In New Hampshire, all dogs, whether they’re service dogs or pets, must be registered in their city or town. Handlers of service dogs are exempt from paying the annual licensing fees if they provide proof that their dogs are a service animals, and the Governor’s Commission on Disability issues permanent tags labeled “G C D-Permanent Registration” to those who qualify.
You can find this information under New Hampshire Statue 466:8:
Certificates and tags stamped “G C D-Permanent Registration” with a registration number shall be issued by the governor’s commission on disability to those who wish to affix such a tag on their service animal’s collar after registering the dog under paragraph II. Tags and certificates may be obtained directly from the governor’s commission on disability which will verify with the town clerk that such dog has met the requirements under paragraph II and is duly registered and licensed by the town of residency. Tags issued by the governor’s commission on disability shall not be used to verify the legitimacy or authenticity of a service animal for any purpose.
New Hampshire Service Dog ADA Rights
- Although city registration is mandatory for all dogs, obtaining a permanent tag from the Governor’s Commission of Disability is voluntary and primarily serves to waive annual licensing fees.
- The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does not require service dogs to wear identification, and it’s important to understand that these tags are not meant to be used for public access verification in New Hampshire.