Here are the requirements for licensing your dog in Cambridge:
- Provide proof of Cambridge residency, such as a utility bill dated within the last 30 days, or two pieces of mail with your name and address.
- Present a current rabies vaccination certificate, medical history with the rabies ration date, or a letter from your veterinarian stating that they will not vaccinate your pet for medical reasons. Vaccines are good for 1 to 3 years.
- Show proof of spay or neuter, if not shown before, such as the actual surgery certificate or mention of it on the Rabies/Medical History.
- The fees is $10 for a spayed female or neutered male and $30 for an unspayed female or unneutered male.
- You can apply online, by mail (print and fill out a license application and mail it along with a self-addressed stamped envelope), or in person at the City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway, in the Animal Commission Office.
- If applying in person, be prepared to pay by cash, check, or money order, payable to the City of Cambridge. Credit cards are not accepted.
A dog license is a tag issued by the city that provides the licensing authority with a current rabies vaccination certificate from a licensed veterinarian, which ensures the dog has been vaccinated against rabies. It also serves as a form of identification if your dog gets lost. Your dog's license tag must be attached and displayed on the dog under MGL Ch. 140 Sec. 137.
Cambridge dog licenses are valid from April 1 through March 31 of the following year. All dogs aged six months and older must be licensed.
All Tags Expire on March 31 No Matter When You Obtained a License.
Note: A current Cambridge dog license is required to utilize the off-leash areas in Cambridge.
Yes, rabies vaccines are required by state law and are important for your pet's protection. Even if your cat is kept indoors, it must be vaccinated for rabies. Cats can be exposed to rabies by encountering high-risk carriers such as bats and raccoons.
Cats are not required to be licensed, but the Animal Commission recommends both indoor and outdoor cats wear a safety collar and ID tag.