Guard Dog Registration

You need to register all guard or attack dogs. This is for both businesses and individuals. Guard dogs are trained to:

• Protect people or places.
• Bark, make threatening gestures, bite or restrain someone with their teeth.

You need a Guard Dog Registration and a New York City Dog License. All guard dogs must be registered and licensed with the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH). If a guard dog is lost, stolen or gets a new owner, you must tell DOHMH within five days. Guard dogs must always wear a license tag and a "Guard Dog" tag on their collar. If you do not follow these requirements, you may get a $1,000 fine.

Places with guard dogs must show a sign from DOHMH that warns people about the dog. Businesses that train, sell or rent guard or attack dogs must tell their patrons and customers about the rules and regulations that apply to the dogs.

New York State law says all dogs must be licensed. The New York City Health Code says every dog must wear a license tag on its collar in public. Dog owners can be fined if they do not follow this law. The license is only good for the person and type of dog named in the application. It cannot be used for another dog.

• Get a NYC dog license: You need a NYC dog license. You must pay the dog license fee. You can apply by mail or online.
  Apply for a NYC Dog License

• Vaccinate your dog: All dogs in New York City must get a rabies shot. This includes guard dogs.

• Microchip your guard dog: All guard dogs must have a microchip. You need to provide the microchip ID number to the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene when you apply for or renew the Guard Dog License.

• Pay the permit fees:

  • Guard dog license fee: $10 (paid every year)
  • Regular dog license fee: $8.50 for a spayed/neutered dog, $34.00 without proof of spay/neutering (paid every year)

• Accepted payment methods:

  • Personal check (made payable to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene)
  • Certified check (made payable to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene)
  • Money order (made payable to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene)

• Get a permit or license from the New York City (NYC) Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH).
• You may also need other permits, licenses and permissions from other City and State agencies.
• It is your responsibility to apply for these extra permits and licenses.
• If you do not follow all the animal regulations, your DOHMH permit may be suspended.
• You must show proof that you comply with all of the regulations to keep your DOHMH permit.

• Call 311: Call 311 to get a Guard Dog License application form.

• Complete the form: Fill out the Guard Dog License application form. Mail the form and payment to the address listed on the form.

• Receive your license: Once your application is reviewed and approved, the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) will mail the license certificates and dog tags to you.