Loading...
HomeMy Public PortalAboutResponsible-Dog-Ownership-in-Watertown-BrochureLicensing Your Dog You may obtain, in person or by mail, a Dog License from the Watertown Town Clerk's Office, at the Town Hall, 149 Main Street. The Town Clerk's office provides dog licenses on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 8:30 AM-5:00 PM, and Tuesday 8:30 AM-7:00 PM. Along with the application you must provide the dog's current rabies vaccine certificate, and evidence that the dog has been spayed or neutered, if applicable. To access the Dog License Application, visit the Town of Watertown's website at: www. watertown-ma.gov • Click on Document Center in the upper right hand corner of the web page. • Click on Town Clerk and Elections folder. • Click on the Dog or Cat License Application link on the right. The license fees per dog are $10.00, $5.00 for owners 60+, or $35.00 if the dog is not spayed or neutered. Watertown Dog Park Rules Currently there are two Off -Leash Dog Parks available to Watertown residents: • How Park, Pleasant Street & Bacon Street • Alta at the Estate, 100 Woodview Lane" The use of the Watertown Dog Park owned by Watertown is restricted to Watertown residents. The Watertown owned Dog Park is subject to the following rules, which are needed for the safe and lawful enjoyment of Watertown's open space by everyone: • Dogs must display current WATERTOWN DOG LICENSE at all times. • Dogs must be leashed when entering and exiting the fenced area. • Adhere to posted park hours. • Dogs must never be left unattended. • Owners must pick up and dispose of all dog waste immediately. • Each person is limited to 3 dogs. • No food or smoking allowed in the park. • Park use is at your own risk. The Town of Watertown is not responsible for injury or damage arising from use of the park. • Violators of these rules are subject to removal from the area and/or fines. Fines start at $25.00-$50.00 and increase for subsequent offenses. "Alta at the Estate is privately owned and has established its own park rules. The above rules are not applicable to this park. For all Watertown owned Dog Park maintenance issues contact: parksrecgwatertown-ma.gov Dog Walking Rules and Etiquette RESTRAINT: All dogs must be leashed and controlled, no matter how friendly or obedient the dog is. This law is especially important in our dense community. Leash laws protect our dogs and the public at large from harm. CURB YOUR DOG: Unless permission is specifically granted by a property owner, keep your dog off private property. This includes front lawns! PICK UP THE POOP! For health and sanitary reasons, always remove dog waste immediately. Please dispose of dog waste bags in your OWN garbage. NEVER place dog waste in a storm drain. This water is not sent to a treatment facility and is released directly into our waterways. Lai■ now ■ ■7r■ ■11■. DOGS MUST BE ON LEASH AND UNDER CONTROL AT ALL TIP.9E S OWNER MU ST REPROVE DOG WASTE IMMEDIATELY For current dog park locations please visit www.watertown-ma.gov Animal Control Please be advised of the following state laws and municipal ordinances relating to dogs: The Watertown Animal Control Officer is part of the Town of Watertown's Health Department. The Animal Control Officer was established under Massachusetts General Law (M.G.L.), Chapter 140, Sections 136-174. The Animal Control Officer is responsible for: ■ Responding to all calls about sick, injured or dangerous animals. ■ Enforcing ordinances regarding animals including cruelty to animals, abandoned or loose animals and animals in Town parks. Quarantining animals that have bitten or been bitten, filing mandated bite reports and following through with any necessary prosecution. Contact: Karen O'Reilly Animal Control Officer/Animal Inspector Watertown Administration Building Health Department 149 Main Street Watertown, MA 02472 koreilly(a)watertown-ma. gov 617-972-6446 For emergencies only please call the Watertown Police Department at 617-972-6500 ■ All dogs must be licensed by the Town Clerk's Office, and licenses must be renewed each year in January (M.G.L. Ch. 140, Sec. 137). ■ All dogs must be vaccinated against rabies (M.G.L. Ch. 140, Sec. 145B). ■ All dogs must be leashed at all times while on a public way (Watertown Animal Control Ordinance 91.16). ■ No dogs are allowed on school property (Watertown Animal Control Ordinance 91.16) or in cemeteries maintained by the Town of Watertown. ■ No dogs are allowed in Town parks except those designated for dog use (Watertown Animal Control Ordinance 91.16). ■ All dog owners must pick up after their dogs and dispose of waste properly at all times (Watertown Animal Control Ordinance 91.17). ■ No pet waste may be disposed of in storm drains (Watertown Stormwater Ordinance 97.07). ■ All dog owners must follow all dog park rules which are subject to change. Each offense is subject to a fine of $25. 00- $50. 00. Fines increase with subsequent offenses. RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNERSHIP IN WATERTOWN 1630 Watertown Animal Control P Health Department Administration Building 149 Main Street 617-972-6446