Dog rules in Burlington
Burlington licenses dogs, keeps them leashed in parks and bars them from swimming beaches.
01At a glance
| Topic | Burlington rule |
|---|---|
| License fee | $27 spayed or neutered, $47 unaltered |
| Vaccination | Rabies certificate required to license |
| Parks | Dogs allowed on leash, off-leash only in designated dog parks |
| Beaches | Not allowed on Oakledge, Leddy or North Beach |
02Licensing
The City of Burlington dog license page lists the fees above and notes that state law requires collars and tags and that every dog be licensed in the town where it lives. The City of Burlington clerk and treasurer FAQ on dog licenses says a rabies certificate is required, and the City of Burlington FAQ on the 2025 licensing change says a 2025 ordinance change requires dogs and cats over six months to be licensed from April 1, 2026.
03Leash, impound and revocation
The City of Burlington FAQ on off-leash dogs says an off-leash dog can lead to a municipal ticket and impoundment, and that the animal control committee may revoke a person's privilege to keep animals. The City of Burlington clerk and treasurer FAQ on dog licenses lists a $100 release fee plus boarding costs, and the City of Burlington Animal Control page says unlicensed or unvaccinated dogs can be impounded.
04Parks and beaches
The City of Burlington parks rules page says dogs are allowed in parks and public spaces on a leash, are not allowed on the public swimming beaches, and are allowed only at Texaco Beach. Its dog park rules limit owners to three dogs and bar vicious or aggressive dogs.
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