Animal Control

Dog - Nuisance, Vicious or Menace

The following guidelines fall under RSA 466:31 II. Under this section, a dog is considered to be a nuisance, vicious, or a menace to persons or property under any or all, but not limited to, the following conditions:

Any dog found running at large, Merrimack Town Ordinance 119-1 / 119-2, will result in a $10.00 fine...due and payable to the Town Clerk within two (2) weeks after receiving the notice. If payment is not made within the allotted time, the case will be disposed of in the Merrimack District court (RSA 466:31 A [1]).

If the dog barks for a sustained period, or during the night so that it disturbs the peace; If it digs, scratches, or excretes, or causes waste or garbage to be scattered on the property of another; or if any female dog in season (heat) is permitted to run at large or to be off the premises of the owner or keeper during this period (except when exercised on a leash), will result in a $25.00 fine for the dog's owner / keeper.

If the dog growls, snaps at, runs after any person or if it runs after or chases any bicycles, motor vehicles, motorcycles, or other vehicles being driven, the owner or keeper will be fined $50.00.

If the dog alone or in a pack with other dogs, bites, attacks, or preys upon game animals, domestic animals, fowl or human beings, the dog's owner or keeper will be fined $100.00.

Dog License

Every dog owner or keeper of a dog three months old or over shall annually, on or before April 30th, register the dog at the Town Clerk's office. Upon registering, the dog will be issued a metal tag, which will be affixed to the dog's collar. Each tag is numbered, and indicates the town's name. (RSA 466:1)

In the event that a dog owner or keeper fails to register their dog, you will be required to pay a "civil forfeiture" within 15 days of the date and time notice is given. Failure to pay the fine within the allotted time will result in the dog owner/keeper being issued a summons to the Merrimack District Court. The forfeiture is $30.00

Once the forfeiture is paid, you will be required to obtain a license for the dog. In order to do so, you must show proof of a rabies vaccination, and spayed or neutering certificate (if applicable) Check with your veterinarian, or contact the Town Clerk to verify that your information is correct. The Clerk's hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. If you have any other questions you may also contact ACO Gulino by e-mail or call her at 424-3774.

Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire

The Town of Merrimack now utilizes the Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire to house and care for stray animals.


Shelter Hours:

Monday & WednesdayClosed
Tuesday & Thursday1:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Friday, Saturday & Sunday12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Adoptions end 1/2 hour before the shelter closes.

Hours for Incoming Animals:

Mon, Wed, Sat-SunClosed
Tues, Thurs, FriHours Vary

Please call for hours & availability
(603-472-3647)