Frequently Asked Questions

MY DOG - The Town Clerk is required to see proof that a dog has a valid rabies vaccination inoculation before issuing a new dog registration by April 30th each year. Proof of vaccination must include the owner/keeper’s name and address, dog’s name, issue date, expiration date, rabies tag number and name of issuing veterinarian.

Registration Method Options

• Online - We accept payment by checking (ACH) or debit/credit authorization. The EB2GOV vendor online processing fee will apply per transaction along with a per dog charge. Upon receipt of your payment, a new dog license and numbered dog tag will be issued and mailed to your home address.
• In Person - You may register your dog in person at the Town Clerk’s Office during regular business hours Monday through Friday 8:00 am through 4:00 pm. Please bring an updated rabies certificate from your vet if the dog’s previous vaccination validation date has expired.
• Town Hall Drop Box - After Business Hours - 24/7 Use our drop box located inside the rear of Goffstown Town Hall located at 16 Main Street. Place your information and payment in an envelope. Deposit envelope in the secure drop box and we will mail back your receipt and new dog tags.
• By Mail - You may register your dog by mail. Make checks payable to the Town of Goffstown. Please do not mail cash.
• New Dogs - Please complete a new Dog License Application form and enclose proof of rabies vaccination from your vet along with your check payment.
• Renewals - You may enclose the payment and the Town Clerk issued dog reminder mailer. The reminder notice indicates the dog’s rabies expiration date that we presently have on file. Also, include updated proof of a valid rabies vaccination information, if the dog’s previous rabies tag date has expired.
• OR write the dog’s previous year’s Goffstown registration tag number on the note line of your check payment so that we may locate your dog in our files.

State of New Hampshire RSA 466:1 Every owner or keeper of a dog 4 months old or over shall annually, cause it to be registered, numbered, described, and licensed for one year in the office of the clerk of the city or town in which the dog is kept, and shall cause it to wear around its neck a collar to which shall be attached a metal tag with the following information thereon: the name of the city or town, year of issue of license and its registered number. The tag and license shall be furnished by the clerk at the expense of the city or town. Regardless of when the license is obtained, the license shall be effective from May 1st of each year to April 30th of the subsequent year.

State law requires that before a license is issued, the owner of the keeper of a dog must furnish proof to the town or city clerk that the dog has been vaccinated against rabies.

New dog: The owner or keeper will need to produce a valid rabies vaccination certificate showing the dog's information with a valid rabies expiration date. In addition, if the dog has been spayed or neutered, the owner or keeper will need to show a copy of the spay or neuter certificate. Copies of rabies and spay or neuter certificates will be accepted in person, through the mail, fax, or email.

Renewal for an existing dog: The owner or keeper will need to show a copy of an updated rabies vaccination certificate with a valid rabies expiration date. In addition, if the dog has been spayed or neutered since the last registration, the owner or keeper will need to show a copy of the spay or neuter certificate. Copies of rabies and spay or neuter certificates will be accepted in person, through the mail, fax, or email.

By State law, veterinarians are required to notify the Town Clerk when a rabies vaccination is issued. When this occurs, you will then receive a postcard in the mail from the Town Clerk's Office reminding you to license your dog if your dog has not already been licensed.

The Town Clerk's Office mails out yearly reminders to owners with currently registered dogs reminding them that dog licenses are due April 30th.

• Puppy (4 to 7 months old): $6.50
• Adult Dog (spayed/neutered): $6.50
• Adult Dog (not spayed/neutered): $9
• Dog owned by Sr. Citizen (65+ 1st dog only) $2.25
• Group Dog License (5 or more dogs) $20
• Late charges on renewals: $1 per month beginning June 1st

Failure to license your dog is a violation of State law. In addition to the annual license fee, you will be charged a late fee of $1 per month, per dog for each month (or part of the month) after June 1st. A civil forfeiture fee may also be assessed in the amount of $25, which is payable within fifteen (15) days of the notice of failure to register dog(s). If the forfeiture fee is not paid within that time, a summons to appear in court may be issued in accordance with State law requirements.

Refer to NH RSA 466:13 for State law.

Please let us know. Contact the Town Clerk's Office at 603-497-8990, ext. 109, Email Town Clerk, or Fax at 603-497-5710. We will then update our records so that you do not receive any future notices.