1. How do I license my dog in Maine?

All dogs over the age of 6 months must be licensed annually. You can obtain a license at your local town or city hall. You’ll need proof of your dog’s rabies vaccination and the license fee, which varies by location. Be sure to renew by January 1st to avoid late fees.

2. When does my dog need to be vaccinated for rabies?

Your dog must be vaccinated against rabies by the time it is 3 months old. After the initial vaccination, boosters are required according to the veterinarian’s recommendation, usually every 1 to 3 years depending on the vaccine.

3. My dog is always tied up outside. What shelter is required?

If your dog is tethered outdoors for more than 12 hours in a 24-hour period, you must provide a shelter with at least three sides and a waterproof roof. For non-arctic breeds, the shelter must also have a baffle or similar structure to block wind and precipitation. The tether must be long enough to allow free movement—at least 5 times the length of the dog’s body (nose to tail).

4. Can I report a stray animal?

Yes. If you find a stray dog, cat, or other small animal, you can report it to Animal Control or take it to your local animal shelter. Stray animals are held for a specific period (usually 48 hours) while efforts are made to locate their owner.

5. What should I do if my neighbor’s dog is aggressive or has bitten someone?

If a dog has attacked a person, another animal, or is acting aggressively, report the incident to Animal Control immediately. Depending on the severity, the dog may be classified as a dangerous dog, and the owner may face penalties, including fines or required confinement of the dog. In serious cases, the court may order the dog to be euthanized.

6. What qualifies as animal cruelty in Maine?

Animal cruelty includes a wide range of behaviors such as physical abuse, neglect (not providing proper food, water, or shelter), abandoning an animal, or leaving an animal in extreme weather conditions. If you witness or suspect animal cruelty, report it to Animal Control or your local law enforcement.

7. Can I keep a wolf hybrid as a pet?

Wolf hybrids are allowed in Maine but require special identification and must be licensed similarly to dogs. They must be kept in proper enclosures and meet rabies vaccination requirements. If a wolf hybrid is found to be dangerous, the owner must comply with stricter confinement rules.

8. My dog has been deemed dangerous. What now?

If a court has classified your dog as dangerous, you may be required to follow specific rules, such as posting warning signs, confining the dog in a secure enclosure, or having the dog wear a muzzle when outside. Failure to comply can result in fines, and in severe cases, the court may order the dog to be euthanized.

9. How can I report a barking dog or other nuisance behavior?

You can file a complaint with Animal Control for nuisance issues, including excessive barking, dogs running at large, or aggressive behavior. We will investigate the complaint and determine if any legal action needs to be taken.

10. What should I do if I can’t afford to license my dog or get vaccinations?

Many towns offer low-cost rabies vaccination clinics and sometimes waive fees for people in financial hardship. Contact your local town office or Animal Control for assistance with pet licensing and vaccination options.

11. Can I keep livestock (chickens, goats, etc.) in my yard?

Livestock laws vary by municipality. Check with your local zoning or animal control office to learn the specific requirements for keeping livestock where you live, including fencing and shelter standards. Make sure your animals have adequate protection from weather and enough space to move freely.

12. Do I need a kennel license if I’m breeding dogs?

Yes. If you have 5 or more adult female dogs capable of breeding, you must obtain a breeding kennel license from the state. There are three categories of licenses depending on how many breeding females you have. You will also need to follow specific rules about space, care, and sale of animals.

13. Can I report someone for leaving a dog in a hot car?

Absolutely. Leaving a dog (or any animal) in a vehicle during extreme heat is considered neglect and is a form of animal cruelty. Report it immediately to Animal Control or local law enforcement. Officers can legally intervene if an animal’s life is in danger.

14. What are the rules for proper livestock shelter?

Livestock must have access to adequate shelter that protects them from extreme weather, including sun, wind, and rain. This can be a natural or artificial structure, and it must be large enough to accommodate all animals at once. For rotational grazing systems, shelter is not required as long as the animals are healthy and can access food and water.

15. What’s the penalty for not licensing my dog?

Failure to license your dog can result in a fine. Additionally, if your unlicensed dog is found at large, you may face further penalties, including impoundment and daily boarding fees if your dog is picked up by Animal Control.

16. Can Animal Control come onto my property without permission?

Animal Control Officers can enter your property if there is reasonable suspicion of animal cruelty, neglect, or if an animal poses a public threat (such as a dangerous dog or rabid animal). In some cases, a court order may be required.

17. How do I report animal cruelty or neglect?

You can report suspected animal cruelty to Animal Control or your local law enforcement. Provide as much information as possible, including the type of animal, location, and details of the neglect or abuse. All reports are taken seriously and investigated.

18. Can I let my dog roam off-leash in public spaces?

Unless in a designated off-leash area, dogs must be on a leash when in public. Letting your dog roam freely can result in fines, and the dog may be impounded if it is found at large. Always check local leash laws.

19. How do I adopt a stray animal?

If you are interested in adopting a stray that has been brought to the shelter, you must wait until the required holding period (usually 48 hours) has passed, during which time the owner can reclaim the animal. After that, the animal may be put up for adoption.

20. What happens if my pet bites someone?

If your pet bites someone, you are legally required to report the incident to Animal Control. The animal will be quarantined to ensure it is not rabid, and you may be liable for any injuries caused. If the bite is severe or your pet has a history of aggression, further actions, such as euthanasia, may be taken by the court.