Lawrence, MA Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)

Lawrence Code § 6.04.040(L) states plainly: 'No person shall keep or control more than three dogs on a single premises.' The same chapter's definitions section, § 6.04.010, explains why the number three matters: a 'kennel' is defined as 'every pack or collection of more than three dogs, three months old or over, owned or kept on a single premises irrespective of the purpose for which they are maintained.' Cross the three-dog line and the household is legally operating a kennel, which § 6.04.250 says cannot run 'without first obtaining a permit as provided for in MGL chapter 140.' Every dog over three months old must also be individually licensed with the city clerk, the designated licensing authority under § 6.04.040(B).

Licenses run April 1 to April 1, cost $50.00 for an unneutered male or unspayed female and $15.00 for a neutered or spayed dog, and must be applied for within 30 days of acquiring the dog. Owners who miss the deadline face a $50.00 fine, with each additional day counted as a separate offense under § 6.04.040(H). Dogs must wear their identification tags at all times. Cats are not covered by the three-animal cap: the definitions and licensing sections in Chapter 6.04 apply the numeric limit to dogs only.

A household with many cats is not automatically in violation, though the animal control officer can still act if the cats become a 'nuisance animal' under § 6.04.100, a separate standard covering property damage, trespassing and disturbing the peace rather than a headcount.