Pet Licenses

Pet Licenses for 2026 are now available online only through OpenGov! (Paper Applications are no longer available)

*If you have previously held a Pet License from the City of Fitchburg, please review the renewal process down below*    If you do not RENEW your license, your application will be rejected and may be delayed. 

Simply click here to create or log in to your account.  

State Statutes and the City of Fitchburg Ordinances require all dogs five (5) months of age or older to be vaccinated for rabies and licensed. Licenses are valid as of January 1st and expire on December 31st of each year. They are to be purchased on an annual basis.

Requirements

The State requires you to present or send a copy of the rabies vaccination certificate when applying for a license. The rabies vaccination certificate from your veterinarian must state the manufacturer name, the rabies vaccine's serial number, the rabies vaccine, and the expiration date of the rabies vaccination.

Note: Staff will not contact your veterinarian for the rabies vaccination certificate, so please ensure that you have the proper documentation before submitting your application.

Dog Licenses Fees

  • $26.00 for spayed or neutered dogs
  • $37.00 for intact dogs


Cat Licenses Fees

  • $6.00 for spayed or neutered cats
  • $8.00 for intact cats


Late Fees

Per state Statutes 174.05(5), a $5.00 late fee will be assessed to each dog that has not been licensed prior to April 1st each year. Dogs that are too young to be vaccinated by April 1st are exempt from this late fee.

Licensing and Payment Options

 1. Online via OpenGov: 

Apply for your pet license online 24 hours a day.  You will need the following items to obtain your pet license:

  • Current Rabies Vaccination Certificate (not an invoice/receipt).  A scan or clear photograph is acceptable to upload.
  • Payment (online via card/e-check, or you may elect to mail in/drop off payment at the City Hall drop box to avoid convenience charges)

Estimated turnaround time: Immediate if paying online.  You will be emailed a receipt that will provide proof of license.

Your documentation and dog license tag(s) will be mailed to you within 3 to 5 business days.


*If you have previously held a Pet License from the City of Fitchburg, please review the renewal process down below*

OpenGov Renewal Process

For those applicants that have applied previously through the OpenGov portal, you'll need to reapply using the Renewal functionality. 

To renew your license, please navigate to the City of Fitchburg OpenGov website. Once there, log into your OpenGov Account (the email address you are receiving this notification with is the email address associated with your OpenGov account.) Once logged in, select "My Account" at the top of the page. You should find a "Renew Now" button in the Action Required section that you can click to begin the renewal process. See below.

*If you are having to re-enter all contact and pet information then you DID NOT renew. Renewing carries over all information from the previous year and you will only need to update information as needed.*

OpenGov My Account

Additional Information for ViewPoint Payments

  • This service is provided as a convenience by the City of Fitchburg to its citizens and bill payers.
  • Transactions are handled by a 3rd party merchant that charges a processing fee (the city does not receive any portion of these fees).
  • Pay with Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express cards.  2.99% + 0.99¢ fee applied.
  • Pay via ACH direct debit from most major banks, with instant verification via login to online banking.  $5.50 flat fee

**All payments made with a debit/credit card have a fee regardless of paying in person, over the phone, or online.**

You may mail, use the drop box or pay in person with a check, as well as coming in person with cash which do NOT create a fee.

 2. In-person Via Self Service Kiosk:

Obtain your dog license in person at Fitchburg City Hall during normal operation hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Friday. You will need the following items to obtain your dog license:

  • Current Rabies Vaccination Certificate (not an invoice/receipt)
  • Payment
  • Access to your email (verification step required).

This still requires a creation of an OpenGov account, so access to your email is needed. Assistance available.

Questions? Contact the Clerk's Office at 608-270-4200 during office hours.