Welcome to the Lynn Animal Control Department

Public safety is the primary concern of the Animal Control Officer. Both domestic and wild animals can present a public health or safety hazard. You should contact the Animal Control Officer for any questions or complaints regarding domestic or wild animals. The Animal Control Officer does not get involved with the trapping of animals or insect problems.

	Contact Information
	Chief Animal Control Officer
	Contact Phone Email	Keith Sheppard (781) 477-7080 (24 Hour Answering Service) n/a

Please select an item from the left hand menu to view information and download links to available files and forms.

Animal Control Department | General Information

Transport | Trapping: The transport or trapping of wild animals is illegal without a license from Massachusetts Fish and Wildlife. Contact a licensed Pest Control company for assistance with trapping.

Bite | Attack: If you are attacked or bitten by any Animal, wash the effected area with an antibacterial soap and contact your physician or outpatient facility to obtain proper testing and treatment. Contact the Animal Control Officer to report the incident and the location of the animal involved.

If your domestic pet is involved in an altercation with any wildlife, please contact the Animal Control Officer immediately.
 
Lost | Missing Pets: If your pet is lost/missing you should contact the North Shore Animal Hospital at (781) 596-0510. The North Shore Animal Hospital is located at 1 Neptune Blvs. in Lynn. The City of Lynn uses the North Shore Animal Hospital for all of its veterinary services.

Dog Licensing: The City of Lynn requires that all Dogs be licensed. Licenses must be renewed April 1 of each year. In order to obtain a License you must provide proof to the City that your Dog has had the required Rabies Vaccines. There is a fee of $4 for a Dog license. An un-spayed female Dog license is $7. Dog Licenses are issued at the City Clerks office. All cats are required to have rabies vaccines, but are not required to be licensed.

Leash Law: No owner or keeper of any dog shall permit such dog to run at large within the City of Lynn at any time on any day or night in the year. Said dog shall be restrained by being kept indoors or in a yard sufficiently and safely enclosed or on a leash. A fine of Twenty-Five Dollars ($25.00) shall be assessed for the first offense and Fifty Dollars ($50.00) for each subsequent offense. Dogs are not allowed in Pine Grove Cemetery per City Ordinance;  owners will be fined up to $200 for violation of this ordinance.  There is no leash law for cats in the City of Lynn.

2013 | Rabies Clinics

The annual rabies clinics sponsored by the Veterinary Association of the North Shore will be held Wednesday May 1, 2013 from 4 - 6 PM at Tower Hill, Fayette Street and Wyoma/Broadway Fire Stations. Dogs and Cats only $10 per vaccine. Proceeds to benefit veterinary scholarships. Dogs must be on leash and cats in carriers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the dog officer picks up dead animals?
Yes, he does.

Will the dog officer come into my house and trap a raccoon, squirrel, etc.?
No, the dog officer does not trap animals on private property; the person must call a private exterminator.

How many dogs can a person have in their home?
Residents may have three licensed dogs. If the dogs have puppies, the puppies may stay with the mothers for six months. Anyone housing more than three adult dogs would need to apply for a kennel license in the City Clerk’s office.

Where do I license my dog and how much does it cost?
You may obtain a dog license in the City Clerk’s office. The cost for a license is $7 for a female and $4 for a male and spayed female.

Acrobat (PDF) Software

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