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Animal Care and Control

The Animal Care and Control Division holds low-cost rabies clinics throughout the year and runs a year-round pet food pantry. The Division enforces ordinances and laws governing animals. The Division also issues dog licenses, inspects dog boarding facilities, and investigates cases of animal cruelty and neglect.

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Boston Animal Care and Control Shelter

The City also runs its own Animal Shelter in Roslindale staffed by a full-time veterinarian. Adoption hours for the shelter are Tuesday, through Saturday, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Call 617-635-1800 for adoption information. Would you like to support our low-cost animal wellness and adoption programs? Tax-deductible donations can be mailed directly to the shelter at 26 Mahler Road, Roslindale, MA, 02131. Learn more about the shelter.

Officers are on call after hours to respond to emergencies. Please call 3-1-1 or 617-635-4500 if you need help.

Interested in volunteer opportunities?

Please download and fill out our volunteer form and email it to animalshelter@boston.gov

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Upcoming events

Upcoming events

There are no related events available at this time!

Help for pet owners

New pet owner, or just looking for tips?

Learn how to get your dog licensed, keep your pets healthy, and much more.

Dogs and Boston Parks

We have information about dog recreation spaces, and our rules and regulations regarding your beloved pets.
How to License Your Dog

If you own a dog in the City, you must get a license for them.
Keeping Your Pet Healthy and Safe

Learn about ways to care for your pet, and find out about common illnesses.
Pet Behavior Tips

We have some behavior tips from the American Humane Association.
Rule and Regulations for Owning a Pet

There are several rules for owning a pet in the City of Boston.
What We Do At Animal Care and Control

Learn about the services we provide and the work we do.

Animal Care and Control Shelter

We are located in Roslindale, halfway between the Forest Hills MBTA Station and Roslindale Square off of Washington Street. You can find pets available for adoption on Petfinder.

Shelter information
Pet Foster Parent Program

Wildlife in the City

Wildlife
It's not unusual to find wild animals in Boston.

We have some advice on what to do when you come across these creatures.

Wildlife problems and solutions

The City is full of wildlife that coexists with residents.
Finding baby birds

Learn what to do if you see a baby bird on the ground.
Removing bats from your home

During the warm weather, bats tend to make their way into resident’s homes.
Rabies information

Learn about the disease, and how you can protect yourself and pets from it.

More resources

More resources
2021 Year in Review (Animal Control Activities)
2021 Year in Review (Pet Owner Support)
2021 Year in Review (Shelter Activities)
Animal cruelty and neglect information
Animal Rescue League-Boston
Get tips on finding a lost pet
Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Parks and Recreation
Petfinder.com

Animal Care and Control director

Meet the director
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