Question: What is a dog license and why is a dog required to wear one?

Answer: A dog license is a tag issued by the City that works as an ID for the dog and also serves to give the City a census of the number of dogs within the City of Somerville.

Massachusetts law requires that all dogs must be licensed within 30 days of moving into a town, or of the dog’s becoming 6 months old. Proof of current rabies vaccination must be presented in order to obtain a license, and proof of spaying or neutering if applicable.

Somerville dog licenses are available at Somerville City Hall, through the City's Clerk’s office, located at 93 Highland Ave. Contact the Clerk’s office during business 617-625-6600 ext 4100 for information on licensing through the mail. (Monday-Wednesday 8:30-4:30; Thursday 8:30-7:30; Friday 8:30-12:30.)