Annual Dog License Registrations and Renewals for 2026  
Late Fee of $25 after March 12. 
The law requires all dogs six months old or over to be licensed annually by January 1st. Email notifications for 2026 registration renewals have gone out to owners of previously registered dogs. If your dog is unlicensed, be advised you may be issued citations. Grace period ends March 12, 2026, after which late fees accrue. Register or renew licenses online or at the Town Clerk’s office with an updated rabies certificate and payment ($15 for spayed/neutered dogs, $20 for unaltered dogs).  

Please Clean Up After Your Dogs
As the snow melts, significant amounts of dog waste are being uncovered. Dog waste contains harmful bacteria that can contaminate local waterways, and its presence on public and private property is both a nuisance and a violation of Town Bylaws.  

Please bag and properly dispose of your pet’s waste in the garbage. Failure to do so may result in a citation. Fines are as follows. 

First offense: $75.00 
Second offense: $100.00 
Third and each subsequent offense: $150.00 

All Playing Fields Still Closed 
Dog owners are asked to be mindful of pet activity on playing fields. 
The Town would also like to remind residents that all playing fields are currently closed for the off-season. Seasonal closures allow our fields to recover so they are ready for play sometime in April. Public Works and Recreation ask that dog owners be mindful of pets on playing fields, especially the infields. Digging can cause significant damage resulting in costly repairs and delayed field openings. 

Off-Leash Dog Regulations Reminder 
Please be advised that any resident with a dog that is off leash in an unapproved location and/or time can be also cited. Fines are as follows. 

First offense: $75.00  
Second offense: $100.00 
Third offense: $150.00 
Fourth and each subsequent offense: $200.00 

Learn more about dog ownership, such as rules and regulations for where and when off-leash dog activity is allowed, how to register your dog, plus a list of parks and fields at arlingtonma.gov/dogs.