Somerville Launches Smartphone App For Dog Licenses

SOMERVILLE, MA — Looking to save yourself a trip to City Hall to license your dog? Somerville residents can now do it online and on their mobile device through the GoPetie mobile app.

The city partnered with Cambridge startup GoPetie to produce the app, which allows pet owners to add details such as a physical description and photos to make it easier for Animal Control to identify and reunite lost pets.

"GoPetie offers our residents much more than just a dog license. It creates the chance to build a social network for pet owners," City Clerk John Long said in a statement. "We believe in GoPetie’s approach to next-generation pet licensing and community building."

Licensing your dog is required by law, but the number of licenses issued nationwide is low. On average, only about 40 percent of dogs are license, with some communities seeing rates in the single digits, according to the city.

To license your dog, download the GoPetie app via your smartphone, visit www.somervillema.gov/DogLicensing or visit the City Clerk's Office at Somerville City Hall, 93 Highland Ave.