Animals and Pets

Dog Licenses

Leash Law -- requires all dogs to be leashed unless accompanied by, and under the full control of, either their owner or another person responsible for the dog's actions.  When traveling with your dog, carry all paperwork and check with other municipalities for any additional regulations.  See Town Code of the Town of Bethlehem Article 61 for further information.

Scooper Law -- prohibits dog owners from allowing their dogs to deposit any droppings or excrement on any private property, public roads, sidewalks, parks, or school property.  Dog owners are required to remove immediately any dog droppings, place them in a suitable container, and dispose of them safely.  See Town Code of the Town of Bethlehem Article 61 for further information.

All Dogs, Cats and Ferrets -- The Albany County Board of Health requires all dogs, cats and ferrets to be immunized against rabies. Rabies immunization clinics for dogs, cats and ferrets are currently offered yearly at Elm Avenue Park, as well as at other county locations, in conjunction with the Board of Health and the Capital District Veterinary Medical Society.  When traveling with your dog, carry all paperwork and check with other municipalities for any additional regulations.

Reporting Wild Animals -- Under Chapter 680 of the Laws of 2002 enacted General Municipal Law Section 209-cc, requires the annual reporting of the presence of wild animals (for example, certain cats, dogs, snakes,  monkeys). Each person owning, possessing or harboring a wild animal as set forth in Section 209-cc must report its presence to the Municipal Clerk's office on or before April 1 of each year.  The form for reporting is available at http://www.dhses.ny.gov/ofpc/laws/wildanimals.cfm.   For more information, call the Town Clerk's office.