The number of dogs or cats you can keep in your house in the state of Massachusetts is regulated by the city or town in which you reside. In other words, the Bay State technically doesn't have a law limiting the number of pets a resident can own.
If you are considering adding more dogs or cats to your household in Massachusetts, it is important to check if your municipality has a limit. Most municipalities in Massachusetts allow up to 4 dogs and an unlimited number of cats per household. In this article, I have listed some Massachusetts municipalities and the maximum number of dogs and cats allowed per household therein.
Boston, MA
The city of Boston allows up to 4 dogs per household. A personal kennel permit is required to own more than 4 dogs in Boston, Massachusetts. Boston residents can own as many cats as they can properly care for and so long as the felines do not become a nuisance. In Boston, MA, it is required by law that all dogs be licensed. You may be subject to fines if you fail to license your dog in Boston. Cats are not required to be licensed in Boston.
The City Code prohibits dog owners from allowing their canines to run at large in streets or public places within the City. In addition, Boston requires that pet dogs be effectively restrained by a chain or leash not exceeding ten feet in length when in streets or public places.
A dog is deemed to be a nuisance in Boston Massachusetts if it, by excessive barking or other disturbance, causes annoyance to people residing in the vicinity, or if it threatens or attacks livestock, a domestic animal or a person without provocation.
Lastly, you are required by law to remove and dispose of any solid waste deposited by your dog on sidewalks, streets and parks, and neighbors’ yards in Boston. If you still have questions, you can contact Boston Animal Care and Control at 617-635-5348.
Worcester, MA
In the City of Worcester, residents are allowed no more than 2 dogs or 2 cats or a combination of one dog and one cat per household. However, you may obtain a kennel license from the city clerk to own more dogs and cats in Worcester, MA. Before a license is issued, an applicant must be 18 years of age and not reside in a single dwelling unit or multi-family dwelling.
All dogs living within Worcester City must be vaccinated and licensed. Furthermore, Worcester has a leash law that requires all dogs to be on a leash whenever off of their owner's or handler's property. A dog is deemed dangerous in Worcester if attacks a person or domestic animal without provocation, causing physical injury or death.
Springfield, MA
Residents in Springfield, Hampden County, MA, may own up to 4 dogs, provided all the canines are surgically altered, otherwise, the city allows no more than three dogs per household. However, Springfield pet owners may obtain a kennel license to own more than 4 dogs in the city. The City Code does place a limit on the number of cats a resident can own, meaning you can own as many cats as you can care for if you reside in Springfield, MA.
All household pets, except sterilized cats, in Springfield must be kept on a leash not more than six feet long when in public.
Cambridge, MA
Technically, Cambridge's animal ordinance does not place a limit on the number of dogs or cats a resident can own. However, the City Code does state that dog owners may not have more than three dogs at one time in off-leash dog areas within the city.
Cambridge law prohibits pet owners from permitting their dog to excessively bark, howl or behave in any other manner that can disturb the quiet of any person. In addition, it is the responsibility of all Cambridge pet owners to remove and dispose of any feces left by their dog on any sidewalk, gutter, street or other public areas within the city.
Lowell, MA
In the City of Lowell, you need to obtain a kennel license before keeping more than 4 dogs in your house. There is no limit to the number of cats you can own in Lowell, as long as they are not allowed to run at large, thereby constituting a nuisance. Lowell pet owners shall be held accountable for any damage done by their dog to livestock or fowls. All dogs are required by law to be kept on a leash not more than 6 feet long and under the control of its owner or a competent person when in public areas within the city limits of Lowell.
Brockton, MA
The city of Brockton permits no more than three dogs per household. However, you may obtain a kennel license to own more than 3 dogs in Brockton, Massachusetts. The City Code does not regulate the number of cats residents can own, meaning you can own as many cats as you can properly care for if you reside in the city of Brockton. All dogs three months of age living within the city of Brockton must be licensed.
A dog is deemed a nuisance in Brockton if it molests passersby or passing vehicles, including bicycles, or if it barks, whines or howls excessively, trespasses on school grounds, or bites or attacks a human being or other animals without provocation.
Lynn, MA
If you live in the City of Lynn, you need to obtain a kennel license from the city clerk before keeping more than three dogs in your house. Lynn City Code does not place a limit on the number of cats a resident can keep in their house.
Other Massachusetts Municipalities
- Town of Lynnfield, MA: No more than 4 dogs. No limit on cats
- New Bedford, MA: No more than 3 dogs. No limit on cats
- Fall River, MA: A maximum of 4 dogs. No limit on cats
- Lawrence, MA: Allows no more than 4 domestic pets, including dogs and cats
- Somerville, MA: A maximum of 4 dogs per household. No limit on cats
- Framingham, MA: A permit is required to keep 4 or more dogs. No limit on cats
- Waltham, MA: A permit is required to keep 4 or more dogs. No limit on cats
- Town of Brookline, MA: Allows no more than 3 dogs per household. No limit on cats
- Taunton, MA: A maximum of 3 dogs per household. No limit on cats
- Revere, MA: A licensed is required to own more than 3 dogs. No limit on cats
- Town of Weymouth, MA: Residents may keep no more than 4 dogs. No limit on cats
- Chicopee, MA: No more than 3 dogs allowed per household. No limit on cats
- Town of Barnstable, MA: Permits no more than 3 dogs per household. No limit on cats
