Taunton, MA Animal Ordinances: Pet Limits (2026)

Section 191-8 defines a 'kennel' as one pack or collection of dogs on a single lot, whether kept for breeding, boarding, sale, training or hunting, and including any pack of dogs three months old or older kept on a single lot regardless of purpose, so three or more dogs on one property triggers the licensing requirement. A public hearing before the Municipal Council is required before any new Class I, II or III kennel license issues, and the Animal Control Officer must complete a passing inspection before issuance and before every annual renewal; the property owner must be the petitioner.

Class I covers four to six dogs, Class II seven to 12 dogs, and Class III more than 12 dogs. Each class requires a fence sufficient to keep the dogs on the property, current vaccinations, disease-free and well-nourished dogs, compliance with the leash and barking-dog rules, and inspection access for the Chief of Police or Animal Control Officer at least once a year. The required distance from the nearest residential dwelling rises with class size: 100 feet for Class I, 150 feet for Class II, and 250 feet for Class III, and a Class III kennel structure must also have running water, individual shelter and a washable, disease- and water-resistant floor.

A commercial kennel additionally needs a special permit from the Municipal Council under the Zoning ordinance. Application fees run $50 for a new Class I, $100 for Class II and $150 for Class III license, with renewals at half the new-license fee.