Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to Obtain an Application?
Call 311 or download one from this web site. You may also obtain one from a veterinarian, animal shelter or pet shop.
You may also apply or renew a dog license online.
How do I find out the status of my dog license application?
Your license certificate and dog tag will be mailed to you within 4 weeks. After 4 weeks, the status of the application may be obtained from the Dog Licensing Unit by calling 311.
How do I replace a certificate by mail?
Dog license certificates will be replaced at no charge. These requests should be made in writing. The mailing address is: Veterinary Public Health Services NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene 125 Worth Street CN 61 New York, NY 10013
How do I replace a dog license tag?
A dog license tag may be replaced by sending a copy of the license certificate with a check or money order for $1.00 payable to NYC DOHMH. The mailing address is: NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Veterinary Public Health Services, P.O. Box 4768, Church Street Station New York, NY 10261-4768
What are the renewal fees and late fees?
Renewal forms are automatically mailed to owners 6 weeks prior to the license's expiration date. If a renewal form was not received, it can be requested from the Dog Licensing Unit. The fee to renew a dog license is $8.50 for a spayed or neutered dog and $34.00 for a dog that is not spayed or neutered. A check or money order should be made payable to NYC DOHMH. The envelope must be postmarked no later than the license's expiration date. If the license expiration date has passed, the owner should add an additional $2 late fee to the license cost. Mail the renewal form and payment to: NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Veterinary Public Health Services P.O. Box 4768 Church Street Station, New York, NY 10261-4768
How do I change the address?
Change of address information must be provided in between renewals. Owners should send a letter with their name, dog license number, and current and former address to: Veterinary Public Health Services, Dog Licensing Unit NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene 125 Worth Street CN 61 New York, NY 10013
How do I return a found dog license tag?
A dog license tag that is found may be returned to the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene: Veterinary Public Health Services, Dog Licensing Unit NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene 125 Worth Street CN 61, New York, NY 10013
How do I obtain a service dog license?
All dogs, including service dogs are required to purchase a standard NYC Dog License and to renew annually. Owners of service dogs may request, free of charge, a separate Service Dog Tag. An applicant will be required to submit a written statement from a trainer, whose education, experience and training are acceptable to the Department, stating that such dog has been specifically trained to perform a task or tasks for the person applying for the tag. All documentation submitted for a Service Dog Tag must be verified and approved by the Dog Licensing Unit.
The Americans With Disabilities Act defines service animals as such; "Service animals are animals that are individually trained to perform tasks for people with disabilities – such as guiding people who are blind, alerting people who are deaf, pulling wheelchairs, alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure, or performing other special tasks. Service animals are working animals, not pets."
How do I obtain a guard dog license?
Owners of guard dogs are required to purchase a standard NYC Dog License and to renew annually for the life of the dog and may do so online.
Pursuant to Health Code § 161.09, all trained guard dogs must be licensed and registered with the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and wear at all times, the Guard Dog Tag issued by the Department. In addition, owners are required to have their trained guard dog implanted with a microchip as a permanent form of identification and must supply the identification number to the Department. The fee to register a trained guard dog is $10.00. Please call 311 for instructions and a special application.
Owners and or other persons in control of the premises where a trained guard dog is kept are required to post clear, legible and durable signs warning the public of the presence of such trained guard dog. Such sign must include the name and other contact information for the owner of the trained guard dog. Additionally, all persons who train, sell or rent guard dogs shall post a durable sign or notice, clearly and legibly printed, warning all users that they must comply with the licensing, tagging, micro-chipping, and signage requirements of the Health Code.
What is the accepted form of payment?
Please Do Not Send Cash. Only checks and money order will be accepted.
