Informed Citizens
As outlined in the Holyoke Municipal Code, dogs must be licensed. In short, each dog must have its rabies shot, and then it can be licensed at the City office for $10. For full requirements, though, read the code or contact the City at 970-854-2266
Sec. 6.08.010.
Registration and licensing required; fees.
(a) Every person owning or harboring any dog three months of age or older shall register and license the dog with the city and shall supply all information requested by the city clerk concerning the dog, along with payment of the applicable license fee, the amount of which shall be determined from time to time by action of the city council. No license shall be issued for a dog not inoculated in conformity with this Code.
(b) Licenses shall be renewable annually from the date of issuance and failure to have a current license shall be punishable to the owner of the dog by the fine for each dog as established by this chapter and said fine shall include the license fee for a current license.
Sec. 6.08.020.
License and tags.
(a) The city clerk shall provide for the issuance of a license to the owner or custodian of each dog licensed under the provisions of this chapter, containing the following information:
(1) The name and address of the owner or custodian of an inoculated and licensed dog;
(2) The year and series number of the dog tag;
(3) The date of inoculation and date of the license;
(4) The sex of the dog.
(b) The tags shall be made of durable material suitable to be attached to the collar or harness of the inoculated dog. The tag shall state the year for which it is issued and the series number of the license and tag. The tags shall be prepared and distributed by the city clerk.
Sec. 6.08.030.
Inoculation required.
Every person who owns or harbors any dog in the city shall have said dog inoculated for rabies by a licensed veterinarian or provide a written waiver from a licensed veterinarian.
Sec. 6.08.040.
Tags; inspection.
(a) Every owner or custodian of a dog shall attach the tag evidencing the inoculation with anti-rabies vaccine to the collar or harness of the inoculated animal. The collar or harness shall be worn by the dog at all times.
(b) The tag may be inspected by any member of the police department, animal control officer or code enforcement officer at any time.
Sec. 6.08.050.
Unlawful affixing of tags and possession of licenses; lost tags.
Only those persons who own or harbor a dog duly vaccinated and licensed in accordance with the provisions of this chapter shall be permitted to possess the licenses and tags provided for in this chapter. No person may affix a tag evidencing vaccination and licensing to the collar or harness of any dog except the tag issued for that dog at the time of licensing. Lost tag replacements may be provided upon payment of the applicable fee, which will be determined from time to time by action of the city council.