Dog Licensing

Pets are an important part of our community.  Please help us keep the County a safe, clean and friendly place to live through your responsible, humane pet ownership.  We are pleased to provide the following information to you regarding our Cecil County animal regulations.

• Dogs over the age of four (4) months must be immunized against rabies and must have a current dog license.
• Licenses are sold in the Treasurer's Office, at the SPCA, in the Towns of Charlestown, North East, Perryville and Rising Sun and at some local veterinarians' offices. 
• For your convenience, dog license applications are also accepted through the mail.  Simply complete the dog license application and follow the instructions provided on the form.
• Licenses are annual licenses based on a fiscal year covering July 1 through June 30.
• A valid rabies immunization certificate must be presented to obtain a dog license tag. 
• Commercial kennel licenses may be obtained only at the Treasurer's office.
• Seeing Eye or other Service Dog licenses (tags) may be obtained only at the Treasurer's office.
• Senior Citizens 65+ will be able to obtain up to two (2) free dog tags per household provided the dogs are neutered or spayed with proof of current rabies vaccination.  These tags are available through the Treasurer's office only.

Cost of regular license (Effective October 1, 2008)

• $10.00 if neutered or spayed
• $20.00 all others
• $1.00 for Seeing Eye or other Service Dogs
• $1.00 for replacement tags if original tag is lost
• *Senior Citizens 65+  :  two (2) free tags per household if spayed or neutered with proof of current rabies vaccination.  Non-altered dogs - $18.00.  (*Proof of age required and free tags may be obtained only from the Treasurer's office)

Cost of kennel license (Effective October 1, 2008)

• $100.00
• Kennel is defined as any person, group of persons, association or corporation engaged in the business of breeding, buying, selling, boarding, grooming or training five or more customary household pets or who at any time keep five or more household pets over four months of age on the premises for compensation. All equipment on the premises used in the operation of such activities shall be deemed a part of the kennel. Private individuals not engaged in the business of breeding, buying, selling, boarding, grooming or training of customary household pets for compensation may not obtain a kennel license.
• Every kennel operator shall individually license dogs over four months of age and maintain a valid kennel license.(Revised 10/23/09)

Dog license violations are issued by the SPCA and fines are payable in the Treasurer's Office.

For more information please refer to Cecil County Code 209:  Dogs and Other Animals.

Click here for application for dog license - - dog license application.pdf