Animal Control

Please Note:

The Town of Ballston Dog Control Officer can assist with dog bites, dog complaints, etc. The Town does not have an Animal Control Officer to handle cats, bats, rodents or other wildlife. Please see below for information regarding rabid animals or nuisance wildlife. Scroll down for dog licensing, dog park, dog control law, or Dog Control Officer information.

Rabid Animals

If you suspect a rabid animal call 911 and they will dispatch the closest law enforcement officer to take care of the animal. An animal is tested for rabies only if it has bitten a person or pet.

Nuisance Wildlife

For assistance with nuisance wildlife (raccoons, skunks, deer, fox, etc.) or wildlife health, click the links below or contact the NYS DEC:

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation - assistance with nuisance wildlife

Wildlife Rehabilitators - assistance with sick or injured wild animals

NYS DEC Wildlife Office (Saratoga County is in Region 5):

Phone: 518-623-1200
Email NYS DEC Bureau of Wildlife

For situations with bats, rodents or insects, please contact a pest control service specializing in nuisance wildlife removal.

Dog Licensing

*** Please see the FAQ section at the bottom of this page for help with dog licensing questions.***

New York State Law requires all dogs four months of age and older to be licensed in the Town in which they are harbored. Every dog owned or harbored in New York State for longer than 30 days must be licensed.

If you have adopted a dog from a shelter, you still need to register the dog with the Town.

Proof of rabies vaccination, in the form of the veterinarian rabies vaccination certificate, is required in addition to the dog license application linked below.

For guide dogs, service dogs, therapy dogs, search dogs, etc., satisfactory documentation is required for exempt licenses.

Fees:

$10 for spayed or neutered dogs
$17 for unaltered dogs
Checks may be made payable to: Town of Ballston.

Please submit all information and payment to the Town Clerk's office.

Dog licenses are valid for one year; you will receive a renewal notice by mail.

Dog License Application (PDF)

Dog Park Registration

Jenkins Dog Park is located within Jenkins Park, on Jenkins Road in Burnt Hills. Annual registration is required, and is separate from the Town dog license. Visit the Jenkins Dog Park page for registration information as well as rules and regulations.

Dog Control Law

Click below to view the Town of Ballston Dog Control Law:

Dog Control Law (PDF)

Dog Control Officers

The Town of Ballston Dog Control Officers can assist with dog complaints, dog bite cases, etc. The Town does not have an animal control officer to handle cats, bats, rodents or other wildlife.

Dog Control Officer:

Dave Brown
518-477-0908

Assistant Dog Control Officer:

Tom Shambo
518-885-8706

FAQs

Why do I have to license my dog?

One of the responsibilities of pet ownership is compliance with any applicable laws, which are meant to ensure the health and safety of both the pet and the public. New York State Agriculture & Markets Law requires that the owner of every dog 4 months of age or older must apply for a dog license in the municipality where the dog is harbored. This provides for the identification of dogs, the control and protection of the dog population, and the protection of persons, property, domestic animals and deer from dog attack and damage. Dogs must wear their identification tag on their collar at all times, unless they are participating in a dog show. A link to the law is provided below.

New York State Legislation on Licensing, Identification and Control of Dogs

Aside from the law, here are some practical reasons to license your dog:

If your dog escapes your house or yard and is found wandering the streets, a license tag number helps animal control or a shelter to easily identify your pet and get him/her back to you safely.
Since rabies vaccination is required, the license proves your dog is vaccinated. This may provide peace of mind for people your dog comes into contact with, including staff at a grooming salon or boarding facility.
The license tag is a visual indicator that your dog is rabies-free so if your dog is lost or injured, good Samaritans may be more willing to assist your furry friend
Most dog parks require proof of license. Other locations such as hotels, campgrounds, vacation rentals, etc. may require proof as well.

Visit the Animal Control page for more information.

Town of Ballston Documents and Forms:

Dog Licenses are available at the Town Clerk's office, open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4 pm. Please provide:

Completed application form (see above or they are available in the office)
Proof of rabies vaccination in the form of the veterinarian's Certificate of Vaccination
Fee of $10 for spayed/neutered dogs or $17 for unspayed/unneutered dogs (payable to Town of Ballston if by check)

Please Note: If you wish to register your dog for Jenkins Dog Park, proof of distemper vaccination is required as well and additional fees may apply.

Please call the Town Clerk's office with any questions at 518-490-2800 ext. 2502.

How do I license my dog?

New York State Law requires that all dogs four months of age and older must be licensed in the Town in which they reside.

*** Licenses are valid for one year; you will receive a renewal notice by mail.

To get an initial license for your dog you will need the following three items:

1. Town of Ballston Dog License Application Form

Available at Town Hall OR
The Dog License Application (PDF) can be completed online and printed (the form cannot be submitted online) OR
Call the Town Clerk's Office at 518-490-2800 ext. 2502 if you would like a form mailed or emailed to you

2. Veterinarian proof of rabies vaccination

Rabies vaccination certificate

3. Payment of $10 (neutered/spayed) OR $17 (unneutered/unspayed)

If by check, please make payable to Town of Ballston

Options for submittal:

In person:

Town Hall, located at 323 Charlton Rd, Ballston Spa, NY 12020 - come to the Town Clerk's window Monday - Friday, 8 am to 4 pm

By drop-off:

Drop in the locked, gray mailbox at the rear of Town Hall that is labeled "Town Payment."

By mail:

Town of Ballston, P.O. Box 67, Burnt Hills, NY 12027.

Please call the Town Clerk's Office at 518-490-2800 ext.2502 with any questions.

How do I renew my dog's license?

Dog licenses are valid for one year. Renewal notices are mailed out during the month prior to the month the license will expire.

The renewal cost is $10 (neutered/spayed) OR $17 (unneutered/unspayed).

If paying by check, please make payable to Town of Ballston.

To renew your dog's license:

1. Check the phone number, email address, etc. on the renewal notice and make corrections as needed

2. If the rabies vaccination is up to date, simply sign the bottom of the renewal notice and submit with payment

3. If the rabies vaccination requires updating:

Please submit veterinarian proof of rabies vaccination with the signed renewal notice and payment

4. If your dog has been neutered/spayed since the last renewal:

Please submit veterinarian proof of neuter/spay with the signed renewal notice and reduced payment of $10 for neutered/spayed dogs

5. If you have moved or no longer shelter the dog:

Please place a check next to the appropriate change, sign the renewal notice and submit to our office; we will make the changes