Dog Control Office
Help with loose, lost, stray or nuisance dogs, dog-bite reports, licensing compliance and the safe return of impounded dogs within the Town of Milford.
Protecting residents and helping dogs return home
The Dog Control Office enforces applicable Town dog-control rules and New York State Article 7 requirements. The office responds to reports involving loose or stray dogs, nuisance behavior, bites, licensing concerns and dogs that may need to be safely impounded.
The goal is to protect public safety while treating animals humanely and helping identified dogs return to their owners as quickly as possible.
When to contact the office
Lost or Stray Dogs
Report a missing dog or a dog wandering without an apparent owner.
Dog Bites
Report dog-to-person or dog-to-animal incidents and provide available owner and vaccination information.
Nuisance Complaints
Concerns involving repeated roaming, threatening behavior or persistent barking.
Licensing Compliance
Questions about unidentified, unlicensed or improperly tagged dogs encountered by Dog Control.
What to do right away
Call Dog Control
Provide the location, time, description, collar information and your callback number.
Contact the kennel
Check whether a matching dog has already been brought to the Town’s contracting kennel.
Gather proof
Prepare identification, photographs, veterinary records, rabies documentation and license information.
Complete release steps
Follow Town Clerk and kennel instructions for licensing, proof of ownership, fees and release authorization.
License dogs through the municipal clerk
New York requires dogs four months of age or older to be licensed in the municipality where they are kept. The Town Clerk issues licenses for eligible dogs residing in the Town of Milford outside the incorporated Village.
A current license helps Dog Control identify the owner quickly. The Clerk will advise which application, rabies certificate, spay or neuter proof and fee are required.
Before Applying or Renewing
- Confirm that the dog’s rabies vaccination is current.
- Bring proof of spay or neuter status when applicable.
- Notify the Clerk of ownership, address or dog-information changes.
- Keep the license tag attached to the dog’s collar.
- Renew before the existing license expires.
Inside the Village: Residents within the incorporated Village of Milford should confirm licensing procedures with the Village Clerk.
Helpful links and contacts
Town Dog Laws
Review available Town dog-control laws and other local ordinances.
View laws and ordinances →Town Clerk
Find Clerk contact information, office hours and municipal licensing assistance.
Visit the Town Clerk page →NYS Dog Licensing Guidance
Read official New York information concerning municipal dog licensing.
Open state guidance →Nuisance Wildlife Operators
Search for private operators licensed by DEC to handle wildlife concerns.
Find a licensed operator →DEC Wildlife Guidance
Review official information about nuisance wildlife and safe, lawful removal.
Visit DEC wildlife resources →General Town Contact
Use the Town contact page when you need help reaching another municipal office.
Contact the Town →