Dog licensing is mandatory in Massachusetts for all dogs over six months old. In Cambridge, dog licenses are valid from April 1st to March 31st. Cambridge residents can license or renew their dog’s license online, or download a paper application and renew by mail or in person, following the instructions on the respective form.
The fee for a spayed/neutered dog license is $10, or $30 for an unaltered dog. Dog licenses are renewed annually. The fine for an unlicensed dog is $50.
To obtain a dog license, owners must provide proof of Cambridge residency and have a current rabies vaccination certificate. See a complete list of requirements in the Frequently Asked Questions section below. Dogs can be vaccinated at a veterinarian’s office, at clinics held at some pet stores, or at periodically held low-cost clinics.
The Animal Control Office is currently open to the public for: obtaining dog licenses, addressing other licensing questions, or providing general assistance. Appointments can be made on Tuesdays and Thursdays online, by phone at 617-349-4376, or by email at [email protected]. Appointments are scheduled in 30-minute intervals. If you miss your appointment, you will need to reschedule for another day.
For the date and location of the next Low-Cost Rabies Vaccination Clinic, where licensing is also provided, please contact the Cambridge Animal Commission at 617-349-4376 or [email protected]. Often, dog microchipping is also available at these clinics for a fee. A dog license can be a dog’s ticket home if lost; the number on the tag can be traced back to the owner so the dog can be safely returned.
What is required to license a dog and how much does it cost? Below are the requirements for licensing a dog in Cambridge:
- Provide proof of Cambridge residency, such as a utility bill within the last 30 days or two pieces of mail with your name and address.
- Present a current rabies vaccination certificate, a medical history with the rabies vaccination date, or a letter from your veterinarian stating that they will not vaccinate your pet for medical reasons. Vaccines are valid from 1 to 3 years.
- Present proof of spaying/neutering, if not previously submitted, such as the actual surgery certificate or mention of it in the Medical/Rabies History.
- The fee is $10 for a spayed female or neutered male dog, and $30 for an unspayed female or unneutered male dog.
- You can register online, by mail (print and complete the license application and mail it with a self-addressed, stamped envelope), or in person at City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway, at the Animal Commission Office.
- If registering in person, please be prepared to pay with cash, check, or money order, payable to the City of Cambridge. Credit cards are not accepted.
What is a dog license and why does my dog have to wear one? A dog license is a tag issued by the city, providing the licensing authority with current rabies vaccination certification from a licensed veterinarian, ensuring the dog has been inoculated against rabies. It also acts as a form of identification if your dog becomes lost. The dog’s license tag must be attached to and displayed on the dog per MGL Ch. 140 Sec. 137. Cambridge dog licenses are valid from April 1st through March 31st of the following year. All dogs six months and older are required to be licensed. All tags expire on March 31st regardless of when you licensed. Note: A current Cambridge dog license is required to use the off-leash areas in Cambridge.
Does my cat need a rabies vaccination or to be licensed? Yes, the rabies vaccine is required by state law and is vital to protecting your pet. Even if your cat is kept indoors, it must still be vaccinated against rabies. Cats can be exposed to rabies when encountering high-risk carriers such as bats and raccoons. Cats are not required to be licensed, but the Animal Commission recommends both indoor and outdoor cats wear a safety collar and ID tag. Microchipping for cats is also recommended for easy identification and retrieval should they become lost.
