Department Information

        Dog and cat owners are urgently reminded that a rabies vaccination is mandatory in Southbury, as unvaccinated pets are a potential danger to everyone.

        In June each year, a dog license must be obtained from the Town Clerk's office with proof of rabies vaccination. Every dog must wear a license tag and rabies tag at all times. A spay or neuter certificate is necessary to pay a reduced fee.

        The town has a leash law and considers a dog to be roaming any time the dog is off of its owner's property without a leash.

        Dog owners are reminded that leaving pets in a parked car on a hot day can result in heat stroke and death as temperatures can elevate on an 85-degree day to 102-degrees in a car in 10 minutes, and 120-degrees in 30 minutes, even if the windows are slightly open! To leave an animal in a parked car on a hot day is a violation of the Cruelty to Animals Law.

        Residents are also reminded that the our office runs advertisements in Voices and Voices Sunday - Weekly Star - listing dogs that have been impounded. On the seventh day after advertisement, new, impounded dogs are vaccinated against rabies and put up for adoption. The officers interview families interested in a dog and if the dog will fit into the family, the animal may be adopted. There is a seven day trial period during which the dog may be returned to Animal Control.