This bill proposes an increase in the annual dog licensing fees in New Hampshire. Specifically, it amends RSA 466:4, I-II to raise the licensing fee for dogs that are at least 4 months old but less than 7 months old, as well as for neutered males or spayed females aged 7 months or older, from $4.50 to $4.75. Additionally, the fee for unneutered males or unspayed females aged 7 months or older will increase from $7 to $7.25. The bill also introduces a companion animal population control fee of $1.75, which must be paid annually by dog owners, and mandates that these fees be deposited into the companion animal neutering fund.

Furthermore, the bill adjusts the licensing fee for dog owners aged 65 and older, increasing it from $1.75 to $2, while exempting them from the companion animal population control fee for the licensing of one dog. If they wish to license additional dogs, they will be subject to the standard fees outlined in the bill. The changes will take effect on July 1, 2026. The fiscal impact is expected to result in an indeterminable increase in local revenue, with estimates suggesting that municipalities may generate less than $10,000 from the increased fees.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 466:4
HB1274 text: 466:4