What state law in Massachusetts says about pets — in plain English, with a link to each source.
Last verified November 3, 2026
🚗 Hot cars
Law in place — bystanders may rescue
Massachusetts protects a bystander who breaks into a vehicle to rescue an animal in imminent danger, as long as they follow the law's steps — typically making sure the car is locked, calling 911 or the police first, using no more force than necessary and staying with the animal until help arrives. Leaving an animal in a dangerous vehicle is also an offence.
Animals covered: An animal
Penalty: Civil infraction punishable by a fine of not more than $150 for a first offense, by a fine of not more than $300 for a second offense and by a fine of not more than $500 for a third or subsequent offense.
Yes. Massachusetts requires dogs, cats and ferrets 6 months and older to be vaccinated against rabies. Boosters follow the vaccine used (usually every 1 or 3 years).
What the law says: Each owner or keeper of a dog, cat or ferret that is 6 months of age or older shall cause such dog, cat or ferret to be vaccinated against rabies. M.G.L.A. 140 § 145B
Medical exemptions: A licensing authority may grant an exemption from this section for a dog, cat or ferret that: (i) the local board of health has declared exempt from the rabies vaccination requirement upon presentation of a veterinarian's certificate stating that because of an infirmity, other physical condition or regimen of therapy, such inoculation is considered inadvisable for a specified period of time for…
Massachusetts has a strict liability statute: the owner is liable for injuries the dog causes even if the dog had never shown aggression before. Common defences are provocation and trespassing.
What it covers: Damage to either the body or property of any person
Where: Presumably any place
Defences: Provocation, trespass, and victim age: At the time such damage was sustained, person was: committing a trespass or other tort teasing, tormenting or abusing such dog If injured person was a minor under 7 at time of damage, it shall be presumed that such minor was not committing a trespass or other tort, or teasing, tormenting or abusing such dog; burden of proof shall be upon the defendant in…
Yes. Massachusetts lets a court include pets in a domestic-violence protective order (since 2012) — for example by giving the petitioner care of the animal and ordering the abuser not to harm or take it.
This Massachusetts law, effective October of 2012, allows the court to order the possession, care and control of any domesticated animal owned, possessed, leased, kept or held by either party or a minor child residing in the household to the plaintiff or petitioner in a no contact or restraining order. The court may order the defendant to refrain from abusing, threatening, taking, interfering with, transferring, encumbering, concealing, harming or otherwise disposing of such animal.
Massachusetts has no statewide ban on pet stores selling dogs and cats. Some cities and counties have their own bans — check locally before buying from a store, and ask where the puppy came from.
Yes. Dogs entering Massachusetts need a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (health certificate) from a vet. Dogs over 6 months of age must be vaccinated against rabies within 12 months of importation.
As summarised by the AKC (March 2023) — confirm with the state veterinarian before you travel:
Official Health Certificate required.
OHC must state animals are healthy, free of symptoms of infectious or transmissible disease and internal and/or external parasites and exposure to any infectious, contagious disease, and internal or external parasites.
Dogs over 6 months of age must be vaccinated against rabies within 12 months of importation.
Any dogs that enter into Massachusetts shall be segregated and placed under quarantine for a 90- day period or may be released by order of the Director.
Dogs and cats imported for exhibition purposes are exempt from OHC requirement.
Massachusetts has no general statewide leash law, but dogs must be on a chain or leash in public highway rest areas, and a city or town may order all dogs restrained. Day-to-day leash rules are local.
At the start of a tenancy a Massachusetts landlord may collect only first month's rent, last month's rent, a security deposit of no more than one month's rent and the cost of a new lock — so a separate pet deposit is not allowed.
