Dog Control Officer

Phone Number: 716-823-2988

Dog Ordinance
Free Rabies Clinic Schedule
Rabies Prevention and Information
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Responsibilities

The Town of West Seneca Dog Control Officer is responsible for the enforcement of the regulations of Article 7 of the New York State Agriculture and Markets Laws. A list of duties include:

  • Enforce Licensing
  • Seize and impound dogs
  • File and maintain records of the seizure and disposition of dogs
  • Bring an action against any person who has committed any violation of Article 7 within the Town of West Seneca
  • Receive complaints of dangerous dogs and commence dangerous dog proceedings
  • Responsible to investigate, impound, care for and dispose of animals in accordance with State and County, & Town laws and regulations.
  • Investigates animal bites and quarantines dogs; transports sick or injured dogs to the animal shelter/kennel.
  • Works with area clinics to try to adopt out stray dogs that have not been claimed when they have been impounded as a stray and no owner is located.
  • Investigates complaints of wild animals and takes appropriate action.

What dogs must be licensed?

Every dog owned or harbored in New York State for longer than 30 days must be licensed. The following are the only license exemptions:

  • dogs under four (4) months of age not running at large
  • dogs harbored in New York City (these dogs must be licensed by the NYC Department of Health)
  • if a non-resident brings a dog into New York State for less than 30 days and the dog is licensed according to the resident's state licensing laws
  • dogs confined to the premises of any public or private hospital, research institution or a Class A Dealer with a certificate of exemption from the Commissioner

Licensing Procedures:

In addition to the application, the owner will need:

  • if the dog is spayed or neutered - a certificate from a licensed veterinarian or an affidavit from the owner showing that the dog has been spayed or neutered, unless this proof is already on file with the Town Clerk.
  • All dogs four (4) months or older must have proof of a rabies vaccination signed by a licensed veterinarian or an exemption certificate stating why the life of the dog would be endangered by the vaccine.

After the application and appropriate certificates are filed and the license fee has been paid, the license will be validated for one (1) year. Each dog is assigned a permanent official identification number and issued a metal ID tag which is to be attached to the dog's collar. NO refund will be made after a license has been validated. To accommodate persons adopting dogs from shelters, the adopting person may either:

  • obtain a license from the Town Clerk's office prior to the dogs release from the shelter or
  • obtain a license from the clerk of the municipality where the shelter is located since the dog is presently harbored there at the time of adoption

Annual license renewal forms will be mailed by the Town Clerk's Office directly to the dog owner.