Dog licensing ensures rabies vaccination, which protects the health of your pet.
All dogs 6 months and older must have a license. If you become the owner of a dog 6 months or older, the dog must be licensed by January of each year. In order to obtain a license for your dog, the owner must present a current State of Maine Rabies Certificate obtained from a veterinarian. This certificate will verify that your dog has received its rabies shot within the past two years. All dog licenses expire December 31 of each year. Renewal of licenses for the following year can be done at the City Clerk's Office beginning October 15th of each calendar year.
Also, bring with you proof if a veterinarian has issued a written certificate stating the dog(s) is incapable of producing young by spaying or neutering. If you have already shown proof to the City Clerk's Office, then additional proof is not necessary.
Dog License Fees:
· $6.00 per year for spayed/neutered dogs
· $11.00 per year for dogs not spayed/neutered
Per state law, any dog license that is re-licensed after January 31 will be subject to a $25.00 late fee plus regular licensing fee.
To receive a license for your dog, please come into the City Clerk's Office at City Hall during our business hours which are Monday-Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm. You may also re-license your dog through the mail. Our mailing address is City Clerk's Office, 55 Front Street, Bath, Maine 04530. You must send a copy of a current, State of Maine rabies certificate, along with a check payable to the "City of Bath" for the appropriate fee, and we will process the license and return the material to you.
Please feel free to contact the City Clerk's Office at 443-8332 with any questions you may have.
Note: Although cats do not require a license, they must be vaccinated against rabies.
Rabies Information
Because rabies is a serious problem in the State, please take the time to protect your pet against this deadly virus. If an animal is suspected of having rabies, they are quarantined. If during this time, the signs of rabies still appear, the only way to test an animal for rabies is to euthanase the animal. Please don't let this happen to your pet.
Animal Control Officer
To contact Animal Control Officer Ann Harford, please contact the Bath Police Department at 443-5563. This phone number should be used for questions and general information. If a Bath resident has a complaint to report, such as a barking dog, or to report an injured animal, please call the Bath Police Department at 443-5563. The Animal Control Officer handles a variety of animal-related issues such as dog licensing enforcement, taking stray dogs to the animal shelter, following up on citizen complaints regarding barking dogs, lost dogs or cases of animal abuse or neglect, responding to calls of injured animals due to an auto accident or other accident, overseeing enforcement of the City's Animal ordinance, citizen education regarding rabies prevention, and other related issues.
The stories you may have heard about animal cruelty are heart-breaking - neighborhood kids setting a dog on fire, organized cock fighting, a roadside zoo at which animals are beaten into submission and kept in horrible conditions. There are instances of neglect, too, in which an owner is not providing proper shelter, food or veterinary care for a companion animal.
Many people who witness cruelty, neglect or animal abuse are not aware that legal action may be taken; some may be frightened to register a formal complaint for fear that the abuser will find out. But if it weren't for concerned citizens, humane organizations and police departments wouldn't know about many instances of animal cruelty. You can make a difference.
If you witness, or hear about, animal cruelty, abuse or neglect taking place, you can help stop the suffering by reporting it to your local SPCA, humane society or law enforcement agency. Acts of animal cruelty can also be reported to The ASCAP’s legal department so that local officials can be advised about how to prosecute the case; District Attorneys, too, need to understand the seriousness of animal abuse. Without more vigorous prosecution, abusers may continue to feel impervious to the law.
Talk to local teachers, veterinarians, and the clergy - the more who are aware of the animal abuse plaguing our society, the less chance for abusers to hide. It is becoming increasingly clear that people who abuse animals are also linked to domestic violence, spousal and child abuse. And make sure schools in your town include humane education in their lesson plans; children who learn to love and respect animals will grow up to be compassionate adults.
You can also help those who are working to stop animal cruelty by supporting your local animal rescue organization or shelter - you can donate money and supplies, or, better yet, your time. Volunteer at a local humane society, foster a shelter animal or adopt a companion animal. Promoting and practicing responsible pet ownership is another way to stop many abuses from starting.
Coastal Humane Society
Looking for a family pet? Check out the animals available for adoption at the Coastal Humane Society, located at 30 Range Road, Brunswick. Phone # 725-5051
SPCA reminds you that adding a dog or cat to your family is a big decision and that you should act with your head, as well as your heart. If your family is thinking about getting a pet, consider these important points:
· Ask yourself and your children why they want a pet. Discuss their likes and dislikes, so you don't accidentally come home with a pet that frightens them. Don't forget pets are with you for 10 or 15 years.
· If you are getting a pet for your child, it is unrealistic to expect the child to do all the work. No matter how mature your child is, you will need to provide constant supervision and act as a back up when your child is unable to handle the responsibility.
· Make sure your family is ready for the changes an animal will bring into your home. Puppies need a lot of attention and training, can end up chewing household items, and do not remain small for long. Young animals have needle-sharp nails and teeth that can hurt youngsters by accident.
· Learn which type of dog breed would best suit you and your kids. Some breeds are more naturally bossy or high strung than others. Breeds like Labradors or Golden Retrievers are known to be more even tempered and will do well with children. Most toy-sized and touch-and noise-sensitive dogs are not suitable for young children.
· Make sure no one in your family has allergies. If you are unsure about your children, have them spend time (several hours minimum) in the home of pet-owning friends before bringing home a dog or cat.
· Teach your family and kids about the pet before adopting. Educate yourself and your kids through reading books about pet care. Walking a dog several times a day, cleaning up feces, and feeding and bathing a pet are all part of the ongoing family responsibilities of caring for an animal.
· Young puppies and children may not mix well. Very young children may unwittingly mishandle or hurt a puppy or kitten, which are particularly vulnerable to being pulled at, dropped, or picked up inappropriately.
· Make sure the pet suits your home and lifestyle. Dogs require daily exercise and attention, and the size of the dog should be considered, since a large active dog may not be appropriate for a small apartment.
Remember, thinking before adopting will save the animal from being returned to the shelter and will offer the pet and family a long and satisfying life together.
Each year, up to 60% of dogs and up to 70% of cats that enter shelters will end up dying because there is no one to adopt them. This is why the ASPCA asks that you go to an animal shelter or rescue group in your community if you are ready to get a pet, and see all the great companions waiting to enter your life. You'll find a range of ages and personalities, and you're even likely to see some purebreds. If you are looking for a specific breed of dog, there are breed rescue groups for virtually every different breed. The ASPCA also supports a special program to find homes for retired racing greyhounds -these graceful dogs can make wonderful companions!
Of course, you can also search for your favorite breed at Petfinder.org, our national "cybershelter" partner.
Although prospective owners can often find the perfect companion animal at local shelters, getting a pet should never be an impulse decision. Careful research and planning are essential, since being a responsible pet owner requires more than just providing adequate food, water and shelter. Potential pet owners should agree with these points before bringing a dog or cat home.
· Animals are not disposable! Animals are not articles of clothing to be thrown out once they are no longer in style. They are capable of bonding deeply with their families. Adopting a pet means making a life-long commitment, which can easily be 10-15 years for dogs and up to 20 years for a cat.
· Don't banish your dog to the backyard or put your cat outdoors. A dog that is constantly left alone can develop behavior problems. Dogs thrive on several hours of exercise and companionship every day. Cats who live outside face dangers from other animals and people and may prey on wildlife.
· One adult in the home should be designated as the primary caretaker so that the pet's daily needs, such as food and water, do not become lost in the shuffle of busy schedules.
· Protect your pet's health and safety. Owning a dog or cat costs more than the adoption fee. Remember to include basic and emergency veterinary care, toys, supplies, and food. Spaying and neutering is also essential for the animal's long-term health and happiness, while providing the animal with proper identification will ensure his or her safety.
· Choose the right pet for your home. Dogs and cats are not right for every household. Problems such as allergies, apartment restrictions, or moving issues should be discovered before adopting a new pet. Large dogs may be too strong or active for small children. Small pets may be too delicate for children.
· Obedience train your dog, and understand cat behavior. Basic training helps dog owners communicate better with their pets and strengthens the human-animal bond. Research shows that people who train their dogs are more likely to keep them. Cats behave differently than dogs; negative behavior can communicate displeasure or be the sign of a medical problem. Learn what is appropriate behavior and what can be changed with training, if needed.
Individuals that consider these tips before adopting are more likely to understand the care and commitment that goes into owning a pet. Thinking before adopting will save the animal from being returned to the shelter and will allow the pet and the new owner a long and satisfying life together.
National Animal Poison Control Center
This organization, the first national, 24-hour animal-oriented poison information center, was acquired by the ASPCA in August 1996. Since 1978, its licensed veterinarians and board-certified veterinary toxicologists have been available to advise animal owners and confer with veterinarians.
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