Dog Licenses

All dogs over the age of four months old residing in the City of Watervliet are required by New York State law to be licensed with the City Clerk.

The license is good for one year from the date of issuance and MUST be renewed every year (owners will be notified one month prior to the expiration).  Proof of rabies vaccination and spay/neuter certificates are required.

The fee for an unspayed/unneutered dog is $23.50 and the fee for a spay/neutered dog is $13.50.

You can apply for a dog license in person at the City Clerk’s office in City Hall or you can complete this online application and mail it to the City Clerk, along with payment.

Dogs are picked up by animal control for a variety of reasons, including, but not limited to: stray and/or unleashed dogs, abandonment, improper shelter and/or care, attacks and/or bites of other animals and/or humans. Each case is unique, and the animal control officer will provide an explanation for the seizure on your paperwork.

Your dog will be taken to the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society (MHHS), 3 Oakland Ave, Menands, NY 12204. They can be reached at (518) 434-8128. If your dog is brought to MHHS by the animal control officer there is a one-time fee of $150.00 fee that must be paid to the City of Watervliet before the dog will be released. If the dog is quarantined or deemed dangerous additional fees may apply.

If the dog is not licensed or the license has expired this will need to be taken care of with the Watervliet City Clerk before the dog will be released. To license your dog, you will need the paperwork from your vet or MHHS, indicating proof of spay or neuter and rabies vaccination information and dates.