City Clerk's Office Now Issuing 2026 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.

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. Those who need to apply for a dog license for the first time will find 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 unaltered 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
• $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

The Clerk’s Office will be hosting the second annual “Top Dog Competition.” Three lucky residents who register their dog by April 30 will be selected at random to receive a basket of goods and services for their dog from local businesses. For more information about the competition, visit: portsnh.co/topdog.

The City Clerk’s Office extends its sincere condolences to residents whose dog has passed away and asks that the office be notified as soon as possible so records can be updated accordingly.

The City Clerk’s Office also reminds dog owners that proper disposal of dog waste is an important part of responsible pet ownership. Pet waste contains bacteria that can negatively affect water quality and public health. Promptly picking up and disposing of dog waste helps protect the community, local waterways, and shared public spaces.