Springfield, MA Animal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic Zoning (2026)
Key Facts
- Definition
- Article 2, Section 2.2, VETERINARY CLINIC
- Outdoor runs
- No outdoor dog runs or play areas
- Boarding limit
- Indoor boarding only, tied to treatment
- Use classification
- Table 4-4, Section 8.6 Animal Services
- Review
- Site Plan or Special Permit in many districts
Summary
Springfield's zoning ordinance defines veterinary clinics as outpatient animal-care facilities and bars outdoor dog runs, play areas, and any boarding not directly tied to medical treatment, with Table 4-4 requiring Site Plan or Special Permit review in many districts.
VETERINARY CLINIC. A facility concerned with the medical diagnosis, treatment and care of DOMESTIC ANIMALs, primarily on an outpatient basis, and where the boarding of animals under treatment is incidental to the principal clinic use. A VETERINARY CLINIC shall have no outdoor dog runs or play areas, and no boarding of animals except for indoor boarding directly related to medical treatment.
Section 2.2 General Terms Defined Page 53 W
WALL SIGN. SEE SECTION 9.1 SIGN DEFINITIONS.
WAREHOUSE. An establishment with storage, wholesale and distribution of manufactured products, supplies and equipment.
WHOLESALE SALES. A place of business primarily engaged in selling or distributing merchandise to retailers; to industrial, commercial or professional business users or to other wholesalers. Such facility may include WAREHOUSING, STORAGE, and DISTRIBUTION services.
WINDOW SIGN. SEE SECTION 9.1 SIGN DEFINITIONS.
WIRELESS COMMUNICATION. See Section 6.2.20.
WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS FACILITY. See Section 6.2.20.
X, Y
YARD. The OPEN SPACE between a BUILDING and the nearest LOT LINE, unoccupied and unobstructed by any portion of a STRUCTURE from the ground upward, except as otherwise provided herein as shown in See Figure 2-8. In measuring a YARD, the shortest horizontal distance between the BUILDING and the LOT LINE shall be used. All YARDs shall be exclusive of
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Springfield's Zoning Ordinance defines VETERINARY CLINIC (Article 2, Section 2.2) as a facility for outpatient medical diagnosis, treatment and care of domestic animals, and attaches a specific site standard to that use: no outdoor dog runs or play areas, and no boarding of animals except indoor boarding directly related to medical treatment. Table 4-4, the citywide Use Table in Section 4.3, lists Veterinary Clinic under Section 8.6 Animal Services alongside a separate Kennel entry. Per the Section 4.3.10 Key, business and commercial districts largely mark the use 'T', permitted only subject to Site Plan Review or Special Permit review under Sections 12.2 through 12.4, rather than allowed as of right, and it is prohibited outright in several districts.
Violations & Fines
Operating outdoor dog runs or play areas, boarding animals beyond what's incidental to treatment, or opening a clinic without the required Site Plan or Special Permit approval in districts where the use isn't allowed as of right, all violate the zoning ordinance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a veterinary clinic in Springfield, MA board animals overnight?
Does Springfield require a special permit to open a veterinary clinic?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Springfield
Compare Springfield to another location·View the Massachusetts animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.