Frequently Asked Questions - Animal Control

All dogs in New York State must be licensed once they reach the age of 4 (four) months. 

Licenses are issued by the Schodack Town Clerk’s office and renew annually. 

You will need a current certificate of rabies vaccination (the clerk is required to see the form) and proof of spaying or neutering.

The fee for an unspayed/neutered dog is $18.00 and for a spayed/neutered dog is $10.00.

Yes the law requires that your dog wear the tag.  The purpose of the tag is to assist in locating the dog’s owner should you and your dog become separated. 

Contact the Town Clerk for a replacement tag. You will be required pay $5.00 for the tag.

NYS defines the “owner” of a dog as any person who keeps or harbors (provides food or shelter to) any dog.  Should you encounter a stray dog, contact the Dog Control Officer at (518) 766-2944 or the Town Clerk to arrange pick up or you will be held responsible for the animal.

If a dog bites you or if your dog bites any person, you are required to report the incident to the Rensselaer County Public Health (518) 270-2660 and or the Dog Control Officer at (518) 766-2944.  The biting dog must be quarantined for 10 (ten) days at the owners expense.