Dog & Kennel Registrations

Massachusetts State Law requires that dogs 6 months old or older be registered by the Town Clerk. In the Town of Ipswich, the registration is valid for 1 calendar year, January 1st - December 31st.  

License your dog online:  Online Dog Licensing



New Dogs

Upon acquiring a new dog, residents should register the dog with the Town Clerk’s Office as long as the dog is at least 6 months old or older and has a valid rabies certificate. Registration may be done in person during regular business hours or by mail.


To license a new dog, the following must be provided to the Town Clerk’s Office:

  • Completed registration form
  • Current rabies certificate
  • Proof of dog being spayed/neutered
  • Fee: Intact Dogs: $20 Spayed/neutered $15

Renewals

Dog registrations must be renewed each year. Renewals may be done in person during regular business hours or by mail. The renewal period is January 1st through March 31st and any renewal not completed during that period is subject to the late fee as stipulated in the Town of Ipswich General By-Laws, Chapter XV § 5 (g) (see late fees below).


To renew a registration the following must be provided to the Town Clerk’s Office:

  • Completed registration form
  • Current rabies certificate
  • Proof of dog being spayed/neutered
  • Fee: Intact dogs: $20 Spayed dogs: $15

Kennels

  1. Definition of Kennel Classifications (PDF)
  2. Kennel Application (PDF)

Kennel Classification

Massachusetts Statute defines a kennel as "a pack or collection of dogs on a single premise, including a commercial boarding or training kennel, commercial breeder kennel, domestic charitable corporation kennel, personal kennel, or veterinary kennel."

Under the statute a collection of more than 4 dogs owned or kept under single ownership, for personal use qualifies as a personal kennel.

Please refer to the kennel application form for further information and required documentation.

Late Fees

The dog must be licensed no later than March 31st of any given year, unless the dog was acquired after March 31st or the owner will be subject to late fees.

The Town of Ipswich General By-Laws, Chapter 109 Article II States

Owners or keepers of dogs shall license said animals between January 1 and March 31 each year or shall be subjected to a late fee of $10 for each month or part thereof said license is issued after March 31st and kennels shall be subjected to a late fee of $20 for each month or part thereof said kennel is issued after March 31st.