Dogs aged 6-months and older are required by State Law to be vaccinated against rabies and to be licensed by the Town. Dogs need to be re-licensed in January of each year. Dogs that are not licensed by the end of the grace period (March 31 of each year) are subject to a late fee of $25. In April of each year the Animal Control Officer receives a list of dogs that have not been re-licensed or have received a rabies vaccination and have never been licensed.

Beginning April 1 of each year, add a $25 late fee per family for Dog Licenses. Dog licenses are available from the Town Clerk's Office at the counter, by mail or online through the UniPay Gold. 

Owners of more than 4 dogs ages 3 months or older are required to obtain a kennel license following inspection of the "kennel" by the Town's Animal Control Officer. (Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 140, Section 137A)

If you are new to Town, please license your dog as soon as possible to avoid a late fee. Please note that pursuant to changes in animal control laws the following dog licensing fee has changed:

• Non-altered dogs: $20 license fee
• Spayed and Neutered dogs: the $15 licensing fee remains the same

Dog License Application

To learn more about the required dog license in Westford, view the Dog License Application (PDF).

Dog licensing fees changed in 2013 due to New Animal Control Legislation (section 11).
$15 for spayed or neutered dogs; $20 for non-altered dogs.

Notice to Dog Owners Age 70 & Older

All dogs must be licensed every calendar year, if you are age 70 or older you do not have to pay for your license but you are responsible for the late fee.

To Renew or Apply By Mail

• Complete the renewal/application form.
• Include a check or money order, payable to the Town of Westford for $15 (spayed/neutered) or $20 per dog.
• Include a copy of your dog's rabies vaccination certificate (this will not be returned to you unless you request that we do so).
• Include a copy of your dog's spay or neuter certificate if it's not indicated on the rabies certificate.
• Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope (SASE) and add 20 cents to the regular postage price. If you don't include a SASE, we anticipate that you will be coming in to pick up your dog's license and tag.
• Mail to:
  Town Clerk, Dog Licensing
  55 Main Street
  Westford, MA 01886.

If you're renewing the license, we may already have your dog's rabies certificate on file. Call us at 978-692-5515 if you're not sure. Any copy you send will be returned with your license.

You may also renew or apply for your dog's license online or in person at our office. Please note that $1 is added to the online dog licensing fee. This pays for mailing the license(s) and tag(s).

Legal references: Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 140 §§ 137 - 174E; Town General Bylaw Chapter 84.

Signs of Rabies

Unexplained aggression, impaired locomotion, varying degrees of paralysis, extreme depression or viciousness. The signs of rabies vary in animals. Some will display attack-like behavior while others appear sick or dazed.