Dog Control
The Town understands this is a beach area — and most people like to let their dogs run free, without a leash; however, to keep the public and other animals safe, the Town would like to inform (and remind) its residents and visitors that the Town and State have a leash law in effect (in effect in the Town per its Chapter 41 since May 24, 2016) prohibiting dogs (no matter how old or docile) to roam “at large” without a leash. Since the Town of Millville does not have a police department nor an animal control office, if you wish to report a dog “at large” (i.e., any dog that is unrestrained and (1) on property open to the public; or (2) on private property not owned by the owner of the dog, unless a property owner has given permission for such presence), which is a violation of Town & State Code, please contact the Delaware Office of Animal Welfare’s Delaware Animal Services (DAS), by either calling 302-255-4646, or by filling out an online violation complaint form found here.
Dog Licensing
- All dogs, 6 months of age or older on or before March 1 of the year in which an application is made, must be licensed within the State of Delaware. Licenses are valid for 1, 2 or 3 years from date of purchase. A 2-year license may be purchased if there is more than 1 year left on the rabies vaccination, or a 3-year license if there are more than 2 years remaining on the rabies vaccination. You may pay for a State dog license by clicking here: https://animalservices.delaware.gov/services/dog-licensing/individuals
- Payment for your license is due within 30 days of the license expiration date, or within 30 days of acquiring a dog over the age of 6 months in the State of Delaware.
- A late fee will be added to each license purchased more than 30 days after the license expiration date, or more than 30 days after acquiring a dog over the age of 6 months in the State of Delaware.
- License fees are $10.00 for spayed/neutered dogs for 1 year, $15.00 for unsterilized dogs for 1 year.
- Seeing eye, lead or guide dogs or dogs that have previously served in a branch of the United States armed forces must be licensed but are exempt from the licensing fee.
- Current rabies vaccinations are required for licensing. The expiration date for the rabies vaccination must occur after March 1 of the year for which the the dog license is valid.
- One, two or three year licenses may be purchased, dependent upon the expiration date of the rabies vaccination.
- If a dog license is not obtained on or before March 1, a fine of $50.00 is possible. Subsequent offenses within 12 months of a prior offense could result in fines of $100.00.
- Lost tags require purchase of a new license.
- For questions regarding licensing, call 1-877-730-6347 or visit the State of Delaware’s Pet Data website at www.petdata.com/for-pet-owners/dlw.
Animals
Injured Birds
If you spot an injured bird, call Tri-State at 302-737-9543 or the Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife at 302-739-9912. When contacting Tri-State, please have patience while waiting for someone to respond as Tri-State rescuers rely on volunteers. If a volunteer is not immediately available to respond, keep an eye on the bird. If able and comfortable, contain or capture the bird with guidance over the phone from Tri-State experts. For more tips on responding to injured wild birds, go to tristatebird.org/foundinjuredbird.
To report someone trying to injure wildlife, call 800-292-3030.
Road Kill Removal
If you wish to report roadkill (i.e., dead deer, dead dog, etc.) for removal from a road, DelDOT has a crew to perform this duty. You may reach them at 302-659-4600.
DAS does not handle complaints involving wildlife. Refer to the information below to assist you.
Nuisance Wild Animal Concerns – such as a squirrel in the attic or skunk under a shed:
- Tips for deterring nuisance animals
- Hire professional assistance – find wildlife control companies listed in yellow pages
- Contact DNREC Div. of Fish & Wildlife during business hours with questions at 302-739-9912.
How to Deal with Pets/Animals Before/During Emergencies
Our pets are our family members, and just like our family members, we must consider their individual needs when it comes to emergency preparedness. In this toolkit, we’ll talk about how to prepare your pets, what individual needs you may consider, and what to do in the event of certain emergencies.
We’ll also consider the needs of livestock. Our livestock are the backbone of our economy, so we’ll provide tips for how to keep your animals safe in the event of a disaster.
In this toolkit, we’ll offer you best practices for preparing your animals for any disaster.
Talking Points
What should you do to prepare your pets for a disaster:
- Know your hazards. Plan for the hazards that can affect your area and think about how these hazards will impact your pets.
- Have an emergency plan and consider your pets if you need to evacuate. Most shelters do not accept pets, so think ahead as to what you would do in the event of a disaster.
- Make your pet a go-bag. Fill a bag with essential supplies for your pet in case you and your family need to evacuate with your pet.
- Keep copies of essential pet documents in your go-bag, including a photo of you and your pet.