It’s that time of year—when dog owners who haven’t licensed or renewed their dogs may move into the Dog Civil Forfeiture process.
New Hampshire RSAs set clear deadlines for each step. Use the timeline below to stay on track and avoid last-minute issues.
June 1–20: Create Your Unlicensed Dog Warrant
- Run your list of dogs that weren’t renewed or have never been licensed.
- Create the Unlicensed Dog Warrant.
(Utilities → Dog Civil Forfeitures) - Give the warrant and list to your governing body for signatures.
- These signatures authorize civil forfeiture notices and fees.
(RSA 466:14)
June 21–July 11: Send Civil Forfeiture Notices
- The signed warrant is issued to an authorized local official (police, dog officer, or clerk).
- Civil Forfeitures Notices and fees are sent.
(Utilities → Dog Civil Forfeitures)
💡 If you use Invoice Cloud, be sure dog invoices are kept up to date—at the very least monthly.
By August 31: Final Returns
- The authorized official must report:
- Dogs that were licensed and paid.
- Owners who failed to comply and may need a court summons.
(RSA 466:16)
Don’t Forget Late Fees
If you use Invoice Cloud, upload dog invoices on the first of each month so the $1.00 monthly late fee is applied correctly.
Staying on top of these steps makes the process smoother for everyone—and keeps your municipality compliant.
Avitar Associates 