Waltham requires dogs to be leashed on public property, with limited off-leash use only in designated areas and under voice control.
Waltham Municipal Code Chapter 5 requires all dogs to be on a leash no longer than 6 feet when on public ways, parks, and sidewalks. The leash law applies throughout the city including along the Charles River Greenway, Prospect Hill Park, and Cambridge Reservoir trails where allowed. Violations carry fines starting at 25 dollars for the first offense, rising to 100 dollars for repeat offenders. Dogs must wear current license and rabies tags. Waltham offers dog licensing through the City Clerk. There is no official off-leash dog park within city limits as of late 2025, though nearby Watertown and Newton have them.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Middlesex County.
See how other cities in Middlesex County handle dog leash laws.
See how Waltham's dog leash laws rules stack up against other locations.
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