses

As required by State law, all dogs residing in the City of Portsmouth must be licensed annually. Before the license can be issued, the dog must be properly vaccinated against rabies. Licenses are valid April to April.

The City Clerk’s Office has mailed or emailed dog license renewal notices to over 3,000 Portsmouth dog owners on record. Residents may renew dog licenses online – with a valid rabies vaccination record on file – by mail, or in person at the City Clerk’s Office in City Hall at 1 Junkins Avenue in Portsmouth. Office hours are Monday 8 am to 6 pm, Tuesday - Thursday 8 am to 4:30 pm, and Friday 8 am to 1 pm. Those who need to apply for a dog license for the first time will find more information and the application here: portsnh.co/doglicense. For more assistance, call the City Clerk’s Office in City Hall at 603-610-7245.

The fees for new or annual renewals are:

* $10.00 per male or female dog;

* $7.50 per neutered or spayed dog;

* $3.00 for the first dog owned by a Senior Citizen (age 65 or older), $7.50 for a subsequent spayed or neutered dog, and $10.00 for an unaltered dog; or

* $7.50 per puppy aged 3 to 7 months for first-time licensing. Proof of spay/neuter will be required for the following year to retain the $7.50 fee. If the dog remains intact the fee will increase to $10.

New this year, the Clerk’s Office will be hosting the “Top Dog Competition.” Three lucky residents who register their dogs in April will be selected at random to receive a basket of goods and services for their dog from local businesses.

City Clerk Kelli Barnaby noted, “If you no longer have the dog, please contact our office so that we can remove you from the licensing system. If your pet has passed away, please accept our condolences.” 

The City Clerk is also taking this opportunity to remind dog owners that dog waste must be disposed of properly. “We love our dogs! However, dog waste carries harmful bacteria that can make our waters unsafe for drinking or swimming. Picking up dog waste and disposing of it properly is a small effort that can make a big difference in keeping our waters clean,” Barnaby said.