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Animal Control

Dog licenses are required for all dogs six months and older. A rabies certificate must be presented when applying for the license. All dog licenses expire March 31st of each year. Renewal of licenses for the following year begin on March 1st. Licenses may be obtained at the Town Clerk’s office, for more information please call (978) 352-5711.

Rabies Information
Living with Wildlife

Dog Licensing

  • All dogs 6 months of age or older must be licensed and tagged.
  • The Town Clerk’s Office is the Licensing Authority.
  • Owners must provide proof of current Rabies Vaccination.
  • Dog License Fiscal Year is April 1st through March 31st of the following year.
  • Dog licenses expire March 31st of every year.
  • All Dog Licenses must be renewed annually during the month of March.
  • Owners or keepers of 4 or more dogs require a Kennel License instead of individual licenses.
  • Kennel inspections are required.
  • An annual inspection of Kennels is conducted by the Animal Control Officer.
  • Kennel inspections are conducted prior to issuance or renewal of Kennel License.
  • Late fees apply to owners who license dogs late.
  • Owners who fail to license dogs shall be fined.

Dogs Running at Large (Leash Law)

Whoever permits his dog to go at large without a leash within the town shall be fined.

Removal of Dog Waste from Public Property or Property of Others

Any person having care, custody or control of a dog shall be responsible for the removal and sanitary disposal of any feces left by his or her dog in or upon any public property including but not limited to any sidewalk, street, thoroughfare, beach or wetland or upon the property of persons other than the owner or person having care, custody or control of said dog.

Any person having care, custody or control of a dog off the property of the owner or person in custody of the dog shall have in his or her possession a device or equipment to pick up and remove dog feces. Individuals with disabilities aided by service dogs and law enforcement, emergency or rescue officials with dogs carrying out official duties are exempt from this paragraph.

Violators of this Bylaw shall be fined.

If you no longer own or have custody of a dog, it is important that you notify the Town Clerk’s Office to have the dog’s name removed from the Dog Tag List and avoid potential fines for not licensing your dog.