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License A Dog

Which Dogs Must Be Licensed?

Every dog owned or harbored in New York State for longer than 30 days must be licensed in the town, city, or village where the dog is being harbored.

Local Dog Control Services

The Town of Ithaca contracts with Tompkins County Animal Control (TCAC) for dog control and shelter services.  

TCAC is responsible for enforcing Town and State laws and they are the ones that will pick up lost or stray dogs and care for them until they can be reunited with their owners. 

If your dog is lost or you find a lost dog, please contact TCAC at 607-257-1822. The shelter is located at 1640 Hanshaw Road.

Call the Town Clerk’s Office at 607-273-1721 for more information.


How to License Your Dog

Town of Ithaca residents can apply for a dog license at the Town Clerk’s Office, 215 N. Tioga Street, or download the dog license application.

The following items must accompany a license application:
  1. Current rabies certificate showing the date of immunization. We will return this to you with your license. Rabies tags are not accepted since they are not dated.
  2. Spay/neuter certificate, if applicable. We will return this to you with your license. Spay/neuter status can sometimes be found on the rabies certificate.
  3. A check payable to the Town of Ithaca for the appropriate license fee (see below).

Each dog is issued an ID tag that should be attached to the dog’s collar. A renewal form will be mailed to you in the month the license expires for your convenience. 

Dog License Fees – Town of Ithaca

Spayed/Neutered Dog:  $10.00

Unspayed/Unneutered Dog: $20.00