Animal Control

Every dog owner or keeper of a dog is required to license their dog(s) annually. Dog licenses must be renewed by May 1st. Residents are allowed three dogs per household, except as permitted by the Cumberland Chief of Police.

Dog licenses may be obtained at the Town Clerk’s office. Proof of a valid rabies certificate is required at the time of registration along with the licensing fee. Please enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope when requesting a license by mail. The envelope should be addressed to the Cumberland Town Clerk’s Office, Attn: Dog License, 45 Broad Street, Cumberland, RI 02864. Checks should be made out to Town of Cumberland. Click here for application.

Kennel Licenses are required for every owner or keeper of pedigree dogs for breeding and stud purposes only. Kennels must be operated exclusively in agriculturally zoned areas with set-backs from all abutting property of not less than one hundred feet. No more than ten dogs shall be kept at any licensed kennel within the Town. After receiving the application, the Town Clerk shall refer the matter to the Animal Control Department for inspection and recommendation as to whether the kennel is in accordance with all regulations. Upon such findings the Town Clerk may issue a kennel license authorizing the owner or keep to hold the kennel in the specified location.