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. The following are the only license exemptions:

• Dogs under four months of age

• Dogs visiting New York State for less than 30 days that are licensed according to the resident state’s licensing laws

• Dogs confined to the premises of any public or private hospital, research institution, or Class A Dealer with a certificate of exemption from the Commissioner.

Local Dog Control Services

Every licensing town, city, or village must have a dog control officer (DCO) and municipal shelter services. The DCO and shelter service enforces both state and any local dog laws and ordinances. Further, it is the DCO’s responsibility to pick up lost and stray dogs and humanely care for them until they can be reunited with their owners. The Town of Ithaca contracts annually with the Tompkins County SPCA for dog control services. 

If your dog is lost or you find a lost dog, immediately contact the SPCA at 607-257-1822. Owners should seek lost unidentified dogs at the SPCA shelter located at 1640 Hanshaw Road.

The owner of a dog that is seized must pay the following impoundment fees to the Town of Ithaca before the dog can be released into their custody:

·         $10 for the first impoundment

·         $20 for the first 24 hours and $3 for each additional 24 hours for the second impoundment

·         $50 for the first 24 hours and $3 for each additional 24 hours for the third and subsequent impoundments.

If dogs injure or kill livestock, the SPCA should be notified immediately. Do NOT destroy or bury the animals. They must be available for examination so the DCO can appraise the damage.

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