Boston's Animal Ordinances: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles animal ordinances a little differently. In Boston, Massachusetts, there are 6 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Breed Restrictions

Boston runs no breed-specific ban. Under Code § 16-1.9B.2, a dog cannot be deemed dangerous "based upon the breed of the dog," and the Hearing Authority of the Animal Care and Control Unit may not regulate dogs "in a manner that is specific to breed," citing M.G.L. Chapter 140, Section 157(c).

Key details: Breed alone: Cannot support a dangerous designation. Regulator: Animal Care & Control Hearing Authority. Confinement minimum: 5 ft x 10 ft locked pen. Off-property: Muzzle + leash 3 ft max, adult control. First-offense fine: $500; $1,000 repeat.

An owner who fails to meet the confinement, signage or leash/muzzle requirements for a designated dangerous dog faces a $500 fine for a first offense and $1,000 for each subsequent offense, with every day of noncompliance a separate offense, on top of the remedies in M.G.L. Chapter 140, Section 157(h).

Boston is more permissive than most cities when it comes to breed restrictions. That said, there are still limits.

Beekeeping

Boston lets residents keep honey bees but requires $25 registration with Inspectional Services under Code § 16-1.27, caps hives at five per lot or roof, and sets hive size, setback and placement standards designed to keep bees away from neighbors, sidewalks and windows.

Key details: Registration fee: $25 with Inspectional Services Dept.. Hive cap: 5 hives per lot or roof. Hive size limit: 6 ft tall, 24 cubic feet max. Setback (no barrier): 5 ft from property line. Sidewalk buffer: 10 ft minimum.

ISD enforces the honey-bee rules by written warning and/or cancellation of the beekeeper's registration; the city may also seek an injunction to restrain a violation of the registration's terms, and ISD may promulgate additional implementing regulations under § 16-1.27(F).

Pet Store Rules

No pet shop in Boston may sell, deliver, barter, auction or otherwise transfer a dog, cat, guinea pig or rabbit under Code § 16-1.9G.2. Shops may still host adoption displays for a shelter or rescue, but only if they take no fee and hold no ownership interest in the animals shown.

Key details: Banned sales: Dogs, cats, guinea pigs, rabbits by pet shops. Allowed: Fee-free shelter/rescue adoption displays only. Guinea pig grace period: 90 days for existing sellers only. Record-keeping: Source records kept 1 year, on demand. Fine: $300 per animal sold in violation.

Selling a dog, cat, guinea pig or rabbit in violation of § 16-1.9G.2 carries a $300 fine per violation, with each animal sold or offered in violation counting as a separate offense; animals offered, transferred or displayed unlawfully may be seized or impounded by the Parks and Recreation Department, its Animal Care and Control Unit, or Boston Police, held seven days, with a right to an administrative appeal within that window before the animal is surrendered to Animal Care and Control.

Compared to other cities, Boston takes a harder line on pet store rules. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Exotic Pets

Massachusetts prohibits most wild and exotic animals as pets under 321 CMR 9.01. MassWildlife does not issue pet permits. Only species on the exemption list may be kept without a license.

Key details: System: Exemption list (321 CMR 9.01). Pet Permits: Not issued by state. Exempt Species: Hedgehogs, chinchillas, etc.. Venomous Snakes: Permit required.

Unlawfully possessed animals subject to seizure and disposal by the Director of Law Enforcement. Criminal penalties may apply under MGL c. 131 Section 23.

This is one of the stricter rules in Boston's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Chickens & Livestock

Boston prohibits traditional livestock (cows, pigs, goats, sheep, horses) on residential lots. Only hens and bees are allowed under Urban Agriculture Article 89.

Key details: Allowed on Residential: Hens, bees only. Prohibited: Pigs, goats, sheep, horses. Removal Order: 14 days. Fine: Up to $300/day.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Boston actively enforces its chickens & livestock requirements.

Dog Leash Laws

Boston requires dogs under control at all times (MGL c.140 §157). Dog licensing required through city/town clerk (MGL c.140 §155). Rabies vaccination mandatory.

Key details: Leash: Required in public. License: Annual, city/town clerk. State Law: MGL c.140 §§155, 157. Rabies: Vaccination required.

Dog at large: $25 to $100. Unlicensed dog: $50 to $100 + late fee. Failure to clean up: $25 to $100. Dangerous dog: significant penalties.

The Bottom Line

Boston is tougher than many cities when it comes to animal ordinances. Out of the 6 rules covered here, 3 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Boston, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

These rules come from Boston's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.