This bill, sHB6611, makes several changes to the laws regarding dog licensing in Connecticut. It requires the Department of Agriculture (DoAg) to create an electronic dog licensing form for the Department to use to process dog licenses. The bill also increases the dog license fee from $7 for fixed dogs and $12 for unneutered or unspayed dogs to $15 per dog, regardless of sterilization status. Additionally, the bill increases the fee for a replacement dog tag from $0.50 to $1. The bill also changes the distribution of dog license fees, requiring the DoAg to remit 25% of each license fee paid electronically to the town clerk of the town where the dog is licensed. The bill repeals several sections of current law related to dog licensing.

This bill requires the Department of Agriculture (DoAg) to operate a statewide, online dog licensing portal starting June 1, 2024. Dog owners can still license their dogs with their town clerks, but the online portal will be an additional option. The bill sets the annual dog license fee at $15 per dog, regardless of sterilization status. It eliminates the $6 surcharge for unneutered or unspayed dogs and increases the fee for a replacement dog tag from $0.50 to $1. The bill also removes the requirement for the tag to include the issuing municipality's name and eliminates the provision that allows town clerks to ask if a dog is a service animal. Additionally, the bill requires the DoAg commissioner to remit 25% of license and tag fees paid through the online portal to each town clerk within 30 days. The commissioner must create an electronic dog licensing form and distribute information about it to veterinarians and operators of pet shops, pet grooming facilities, municipal pounds, or dog training facilities. The bill also repeals various statutes and makes other minor changes.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 22-338, 22-339, 22-339a, 22-340, 22-341, 22-347, 22-349
ENV Joint Favorable Substitute: 22-338, 22-339, 22-339a, 22-340, 22-341, 22-347, 22-349
File No. 160: 22-338, 22-339, 22-339a, 22-340, 22-341, 22-347, 22-349