Animal Control Documents

East Montpelier, like all communities in Vermont, is mandated to operate a dog licensing program. All dogs over six months of age must be licensed as of April 1st of every year. Proof of rabies vaccination is required. State statute controls almost all aspects of the licensing program. The licenses are available from the town clerk. Generally, every year in mid-March there is a combination rabies clinic/dog licensing event held at the East Montpelier Fire Department — be on the look-out for the advertisements. Unlicensed dogs are subject to impoundment, or worse. The town’s animal control officers handle enforcement.

East Montpelier Dog License Fee Schedule, Adopted June 26, 2017
2022 Warrant to Impound Unlicensed Dogs
2021 Warrant to Impound Unlicensed Dogs

In 2014 the East Montpelier Selectboard adopted a new ordinance for the control of dogs and wolf-hybrids:

2014 East Montpelier Dog & Wolf-hybrid Control Ordinance

The town already had an ordinance for the control of dogs and wolf-hybrids (last amended in 2010; superseded by the 2014 ordinance):

2010 East Montpelier Animal Control Ordinance

The VT League of Cities & Towns has put out a handbook delving into the complicated world of municipal animal control:

2014 VLCT Big Book of Woof

Should you want to file a formal dog complaint regarding a dog attack/bite, please use this form:

East Montpelier Vicious Dog Complaint Form

The town has adopted procedures for handling the vicious dog hearing process:

East Montpelier Vicious Dog Hearing Rules of Procedure

Miscellaneous forms used by the town for animal control situations:

EM Vicious Dog Complaint Hearing Denied Template
EM Vicious Dog Complaint Hearing Granted Template
EM Vicious Dog Hearing Decision Template
EM Vicious Dog Hearing Notice to Owner Template
EM Vicious Dog Hearing Notice Template
EM Stray Dog Impoundment Notice Template

The town contracts with the Central VT Humane Society to provide safe shelter for stray domestic animals (essentially household dogs & cats found wandering without owners present):

CY2017 Central VT Humane Society Agreement
FY2016 Central VT Humane Society Agreement