Dog Licensing Reminder (and Boston’s Most Popular Dog Names!)
The Boston Parks and Recreation Department’s Animal Care and Control Division reminds city dog owners that the annual deadline for licensing their pets is March 31, 2025. All dogs in Boston require a new license each year. This process can be completed online, by mail, or in-person at our upcoming licensing clinics.
“Dog licenses are not just required by law, they help ensure that we can quickly return your pup to you should they get lost,” said Alexis Trzcinski, Director of Animal Care and Control. “Please do your part to keep your pup safe and tagged.”
Boston’s most popular dog names of 2024 have been revealed as part of this year’s licensing reminder. The top male dog name was once again Charlie, with 83 registered pups, and the leading female dog name was Luna, with 102 registrations with this name. At the tail end of the pack, the 25th most popular name for male dogs was Otis, with 24, and for female dogs it was Piper, with 38 registered.
The data also highlights Boston's favorite dog breeds. The Labrador Retriever continued to reign as the city’s most popular breed, with 1,671 registered, followed by the Golden Retriever (749) and the Chihuahua (421). Other top breeds included the German Shepherd (371) and Miniature Poodle (351).
All dogs over six months old must be licensed annually. Owners are required to provide a copy of their dog’s current rabies certificate and proof of spaying or neutering (if applicable). Licensing fees are $15 for a neutered or spayed pet and $30 for an unaltered pet, with fees waived for service animals and residents aged 70 or older. Unlicensed pets are subject to a $50 fine.
For an in-depth guide on dog licensing, including a link to license your dog online, visit Animal Care and Control’s how-to article.
The City of Boston will also host a series of low cost dog licensing and pet vaccine clinics from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays from March 4 to June 3 at seven BCYF community centers. For details, fees, and locations please visit boston.gov/animals or call (617) 635-1800.
Follow Animal Care and Control on social media for updates and adorable adoptable pets: Instagram @bostonanimalcontrol, X @animalboston and Facebook @bostonanimal.
Top ten names for female dogs:
- Luna
- Bella
- Daisy
- Lucy
- Rosie
- Penny
- Lola
- Millie
- Coco
- Lily
Top ten names for male dogs:
- Charlie
- Milo
- Teddy
- Cooper
- Max
- Leo
- Winston
- Ollie
- Oliver
- Toby
Top ten most popular dog breeds:
- Labrador Retriever (1,671)
- Golden Retriever (749)
- Chihuahua (421)
- German Shepard (371)
- Miniature Poodle (351)
- Yorkshire Terriers (333)
- Australian Shepard (312)
- Pit Bull (309)
- Shih Tzu (300)
- Beagle (255)
- Last updated:
-
- Last updated:
-
