City Rules and Regulations
Massachusetts general law, chapter 140, sections 137 and 141 and city ordinances mandate that every dog owner must obtain a license for their pet each year. Proof of rabies vaccination is required to purchase a license and puppies upon reaching six months of age are required to be vaccinated and licensed accordingly. Search our database for information on an existing dog license.
A dog license may be purchased by mail for your convenience. You must complete the dog license application and mail it along with a copy of your dog's rabies vaccination certificate and check for the appropriate fee (you must provide written proof of spay/neuter certificate to receive the discounted rate). Your license will then be mailed to you.
In order to keep our records current please notify our office during the year of any change of information. Duplicate licenses may be purchased for $2.00.
License fees:
- Unspayed and/or unneutered dogs $17
Requirements: Proof of current rabies vaccination - Spayed and/or neutered dogs $6
Requirements: Proof of current rabies vaccination and proof of spay/neuter. - Pit Bulls & Pit Bull Mixes $50
Requirements: Proof of ownership of home or letter of permission from landlord stating that you are allowed to have a Pit Bull or Pit Bull Mix; photo of your dog no older than 30 days; photo of the owner no older than 30 days old; proof of rabies vaccination; proof of spay/neuter.
Where can you license your dog?
- Mail the application and all of the required paperwork along with a check/money order to:
Boston City Hall
Animal Control - Room 811
Boston, MA 02201 - Go to the Property Management Department located in City Hall, Room 811 with all the required paperwork, check/money order and the application (if you have cash, they will send you downstairs to the cashier's office).
- Go to our shelter in Roslindale with all the required paperwork and a check/money order (Please, NO CASH).
City of Boston Animal Shelter
26 Mahler Rd.
Roslindale, MA 02131
Hours: Mon-Sat 8-4pm & Wed until 8pm
Why license?
Pet licensing ensures that every pet is traceable to its owner in order to foster pet-owner accounts. A Boston city dog license provides an excellent form of identification for your dog. Licensing increases the numbers of lost pets reunited with their owners. If your dog is lost, a license provides means of notification if your dog is found or taken to the animal shelter.
A City Of Boston dog license provides rabies identification. Every year, hundreds of people in The City Of Boston are bitten by dogs. Treatment for rabies can be avoided when the dog is displaying a current license. When proof of rabies vaccination is required to purchase an animal license, licensing provides a means to control and monitor rabies with office records of rabies vaccination. This in turn helps sever the link between wild animals with rabies and domestic animals from which humans are most likely to contract the disease.
Unlicensed dog owners may be cited for violation of city and state dog licensing laws ($50.00).
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Why should I get my pet spayed/neutered?
It's good for you...
Spayed and neutered pets are better, more affectionate companions.
Spaying a female dog or cat eliminates its heat cycle. Female dogs go into heat twice a year, lasting anywhere from three to fifteen days. During this time dogs are known to show nervous behavior and attract unwanted male animals.
Owners of spayed and neutered dogs receive a discount on their license fee.
It's good for your pet...
Spayed and neutered dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives.
Neutered animals are less likely to roam or fight.
It's good for the community...
As responsible pet owners, as well as a caring and concerned citizen, prevent a litter by having your pet spayed or neutered.
Obey the leash law and don't let your pet run loose. Keeping you pet under your control can help prevent unwanted breeding and protect your pet from getting lost or stolen.
Pet overpopulation caused by unwanted litters cost communities millions of dollars to control and eliminate unwanted
animals.
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Exercise restraint...leash your dog!
An essential rule to be followed by all responsible dog owners:
- When your dog is off your property, it must be on a leash. The purpose of massachusetts general laws, chapter 140, section 173 and city ordinance 16-1.9 is intended to protect people from free roaming dogs.
- When not confined to your property either inside the house or in secured fenced yard, your dog must be under control. A responsible dog owner does not allow their pet to be a menace to their neighbors, chasing cars and children, getting into trash, not to mention soiling their neighbor's yards.
- While enjoying our city's parks with our pets the same rules apply. We must respect the rights of those with whom we share the city's parks in order to ensure a clean and safe environment.
Boston's Pit Bull Ordinance FAQs
When does the Responsible Pit Bull Ownership ordinance go into effect?
The ordinance went into effect on June 23, 2004. You can download the Pit Bull Ordinace (PDF).
When will citations go into effect?
August 1, 2004 is the date citations will be issued for the new compliance.
What type of muzzle should be used?
Muzzle means a restraining appliance made of metal, plastic, leather, cloth, or a combination of these materials that, when fitted and fastened over a dog's muzzle prevents the dog from biting but allows the dog to breath. A gentle leader is not considered a muzzle. If a dog needs to be muzzled for more than a few minutes or has to walk for more than a few feet while muzzled, a basket muzzle should be used to allow the dog to pant.
What muzzle is recommended?
The basket muzzle is recommended. This muzzle allows the dog to pant. There is no guarantee that an aggressive dog will not be able to get this muzzle off so be cautious if you know your dog is aggressive. View a photo of the basket muzzle.
Is a muzzle needed inside the home, apartment or vehicle?
No, because they are confined areas.
Who determines if the dog is a pit bull or pit bull mix?
The Animal Control Officer's judgment will be the decision that will determine if the dog is a pit bull or pit bull mix.
Does the owner have the right to appeal?
Yes, a citation or classification is subject to appeal by the owner or keeper of the dog by filing a written petition with the dog officer for a hearing concerning such classification no later than seven (7) days after the date of impoundment or citation.
What is the cost of the citation?
One hundred dollars ($100) is the cost of the citation.
When will the signs go into effect?
Immediately.
Where should the "Beware of Dog" signs be located on your property?
Signs should be visible and legible from the further of (i) the nearest public or private way or (ii) one hundred (100) feet.
What should the sign read?
"Pit bull dog" or "Beware of dog".
What should the size of the sign be?
In no event may the sign be less than eight and one-half inches (8 1/2") by eleven inches (11") in rectangular dimensions nor eleven inches (11") by eleven inches (11") in square dimensions.
What size letter is allowed on the sign?
Wording in letters not less than two inches (2") in height and in lettering that sharply contrasts with the background of the sign.
How many pit bulls are allowed?
No more than two (2) pit bulls should be registered, licensed, stored, housed, sheltered, or located in any single household with the exception of puppies less than 9 weeks of age. Puppy pit bulls less than nine (9) weeks old shall not be included for the sole purpose of the two-animal restriction.
Is a letter of permission needed from my landlord to own a Pit Bull?
Yes, if the owner or keeper is not the owner of the premises at which the pit bull will be primarily housed/sheltered, then the owner or keeper shall obtain the written permission of the landlord, leaser, property owner, or the duly authorized agent thereof for the presence and housing of the Pit Bull and, unless previously submitted, shall submit the original written permission to the Animal Control Officer.
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Dog fouling and the law
The City of Boston's dog fouling ordinance, section 16-1.10a of the city code, requires dog owners to remove and properly dispose of any feces left by their dogs. This ordinance covers waste left by your dog on sidewalks, streets and parks, and on your neighbor's yards.
When walking your dog, the law necessitates you to be prepared for such occurrences and be equipped with a bag or some other means of feces removal. After it is removed, it is important to dispose of the feces properly, either in a toilet or in a trash container (after being secured in a plastic bag).
These laws are intended to protect the public from potential hazardous health conditions, and prevent environmental
pollution caused by dog waste.
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