Town of Tonawanda Animal Control is responsible for:

• Answering to all dog complaints and animal bites.
• Enforcing laws for all Village of Kenmore and Town of Tonawanda dog ordinances and Article #7 of the Agricultural and Markets Law
• Conducting an annual dog census 

Dog Licensing, Leash and Pooper Scooper laws

All dogs in New York State, four months and older, are required to be licensed in accordance with the New York State Agriculture and Markets Law.  All dogs and cats are required by New York State Public Health Law to be vaccinated for rabies.  Proof of a current, valid rabies vaccination is required in order to obtain a dog license.  Link to License and Fees

It is unlawful for a dog to be unleashed off of the owners premises in the Town of Tonawanda and Village of Kenmore.  This includes all parks and recreation areas, unless otherwise indicated.  The fines for this offense ranges from $25 to $250.

The local law was amended to include leash use on private property https://ecode360.com/10932202 See Section D-1

It shall be the duty of every dog owner or person having possession, custody or control of a dog to remove any feces left by said dog on any public property owner by The Town of Tonawanda and the Village of Kenmore, and deposit it in a container lawfully used for the disposal of refuse.

For more information about New York State animal law, follow this link  http://users.hancock.net/lennyesq/Animallaw.pdf 

Rabies and Wild Animals 
Rabies is found in warm-blooded animals, frequently in raccoons, foxes, skunks and bats. All warm-blooded animal bites are considered for possible exposure to the rabies virus. For this reason, it has been mandated by the New York State Public Health Law that every animal bite be reported to the local health department. A bite by any animal should be thoroughly cleansed with soap and water as soon as possible, and medical attention should be sought immediately. The biting animal must be captured if it is a stray cat, dog or wild animal. 

If your pet fights with a known or suspected rabid animal, the rabies virus in that animal's saliva may remain alive on the pet's skin or in its mouth for up to three hours. If it is necessary to handle the pet during this period, wear gloves. Wash the pet with soap and water. Call the Erie County Health Department at (716) 874-1070.

Dog License Application 
Download a copy of the pdf Dog License Application  here.

Renew online HERE (link to http://dogs.basgov.com/Dogs/Search?munirecid=48)

*A late fee of $5.00 will be assessed if you renew your dog’s license after the last day of the month that it is due *An additional $2.00 late fee will be assessed for each month after the first delinquent month, until it is paid in full for the current year.  Example: License renewal is due November 30, 2017 and is paid February 13, 2018  – The late fee that is assessed is $9.00, broken down as follows:  $5.00 (December) + $2.00 (January) + $2.00 (February) = $9.00

Please remember to contact the Town Clerk’s office at 877-8800 to update your dog’s file if you move, if your dog dies, or if you relinquish your dog to someone else.

As of August 1st 2021, The Town of Tonawanda will be impounding animals to the West Seneca Animal Impound located at:   
582 Mineral Springs Rd, West Seneca, NY 14224  
Phone: (716) 823-2988

The dog owners MUST call West Seneca to set up an appointment to get your dog, you cannot just showing up at the shelter. You will need proof of a valid dog license and a valid rabies certificate. If you do not have said documents, West Seneca will have to make an appointment with one of their vets to get a shot at your expense. West Seneca will also license the dog at owners expense, as their Town Clerk does not open until 8:30 am. Be advised . West Seneca will only hold the dogs for 5 days, if no one claims the animal they will be transferred to the SPCA.