Tewksbury Town Clerk, Mary-Ann Nichols, announces that the 2011 Dog Licenses are now available in the Town Clerk's Office.

As a reminder - M.G.L. Chapter 140: Section 137, as well as the Town of Tewksbury by-laws Section 6.04.030 (Registration/Licenses) that all dogs, six months of age or older are required to be licensed on a yearly basis, including house dogs.

The license is valid for one calendar year and must be renewed annually. Proof of a current rabies certificate must be presented before a dog license can be issued, unless this office has a current rabies certificate on file. Veterinarians are required under this law to notify the Town Clerk's Office of the dogs they have administered rabies vaccines to. To avoid additional fines from the Animal Control Officer, please license your dog(s) as soon as possible.

The licensing fees are as follows:

• If licensed before March 15  the fee is $15.00 per dog

• If not licensed on or before March 15 the fee increases to $20.00 per dog
• If not licensed on or before July 1 the fee is increased to $30.00 per dog
• If your dog(s) should have been licensed in previous years, the fee is an additional $30.00 per dog, for the years 2009 and 2010, and $25.00 per dog, for previous years.

The Town Clerk's office is open Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.. For your convenience, you may prefer to license your dog by mail: provided that you include the proper license fee(s), a current rabies certificate and a stamped self-addressed envelope and mail to: Town Clerk, Town Hall, 1009 Main St., Tewksbury, MA 01876.