Exotic pets are governed primarily by Massachusetts state law, which bans most wild and dangerous species; Somerville enforces the state list through Animal Control and Board of Health.
Exotic pet ownership in Somerville is controlled mainly by Massachusetts state law through 321 CMR 9.01 and MGL Chapter 131 Section 23, which together prohibit possession of wild mammals and reptiles on the state's exotic and dangerous list absent a MassWildlife permit. Prohibited species include most non-domesticated cats (lions, tigers, servals, bobcats), wolves and wolf-hybrids, non-human primates, bears, alligators and crocodiles, venomous snakes, and large constrictors. Domestic dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, most pet birds, common aquarium fish, small non-venomous reptiles (such as corn snakes, ball pythons, leopard geckos), and captive-bred small parrots are generally allowed. Somerville Animal Control enforces violations alongside MassWildlife officers, and the Board of Health may take action for public health risks. Violations can lead to animal seizure and fines starting at 500 dollars under state law.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Somerville, MA
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Somerville, MA
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Somerville, MA
Overnight street parking in Somerville requires a resident permit citywide. Snow emergencies trigger odd-even or posted-side bans.
Somerville, MA
Commercial vehicles over 2.5 tons cannot park overnight on Somerville residential streets. Loading zones are time-limited and signed by block.
Somerville, MA
Most Somerville streets are resident-permit zones. Non-residents are limited to 2 hours on posted blocks from 8 AM to 8 PM daily including weekends.
Somerville, MA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Middlesex County.
See how other cities in Middlesex County handle exotic pets.
See how Somerville's exotic pets rules stack up against other locations.
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