Dog Licensing FAQ
Knowingly providing false or misleading information can result in penalty, fine or prosecution under the law.
- Does my dog need a license?
- Why should I get a license for my dog?
- What do I do if I find a lost dog?
- How do I report my dog as having been lost?
- How often does the license have to be renewed?
- How much does an online dog license cost?
- How do I get a duplicate license?
- What if I move?
- How do I know that purchasing a license online is safe?
- Does the Town have access to my credit card information?
- How will I know that my order was placed?
- How long does it typically take before I receive my dog license?
Does my dog need a license?
- Yes. All dogs six (6) months of age or older must be licensed.
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- Yes. All dogs six (6) months of age or older must be licensed.
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Why should I get a license for my dog?
- It’s required by Massachusetts General Laws and Town bylaws. A license is also a lost dog's ticket home! When your dog has its license attached to its collar, its assigned license number is all that is necessary for our office to identify the dog's owner. Furthermore, substantial fines may incurred for having an unlicensed dog as required by state law and Town Bylaws.
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- It’s required by Massachusetts General Laws and Town bylaws. A license is also a lost dog's ticket home! When your dog has its license attached to its collar, its assigned license number is all that is necessary for our office to identify the dog's owner. Furthermore, substantial fines may incurred for having an unlicensed dog as required by state law and Town Bylaws.
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How often does the license have to be renewed?
- Dog licenses must be renewed annually. Licenses are valid January 1 thru December 31.
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- Dog licenses must be renewed annually. Licenses are valid January 1 thru December 31.
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How much does an online dog license cost?
- The base fee for an annual license is set by the Town. A license may also be assessed a late penalty if it is purchased outside the standard registration period. Besides these fees, a convenience fee is added to a license bought online. The fee is listed on the website as the 'Online Fee'.
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- The base fee for an annual license is set by the Town. A license may also be assessed a late penalty if it is purchased outside the standard registration period. Besides these fees, a convenience fee is added to a license bought online. The fee is listed on the website as the 'Online Fee'.
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How do I get a duplicate license?
- If you or your pet loses a license, you can request a duplicate license from the Town Clerk.
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- If you or your pet loses a license, you can request a duplicate license from the Town Clerk.
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What if I move?
- If you move outside the Town of Belchertown, have a current license for your dog, and remain in the state, you need to purchase a Transfer License from the municipality of where you moved. If you move into Belchertown from elsewhere in the state and have a current license from your past jurisdiction, you need to purchase a Transfer License from the Town of Belchertown.
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- If you move outside the Town of Belchertown, have a current license for your dog, and remain in the state, you need to purchase a Transfer License from the municipality of where you moved. If you move into Belchertown from elsewhere in the state and have a current license from your past jurisdiction, you need to purchase a Transfer License from the Town of Belchertown.
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How do I know that purchasing a license online is safe?
- The system is PCI DSS compliant and uses industry-standard technology for the secure handling of user and credit card information. All passwords and credit card numbers are encrypted. Hard drives are encrypted. During a transaction any sensitive data is transported via SSL. Firewalls guard against intrusion. Any unnecessary server application is turned off. Periodic scans by a third-party are done to detect vulnerabilities and maintain PCI DSS compliance.
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- The system is PCI DSS compliant and uses industry-standard technology for the secure handling of user and credit card information. All passwords and credit card numbers are encrypted. Hard drives are encrypted. During a transaction any sensitive data is transported via SSL. Firewalls guard against intrusion. Any unnecessary server application is turned off. Periodic scans by a third-party are done to detect vulnerabilities and maintain PCI DSS compliance.
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Does the Town of Belchertown have access to my credit card information?
- No. Credit card information is not made available to the Town. If for any reason your credit card cannot be processed, you will be notified via email or telephone and asked to verify credit card information. Credit card orders for dog licenses are not be accepted over the telephone.
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- No. Credit card information is not made available to the Town. If for any reason your credit card cannot be processed, you will be notified via email or telephone and asked to verify credit card information. Credit card orders for dog licenses are not be accepted over the telephone.
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How will I know that my order was placed?
- You will see a confirmation page with a transaction number after completing the check-out. You should print or save this page for your records.
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- You will see a confirmation page with a transaction number after completing the check-out. You should print or save this page for your records.
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How long does it typically take before I receive my dog license?
- Licenses are sent through postal mail and should arrive within 10 business days. The charge will be posted to your credit card at time of registration. Contact us if your dog license doesn't reach you within this period.
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- Licenses are sent through postal mail and should arrive within 10 business days. The charge will be posted to your credit card at time of registration. Contact us if your dog license doesn't reach you within this period.
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