Dog Licenses

Dog Licensing 

For the most up to date information on dog licensing and Fee’s please click here

Mansfield has an active licensing program to ensure all dogs are being licensed.
The animal Control Officers enforce State Statute 22-338 licensing of dogs.  

Purpose of Licensing

A number of studies have been conducted to determine the effects of proactive licensing programs. Many states have found that active licensing and strict enforcement of licensing laws helps:

• Rabies Control (Still a Present Issue)
• Identification of Dogs Involved in Bite/Attack Incidents
• Owner Identification and Location
• Source of Revenue for Municipal and State Canine Control Programs Such as the Animal Population Program
• Control of Roaming Dogs
• Reduction of Domestic Dog Damage

Less Time & Low Cost

Did you know that a dog wearing a license is easier to deal with, requires less time, and does not cost the town or dog owner as much money as a dog which is not licensed? If a dog is captured and is wearing a license the owner can be notified promptly, saving impoundment time, advertising fees, and care during impoundment.

If a person is bitten/attacked by a dog with a license, the medical history can be obtained from the owner in a short period of time - thus relieving the anxiety of having to go through the rabies series. We should not lose sight of the fact that rabies is found in our state’s wildlife population.