Everett, MA Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Section 3-2 of the Everett Revised Ordinances has three operative parts. Subsection (a) bars an owner, keeper, or person in control of a dog from suffering or allowing it to run at large in the streets or public places of the city, or on the premises of anyone other than the owner or keeper unless the owner or occupant of that property grants permission. Subsection (b) is stricter for private land: under no circumstances can a dog, even on a leash, be on the private property of another unless specific permission has been granted. Subsection (c) sets the restraint standard on public ground: a chain or leash not exceeding 8 feet in length, unless otherwise posted.

Section 3-5(a) makes it a violation for the owner, keeper, or person in control to cause or permit a dog to be unrestrained as Section 3-2 requires. Enforcement sits with the police chief, his designee including the animal control officer, and any Everett police officer under Section 3-18. In the enforcing agent's sole discretion, a violation can go through noncriminal disposition under Section 1-8.

A loose dog can also be impounded. Under Section 3-3 the animal control officer has authority to impound a dog found running at large in violation of Section 3-2, and must enter the breed, color and sex of the dog, its license number, and the name and address of the owner if known. A known owner gets notice and can reclaim the dog by paying a twenty-five dollar ($25.00) administrative fee, together with any unpaid license fees, late fees and fines and the reasonable costs the city incurred impounding and maintaining the dog. Under Section 3-17, a dog kept by the animal control officer for 10 days that remains unclaimed becomes available for adoption, and dogs not claimed or adopted within 10 days go to the shelter.

Licensing runs alongside the leash rule. Section 3-10 requires annual licensing for the period beginning January 1st with renewal by March 15th, and Section 3-13(d) requires dogs to wear identification tags at all times when off the owner's premises. The City Clerk issues dog licenses and tags.