NORWICH CITY CLERK ALTERING DOG LICENSE CONTEST FOR COVID-19

Norwich — Under COVID-19 restrictions, the city clerk’s office could not conduct the annual contest for the No. 1 dog tag this year but will instead have a truncated contest asking dog owners to submit brief nominations for what they consider an outstanding dog worthy of wearing the No. 1 dog tag for 2020-21.

City Clerk Betsy Barrett said she will hold the No. 1 dog tag in reserve when dog license renewals begin on Monday to allow time to receive nominations. Nominees still will need to submit a dog license application and the license fee.

Nominations must be emailed to dogs@cityofnorwich.org by June 15. Entries are accepted by email only and should be no longer than 200 words and should describe why the dog should be considered for Norwich’s No. 1 dog tag. Unlike in past years, because of COVID-19 precautions there will be no gift basket for the contest, Barrett said.

Normally, the city clerk’s office holds a drawing of dog license applications submitted during the month of May for the top tag and gift basket. The contest is part of an awareness campaign that dog licenses in Connecticut must be renewed in June.

The Norwich city clerk’s office is encouraging dog owners to send dog license renewal applications by mail using the printable form posted on the city clerk’s page on the city website, norwichct.org, with a check or money order for the appropriate amount made out to “Norwich City Clerk” and proof of rabies vaccination if necessary and proof of spay or neuter if a new dog in the city records. Send submissions to Norwich City Clerk, 100 Broadway, Norwich, CT 06360.

The city clerk’s office remains closed, except by appointment.

License fees are $8 for each spayed or neutered dog, $19 for unspayed or unneutered dogs.

For more information on dog licenses or the No. 1 dog nomination process, call the clerk’s office at (860) 823-3734.