LEWISTON — The Lewiston City Clerk’s Department reminds all dog owners that the one-month grace period for licensing pets will expire Jan. 31. Per state law, a $25 late fine will be added to each license after Friday.    

Dog license fees are $11 for a male or female dog and $6 for a spayed or neutered animal, which means the fine is more than the cost of the license itself. The fine is assessed per dog and not per household.

According to the City Clerk’s Office, only about 70 percent of the dogs that were licensed in 2014 have been re-licensed for the new year.

“We have almost 600 dogs that still need to be re-licensed,” City Clerk Kathy Montejo said.

A rabies certificate is required at the time of licensing. If pet owners cannot find that certificate, they should contact their veterinarian’s office to request a duplicate.

Dog owners may mail in their license renewal information, including the rabies certificate, and the tag for the new year will be mailed back to the owner. Information should include the dog’s name; the owner’s name, address and phone number; and a check payable to the City of Lewiston for the correct amount. 

Residents may also re-register their dog’s license at City Hall between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, or online at http://www.ci.lewiston.me.us/.

For more information, call the City Clerk’s Office at 513-3124.