Newton residents who have a dog, cat, or miniature pig must renew their pet’s license by Tuesday, March 31st to avoid a $20 late fee. Pet licenses are required yearly in Newton, and cost $15 for a neutered or spayed pet and $25 for unaltered pets. The licensing can be done at the Newton Police Department, Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm. or online through the City of Newton’s website https://www.newtongov.org/FormCenter/Police-9/Online-Pet-License-Application-135

Newton Police Captain Chris Wing says to get a license, proof that the pet has been vaccinated is required. He adds that the licensing process helps reunite lost pets with their owners.

“A lot of what the whole premise of having the dog and cat licensing is so we know how many animals we have, especially if they run off or get lost. They’ll have a tag, and we can reconnect them with their owner. We run on average about 1,200 to 1,300 pet licenses a year, and that has been consistent for the last four or five years.”

Captain Wing says 80% of the dogs police officers find running loose in the community are reunited with their owners within 72 hours. The remaining dogs that are unclaimed, but adoptable, are taken to a nearby animal rescue league.