Animal Control

portrait of a dog

Animal Control position is vacant.

Registering Your Dog

State law requires collars and tags on all dogs. Every dog must be licensed in the town it resides in per VSA 20-3581. To register your dog please adhere to the following: Bring a copy of your up-to-date rabies certificate (by law the Town of Orange must have a copy of it on file) and also a copy of your spaying/neutering certificate if applicable, to the Town Clerk’s Office. You will then be issued a license and tag. We start registering dogs on January 2 for the new year.

Impound Procedures

Dogs can be impounded if they are stray or running at large, are unlicensed, unregistered or unvaccinated. They can also be taken into custody by Animal Control, if they feel the animal’s life is in danger. Impoundment costs include the cost of the ticket, impoundment fees and boarding costs. If your dog is impounded, he/she will not be released to you until we have proof of license.

Lost or Found a Pet?

If you have lost your pet, it is always a good idea to call the Animal Control with a description of your pet. We can let you know if your animal has been found and how to reclaim it. If you have found a pet in Orange, you should call the Orange Animal Control immediately. This allows us to find the owners who may already be looking for their pet with more expediency. Cats are not picked up for running loose. If you are missing your cat, you should try calling the local Humane Society or Animal Control at (802) 439-5827. You should also try placing ads in newspapers or online at Lost and Founds of VT. Posting signs is also a good idea to help find your pet.

If you need to contact Animal Control, please call Michele at (802) 439-5827 for domestic animals only (dogs and cats).

Dog Licenses

How do I get my dog licensed?
You can come into the office, pay by credit card over the phone, or you can drop off your request and payment in the drop box at the Town Clerk’s office or lastly you may call. Please attach or bring a copy of your up-to-date rabies certificate (by law the Town must have a copy of it on file) and also a copy of your spaying/neutering certificate if applicable, to the Clerk’s Office. We start registering dogs January 2nd for the new year. The last day to register your dog(s) is April 1.

How much does a dog license cost?

  • Spayed/Neutered > $10.00
  • Unspayed/Unneutered > $15.00
  • Working Farm Dog > $5.00 plus cost of regular registration
  • License fee plus $10.00 late fee after April 1

What can I do if my neighbor’s dog is barking or is loose?
The first thing to do is talk to your neighbor about the situation. If you do not get a satisfactory response from your neighbor, you can call Michele Boyer, Animal Control at (802) 439-5827. There is no leash law in Orange but there is a dog ordinance. You can obtain a copy of this at the Town Offices.

Why do I need to license my dog?
State Law Requires every dog to be licensed in the State of Vermont. Every dog must be licensed in the town it resides in (VSA 20-3581) and must have a current rabies vaccine.

Vermont Spay Neuter Incentive Program (VSNIP)

Read info about this great program to have your dog spayed or neutered at a reduced cost.
Download PDF »