Groton has 603 Dogs Licensed So Far - Why Aren’t More In Our Contest?

June is dog-licensing month, and Groton had sold 603 dogs licenses as of Monday, according to the town clerk’s office.

“We’re generally busiest during the first week of the month and the last week of the month,” said Betsy Butts, office assistant in the town clerk’s office. After June 30, the late fee is $1 per month, per dog.

Last year, the town registered 2,159 dogs.

State law requires pet owners to license dogs six months and older each year. To license a dog in Groton, you need a current rabies certificate and proof of neutering or spaying if it’s been done. Licensing is $8 per dog if the animal is spayed or neutered and $19 otherwise.

Once your dog is licensed, check out our "Top Dog" contest, enter a photo of your dog, and see if you can win top dog!

Here’s how the contest works:

Upload your favorite photo of your dog to . In the caption, tell us your dog’s name and what makes him or her so special.

Between June 1 and June 14, our users will vote in the comments on which is Groton's Top Dog.

On June 15, we will announce the winner of Groton Patch Top Dog contest.

The winner of the local contest will advance to a regional competition, then face off to become Connecticut Patch’s top dog from June 23-30. The winner will be announced July 1.