BANGOR – After noting late last week that nearly half of the city’s known dog population had yet to be licensed, City Clerk Patti Dubois issued a reminder that the deadline for 2008 dog licenses is Thursday.

After that, dog owners are subject to a late fee of $15 through March 31, which bumps up to $25 on April 1.

“People are always upset when they have to pay the late fee,” which Dubois said is required by the state.

License fees are $6 for spayed or neutered dogs and $11 for unaltered dogs, Dubois said.

Residents can get their dogs licensed at the city clerk’s office at City Hall. Business hours are from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Owners can register their dogs by mail by sending a copy of the dog’s current rabies certificate and a check for the appropriate fee to 73 Harlow St., Bangor 04401.

In Bangor, residents also can register their dogs online for an additional $1 fee. In order to do so, they’ll need a credit card, the dog’s license or tag number if renewing a license, a state rabies certificate, their veterinarian’s name and telephone number and a spay or neuter certificate, if applicable.

They then should go to the city’s Web site at www.bangormaine.gov, locate the “City Government” pull-down menu, select “City Clerk” then “Dog Licenses” and then click on the dog licensing icon.