Brookline, MA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)
Key Facts
- Leash Required
- Yes: on all public streets/sidewalks
- Off-Leash Areas
- Designated parks only: voice control required
- Cleanup Required
- Yes
- Licensing
- Annual; contact Town Clerk
Summary
Brookline requires dogs to be leashed or under voice control in public. Dogs in designated off-leash parks may be off-leash. All dogs must be licensed with the Town and vaccinated against rabies. Cleanup of dog waste is required.
Section 157. (a) Any person may file a complaint in writing to the hearing authority that a dog owned or kept in the city or town is a nuisance dog or a dangerous dog; provided, however, that no dog shall be deemed dangerous: (i) solely based upon growling or barking or solely growling and barking; (ii) based upon the breed of the dog; or (iii) if the dog was reacting to another animal or to a person and the dog's reaction was not grossly disproportionate to any of the following circumstances: (1) the dog was protecting or defending itself, its offspring, another domestic animal or a person from attack or assault; (2) the person who was attacked or threatened by the dog was committing a crime upon the person or property of the owner or keeper of the dog;
Full Breakdown
Brookline's animal control bylaws require dogs to be under the control of their owner at all times in public areas. Dogs must be leashed on public streets and sidewalks. Designated off-leash areas exist in Brookline parks; dogs there must still be under voice control. Dog owners must clean up after their animals on all public and private property not owned by the owner. All dogs must be licensed annually with the Town Clerk and vaccinated for rabies.
Violations & Fines
Animal control citations for unleashed dogs and failure to clean up waste. Fine amounts set by bylaw.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to keep my dog on a leash in Brookline?
What is the maximum leash length in Brookline?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Brookline
Compare Brookline to another location·View the Massachusetts animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Dog Leash Laws in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Norfolk County handle dog leash laws.