Dogs in Massachusetts, United States: rules, tax and travel
Dogs over 6 months are licensed by the city or town, dogs and cats need rabies shots from 6 months, owners are strictly liable for damage, and towns may not regulate dogs by breed.
Cities and towns issue licences and add leash rules.
The national rules for United States apply here too. National rules
Breed rules
No breed-specific rule found.
Registration and microchip
Dogs over 6 months must be licensed in the city or town where they live, with a vet's rabies certificate or exemption (M.G.L. c.140 s.137). Fees are set locally.[1]
Other rules
Rabies: dogs, cats and ferrets 6 months or older, revaccinated at the manufacturer's recommended intervals; newly arrived animals within 30 days (M.G.L. c.140 s.145B).[2]
Bite liability: strict. The owner or keeper is liable for damage to a person or property, unless the victim was trespassing, committing a tort, or teasing or abusing the dog (M.G.L. c.140 s.155).[3]
Breed rules: a dog may not be deemed dangerous based on breed and cities and towns cannot regulate dogs in a breed-specific way (M.G.L. c.140 s.157).[4]
Not confirmed yet: Leash and muzzle. We only show what an official or named source states.
Laws change: this is general information, not legal advice. The authority linked on each line has the final word.
Sources
- malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXX/Chapter140/Section137 (official)
- malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXX/Chapter140/Section145B (official)
- malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleXX/Chapter140/Section155 (official)
- animallaw.info/article/overview-states-prohibit-bsl (secondary source)