Last Chance to License Fido and Kitty Without a Fine

Whether they are a Fido, a Fluffy or a Boris, an unlicensed dog or cat is a violation of Belmont's pet regulations. And time is running out on owners to get their pets made legal.

Belmont pet owners have until Thursday, Aug. 19, to license their pets without an additional $25 violation fee.

Town by-laws require dogs and cats more than four months old be licensed each year by March 15.

This year, Belmont's Town Clerk Ellen O'Brien Cushman and Animal Control Officer John Magarunis  have allowed owners an extension to Aug. 19.

Cushman said she is about to send out nearly 600 cards with the above reminder to residents and homeowners. The list is made up of existing town records on household dogs and cats, and information from local veterinarians who are required to notify city and towns of pets who received rabies shots.

If a pet is not licensed by August 19, the owner will automatically be issued a violation citation by Belmont's Animal Control Officer in the amount of $25, in addition to the requirement that the animal be licensed immediately.

The current license fees for dogs and cats are $12 if they are neutered or spayed and $37 if they have not been spayed or neutered

Owners who are 60 and older may deduct $3 per license from the current fees.

Pet owners are asked to submit the license fee to the Town Clerk's office, 455 Concord Ave., along with a check payable to the "Town of Belmont," a current rabies certificate and proof of spay/neuter before Aug. 19 to avoid this penalty, or inform the Town Clerk's office, 617-993-2600, if the pet's status has changed.

Application for pet licenses may be obtained online at www.belmont-ma.gov select Town Departments, then Town Clerk.

Any questions can be answered by Cushman at 617-993-2600.