Animal Ordinances in Framingham, MA (2026)
5 verified animal ordinances for Framingham, Massachusetts, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Chickens & Livestock
Framingham's code does not cap or license backyard chickens or livestock directly. Instead, City Code § 255-2 defines keeping and raising poultry, swine, cattle, and other domesticated animals for food or agricultural purposes as protected "farming," and § 255-1 applies that Right to Farm chapter citywide, in every zoning district, not just designated agricultural land.
Framingham Right to Farm Covers Poultry
Few RestrictionsFramingham City Code §§ 255-1, 255-2
This chapter encourages the pursuit of agriculture, promotes agriculture-based economic opportunities, and protects farmlands within the City of Framingham by allowing agricultural uses and related activities to function with minimal conflict with abutters and City agencies. This chapter shall apply to all jurisdictional areas within the City. ... FARMING or AGRICULTURE (or their derivatives) A...
Dog Leash Laws
City Code § 206-3 bars dogs from running at large anywhere in Framingham and requires any dog in a street or public place to be on a chain or leash no longer than 10 feet. The Animal Control Officer impounds loose dogs under § 206-4, and owners face escalating fines from a warning up to $100 under § 206-7.
Framingham Dog Leash and Restraint Law
Some RestrictionsFramingham City Code §§ 206-3, 206-4, 206-7
No person owning or harboring a dog shall suffer or allow it to run at large in any of the streets or public places in the City of Framingham or allow it upon the premises of anyone other than the owner or keeper of such dog without the permission of the owner or occupant of such premises. No dog shall be permitted in any street or public place within the City of Framingham unless it is effecti...
Breed Restrictions
Framingham has no breed-specific dog rules: it never singles out a breed. Instead, City Code § 206-2 lets anyone file a written complaint with the Police Chief that a dog is a nuisance or dangerous animal, triggering a public hearing under MGL c. 140, § 157 before the City's hearing authority orders muzzling, confinement, or other restrictions.
Framingham's Dangerous Dog Declaration Process
Significant RestrictionsFramingham City Code §§ 206-2, 206-5, 206-6
If any person shall make a complaint, in writing, to the Chief of Police of the City that any dog owned or harbored within its jurisdiction is a nuisance or dangerous dog by reason of vicious disposition or excessive barking or other disturbance, the hearing authority shall investigate or cause the investigation of the complaint, including an examination under oath of the complainant at a publi...
Pet Limits
Framingham does not cap how many dogs or cats a household may keep outright, but City Code § 206-10 requires anyone owning more than three dogs to obtain a kennel license from the City Clerk. Kennel licenses need Board of Health approval and sign-off from the Animal Control Officer under MGL c. 140, § 137A.
Framingham Kennel License for Extra Dogs
Some RestrictionsFramingham City Code §§ 206-9, 206-10
Dog licenses are available at the City Clerk's office starting January 2 of each year. Fees for such licenses shall be set by the Council. All fees are turned over to the Treasurer-Collector monthly. Licenses not purchased between January 2 and February 28 are subject to a late fee of $50. ... Every person maintaining a kennel shall obtain a kennel license which can be purchased through the Cit...
Veterinary Clinic Zoning
In the City of Framingham, a veterinary services use has to keep noisy activity at least 100 feet from any residential lot line under Zoning Ordinance § 435-27E(10), and that activity must also be effectively sound-insulated or screened. The performance standard sits alongside identical 100-foot buffers for indoor and outdoor entertainment facilities in the same setback article of Chapter 435.
Framingham Veterinary Noise Buffer From Residences
Some RestrictionsFramingham City Code § 435-27E(10)
(10) Veterinary services. Noisy activity shall be at least 100 feet from any residential lot line and effectively sound-insulated or screened to protect the neighborhood.