Animal Ordinances in Cambridge, MA (2026)
7 verified animal ordinances for Cambridge, Massachusetts, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Cambridge allows up to 6 backyard hens with a permit from the Inspectional Services Department; roosters, slaughter, and other livestock are prohibited citywide.
Cambridge Backyard Chickens
Some RestrictionsDog Leash Laws
Cambridge requires dogs to be leashed in all public areas except designated off-leash parks; leashes may not exceed 8 feet and owners must carry waste bags.
Cambridge Dog Leash Laws
Heavy RestrictionsBreed Restrictions
Cambridge does not impose breed-specific restrictions; Massachusetts General Law Chapter 140 Section 157A prohibits cities from regulating dogs based on breed.
Cambridge Dog Breed Rules
Few RestrictionsMGL Chapter 140, Section 157A
Section 157A: Non-compliance of dog owner or keeper with order; transferring ownership or selling of dangerous dog Section 157A. (a) An owner or keeper of a dog who fails to comply with an order of a hearing authority or district court shall be punished, for a first offense, by a fine of not more than $500 or imprisonment for not more than 60 days in a jail or house of correction, or both, and...
Beekeeping
Cambridge permits urban beekeeping with MDAR registration under MGL c.128 s.31A; hives must meet 10-foot setbacks and include a water source and flyway barrier.
Cambridge Beekeeping Rules
Some RestrictionsExotic Pets
Cambridge prohibits exotic and wild animals as pets, following Massachusetts state law (321 CMR 9.01) which restricts dangerous species to licensed facilities.
Cambridge Exotic Pet Rules
Heavy RestrictionsWildlife Feeding
Cambridge prohibits intentional feeding of wildlife including deer, turkeys, waterfowl, and raccoons; rodent-friendly bird feeding may also trigger violations.
Cambridge Wildlife Feeding Rules
Heavy RestrictionsLivestock
Cambridge prohibits traditional livestock (cattle, pigs, goats, sheep, horses) in all zoning districts; only urban hens and bees are allowed as agricultural animals.
Cambridge Livestock Rules
Heavy RestrictionsMass. Gen. Laws ch. 40A, § 3 (Zoning Exemptions — Commercial Agriculture)
Section 3. No zoning ordinance or by-law shall regulate or restrict the use of materials, or methods of construction of structures regulated by the state building code, nor shall any such ordinance or by-law prohibit, unreasonably regulate, or require a special permit for the use of land for the primary purpose of commercial agriculture, aquaculture, silviculture, horticulture, floriculture or ...
Looking for Middlesex County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Cambridge city rules.
Animal Ordinances in Middlesex County →