Animal Control

Duties

The Health Department manages the Animal Control Program for the City of Watertown. Currently, there is one full-time Animal Control Officer (ACO) who responds to loose dogs, injured animals, enforces the Watertown Animal Control Ordinance (PDF), the Keeping of Animals Regulations (PDF), and investigates cases of Animal Cruelty.

The ACO is also an Animal Inspector responsible for investigating animal bites and working with local veterinarians to determine an appropriate quarantine procedure to monitor or rule out any possible exposures to the rabies virus. Every year, the Health Department sponsors a rabies clinic for cats and dogs.

Responsibilities

The Animal Control Officer’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Enforcement of Chapter 140 Laws
  • Enforcement of the Watertown Animal Control Ordinance
  • Dog/Cat/Wildlife Bites on Pets or Humans
  • Found Dogs or Cats
  • Incapacitated Wildlife
  • Enforcing State-Mandated Quarantines
  • Hen/Honey Bee Permit Applications and Inspections
  • Kennel Inspections
  • Off-Leash/Loose Dogs
  • Bats in Living Spaces (Bats in your attic require a Problem Animal Control Agent)
  • Unlicensed Dogs/Cats
  • Unvaccinated Dogs/Cats (Rabies)
  • Documenting Unusual Wildlife Sightings
  • Barking Dog Complaints

Services Not Offered

Animal Control is not responsible for the following:

  • Animals living in people's backyards, homes, sheds, garages, etc., unless emergency circumstances exist. Animal Control does not trap animals doing property damage, i.e. woodchucks eating gardens, rat burrows on property. This is a job for a licensed Problem Animal Control agent.
  • Deceased animals in your yard; gloves should be worn, and you can bag it and put it out with your trash.
  • Deceased animals on streets and sidewalks can be picked up by the DPW at 617-972-6420.
  • If you think you found an orphaned baby animal, you can call your local Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator. The best thing you can do is leave it alone. Just because you cannot see the parent, does not mean they are not feeding their baby.
  • Animal Control will not release a skunk trapped by accident in a trap on the homeowner’s property.

Too Hot for Spot

When temperatures begin to rise, so do concerns about animal safety. Even when the mercury dips below 80 degrees, the threat of heatstroke still exists. Pets don't sweat the way humans do, making them unable to cool their bodies efficiently in the heat. Keep your pet safe and healthy by following these important basic guidelines:

  • Prevention is always your best bet. Whenever possible, leave your pet at home in a cool humidity and temperature-regulated room.
  • If your pet must be outdoors, find a shady spot with ample airflow to prevent overheating.
  • Hydration is key, so keep a bowl of cold water accessible at all times.
  • Limit exercise to the morning or evening hours when temperatures are at their coolest.
  • Never leave your pet alone in a parked car-even with the air conditioner on or the windows cracked. Learn the dangerous consequences of leaving your pet in a hot car.

Report a Lost or Found Pet

Report any lost or found pets! Please contact the ACO at 617-972-6446 to report any animal that you have lost or found. When reporting a lost or found animal, please be as specific as possible.

  • For a lost pet: Include a detailed description of the animal, the amount of time the animal has been missing, the circumstances surrounding the disappearance, and the last place where the animal was spotted. A picture of the animal is very helpful. In addition to a phone call, it is best to email the photo of your pet.
  • For a found pet: Include a detailed description of the animal, the location where the animal was found or seen, contributing circumstances, where the animal is currently located, and if possible, a picture of the animal.

7 Warning Signs of Animal Cruelty

While most of us recognize that punching, kicking, burning, choking, or hitting an animal with an object are acts of animal cruelty, there are also more subtle warning signs that could indicate mistreatment, neglect, or abuse.

  1. Howling or barking for a sustained period of time, or hearing an animal cry in pain with a persistent high-pitched vocal sound
  2. Singed, matted, chronically or excessively dirty hair or fur
  3. Wounds, unusual scars, hair loss, frequent limping often on different legs, or signs of improper nutrition
  4. Animals kept caged or tied with little room to move for long periods of time or without regular interaction with people
  5. Lack of protection from the weather or feces- or debris-strewn living areas for animals
  6. Collars, leashes, or halters so tight they visibly dig into the animal's face or neck
  7. A large number of animals coming or going from a property