Renew Your Dog's License, Get a Recipe for Treats

A basket on the counter of the Town Clerk's Office at Monroe Town Hall is filled with dog biscuits visitors can take home to their pet after renewing its license – or applying for a license for the first time.

One day, Town Clerk Marsha Beno offered a biscuit to a woman named Terri.

"She said, 'I just made a batch for my dog,' and I said, 'You made some?'" Beno recalled.

The woman emailed Beno the recipe for healthy dog biscuits, which is now on display on the counter for others coming in to license their dogs. (Skip to the end of this article for the recipe.)

Aside from the baking tip, Beno reminds all residents who have not renewed their pet's license to do so this month to avoid racking up late fees. June is Dog Licensing Month, but July is just around the corner.

"June is the last time to renew your dog's license without penalty," Beno said, adding a one dollar penalty fee is tacked on for each month a pet owner is late.

Process & the Law

It costs $8 for the year for dogs who are either spayed or neutered and $19 for pets who are not. Those applying for a license for the first time must show proof of a rabies shot along with its expiration date.

Beno said residents who pay $19 for an animal that is not spayed or neutered may come back later to show proof that it's been done.

Monroe Animal Control Officer Ed Risko said the state of Connecticut requires dog owners to license their pets, even if the animal never leaves their property. This is according to Section 22-338 of the Connecticut General Statutes.

The penalty for an unlicensed dog is a $75 infraction, according to Risko.

Section 22-339b of the Connecticut General Statutes requires all dogs and cats age three months or older to have proof of a rabies vaccination. Risko said the penalty is a $136 infraction.  

Beno said residents may apply for renewals during regular town hall office hours — 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Friday — or by mail.

Checks and a rabies vaccination expiration date should be mailed to the Town Clerk's Office at Monroe Town Hall, 7 Fan Hill Road, Monroe CT 06468. Beno said checks should be made payable to either the Town Clerk or the Town of Monroe.

For information, call the Monroe Town Clerk's Office at 203-452-2811.

Oh, Here's that Recipe ...

Healthy Dog Treats

2 c. Whole Wheat Flour

1/4 c. Cornmeal

1/2 c. Flour

1/4 c. Sunflower or Pumpkin Seeds

1 tsp. Salt

2 Tbsp. Oil

1/4 c. Molasses

2 Eggs Lightly Beaten

1/4 c. Milk

Mix all of the ingredients to form a stiff dough. Roll out on a floured surface to a 1/2" thickness. Cut into desired shape.

Bake on a cookie sheet at 350 for 30 minutes or until lightly toasted.

Turn off oven and leave biscuits in over overnight.

Makes about 20 medium biscuits.