Dog Licensing | City of Newton, MA

--website homepage dog license 2021--

State law requires that all dogs over 6 months have a current dog license (MGL Ch. 140 Sec. 137.) Newton residents can apply for or renew their dog’s license online or download the paper application and renew via mail or in person, following instructions on the respective form.

Beginning April 1st annually, all dogs six [6] months and older must be licensed. Registration for the annual season begins in March.

*Option 1: License: Spayed & Neutered dogs $20, unfixed $25

*Option 2: Off-Leash: Spayed & Neutered dogs $70, unfixed $75 (License included in fee.)

How to Order a Dog License:

Order On-line:

Using both your name as it appears on your application and your dog's Unique ID #, you can complete the payment process online and the license/tag will be mailed to you.

Please note: If your dog's rabies information is expired, you must upload a copy of the updated rabies certificate.

Credit Card payment will incur a service charge, or you can pay by e-check with no additional fee.

Register your dog online here

Order By Mail:

Print Dog License & Off-Leash Permit Application
Include Rabies Certificate
Enclose a check in exact amount made payable to the City of Newton

Mail to City Clerk's Office, or drop off in the white mailbox in front of City Hall.

[Allow processing time for both options]

For additional information, contact City Clerk Staff at the City Clerk's Office: 617-796-1200

Applications [to print]

Dog Off-Leash Areas

There are 7 parks in the City of Newton where dogs may roam off-leash accompanied by owner.

Locations:

Braceland Playground: Chestnut St. [bottom tier]
* Cabot Park: Newtonville Ave. [corner entrance]
Claflin Playground: Lowell Ave. [gate entrance]
* Hunnewell Park: Grasmere St. [off Hunnewell Ave. parallel to MA Pike]
* McGrath Park: Washington St. [gate entrance]
Newton Centre: Bowen St./Centre St./Homer St./Tyler Ter. [entrance]
Old Cold Spring Park: Beacon St. [entrance and follow trail]

*= Fully Fenced In

Rules:

Keep your dog leashed prior to entering and upon exiting the park
Dogs may not be left unattended, they will be impounded
Immediately remove and properly dispose of your dog's waste
Owner must have collar with current license tag at all times
Dogwalker must have Newton Commercial Dogwalker Permit
Dogwalker clients must have off-leash license from Newton
Dogs must be at least six [6] months old to be allowed off-leash
Unspayed dogs are not allowed at parks when in heat

For more info, contact the Parks & Rec Department at 617.796.1500.

Pet Safety in an Emergency

Newton cares about your pet. Be prepared in case of an emergency. Keep a file handy with:

A photo of your pet (with you in the photo)
Current Rabies Certificate
Current Printed Doc License

The Newton Massachusetts Animal Response Team [NMART] will operate shelters for pets in case of large scale emergencies or disasters.

For more info, contact the Animal Control Office at 617-796-2109.

Properly Dispose Of Pet Waste...It's The Law!

Pets have a special way of winning our hearts and offering invaluable companionship.

It's important to pick up after your dog during walks or in public areas. Leaving pet waste behind is not just unpleasant to look at; it's also laden with bacteria and pathogens detrimental to human health and our water systems. When it rains, or as snow melts, this waste gets washed away into natural water bodies such as Crystal Lake and the Charles River, among others. By responsibly disposing of your pet's waste, you're contributing to the cleanliness and well-being of Newton. Let's all do our part!