Dog & Kennel Licenses

In accordance with Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 140, § 137, all dog owners are required to obtain an annual license for any dog over the age of 6 months old or upon receiving their first rabies vaccination, whichever occurs first. In Freetown, dogs must be licensed from January 1st through March 31st of each year. A license can be issued only if the owner has evidence of a rabies vaccination which is valid as of the date of issuance (M.G.L. Ch. 140 §137b). Dog licenses can be obtained from the Office of the Town Clerk during normal business hours.

2024 Dog licenses are available starting December 18, 2023.

Note: Non-Payment of a dog license, late fee and/or violation could result in a court summons.

Dog Licenses Procedure

Dog licenses may be obtained in-person from the Office of the Town Clerk during normal business hours. Dog licenses may also be obtained through the mail by submitting the application below, along with a check made payable to the Town of Freetown, and a self-addressed, stamped envelope. A rabies certificate must be included if what is on file is not up to date. If licensing in-person, the application is not necessary.

Dogs with up-to-date rabies certificates on file with the Office of the Town Clerk can have their licenses renewed online.

  Click Here to Renew Dog Licenses Online
If you do not see your dog's name listed in the online payment system, please contact the Office of the Town Clerk to learn what information is missing.

Rabies Exemption

Dogs that are exempt from the rabies vaccination requirement (M.G.L. Chapter 140 § 145B) require an updated/current, dated certification letter from a veterinarian stating that such an exemption exists.

Dog Licenses for Residents 70 Years of Age or Older

Residents over the age of 70 are able to obtain one (1) free dog license per household. Licensing deadlines, late fees and/or violation are still applicable if the vaccinations and license has not been received on time.

Kennel Licenses for 5 or more dogs (Personal or Commercial)

In accordance Massachusetts General Law Chapter 140, § 137A, kennel licenses will not be issued by the Office of the Town Clerk until the Animal Control Officer (A.C.O.) has completed the required annual kennel inspection. All rabies vaccinations are required to be up to date before any kennel license can be issued. Kennel owners are responsible for contacting the Animal Control Officer directly to schedule the required annual Kennel Inspection. Personal or Commercial Kennel Licenses may be obtained by visiting the Office of the Town Clerk in-person during normal business hours.  This office will contact the Kennel Owner once we receive your Kennel Inspection Report from the A.C.O. to inform that your Kennel is ready to be licensed.  If we have not contacted you, and you have already had your inspection, please contact the A.C.O. directly.

Note: Kennels cannot be renewed through the mail or online, as owners must appear in person to sign the annual Kennel Inspection report.