Dog Control & Licensing

Application for a dog license must be made to the clerk of the town or city in which the dog is harbored. The Town of Frankfort Clerk's Office is open weekdays, 9:00 A.M. until 4:00 P.M.

Certain certificates, in some cases, must accompany the Dog License application:

Spayed/Neutered Dogs - In the case of a spayed or neutered dog, a certificate signed by a licensed veterinarian showing that the dog has been spayed or neutered, unless such certification is already on file. In lieu of the spay or neuter certificate, an owner may present a certified statement by a veterinarian stating that he/she has examined the dog and found that, because of old age or other reason, the life of the dog would be endangered by spaying or neutering.

Guide dog, War dog, Hearing dog, Police work dog, Therapy dog - In the case of a guide dog, war dog, hearing dog, police work dog or therapy dog, written documentation that the dog is in fact a guide dog, war dog, hearing dog, work dog or therapy dog.

Rabies Vaccine - Since the Herkimer County Commissioner of Health has ordered all dogs four (4) months of age or older to have a rabies vaccination, a certificate by a licensed veterinarian showing that the dog has been vaccinated or a certificate stating why the life of the dog would be endangered by the vaccination. The vaccine must be current.

Upon making proper application in person, paying the proper fee and presenting other required certifications, the Town Clerk or Deputy Town Clerk will validate the application and it shall become a license for the dog described therein. Once an application has been validated, no refund shall be made. Licenses are in effect for one (1) year. They must be renewed ANNUALLY prior to the expiration date noted on the license. The Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets will mail license renewal forms on an annual basis directly to the dog owners.

For information concerning fees and the alternative method for licensing purebred registered dogs or dogs eligible for such registration, contact the Town Clerk's Office where the dogs are harbored.

Each dog individually licensed will be assigned at the first licensing a permanent official identification (I.D.) number for the life of the dog. At that time, one (1) identification tag bearing this number will be furnished to the owner. If the tag is subsequently lost, a replacement tag may be purchased from the Town Clerk's Office at the cost of $3.00 per tag.

Is a Dog Required to Wear the I.D. Tag? Whenever any dog is not on the premises of the owner, the I.D. tag shall be attached to a collar on the dog. Any dog off the owner's premises without the collar and the I.D. tag is an unidentified dog.

If a dog owner wishes to use the I.D. number for tattoo identification, the letters "NY" should be added so the number is recognizable as a New York State ID number. Animal Control Officers are most likely to look for a tattoo on the medial surface of the right thigh. A tattoo does not take the place of the I.D. tag; it only serves as additional protection for the dog.