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1. My dog stays outside. Does he need anything?

1. A person owning or keeping a dog confined outside in accordance with the Canine Control Enforcement Ordinance shall provide the dog with access to clean water and appropriate dog shelter. The dog shelter shall allow the dog to remain dry and protected from the elements and shall be fully enclosed on at least three sides, roofed and have a solid floor. The entrance to the shelter shall be flexible to allow the dog's entry and exit, and sturdy enough to block entry of weather elements. The shelter shall contain clean bedding and shall be small enough to retain the dog’s body heat and large enough to allow the dog to stand, lie down and turn comfortably. The enclosure shall be structurally sound and in good repair. Suitable drainage shall be provided so that water, ice or waste is not standing in or around the shelter.
2. No person owning or keeping a dog shall leave a dog chained or tethered outside for longer than 24 consecutive hours.

2. My dog stays in the house. Does he need to be vaccinated?

The Massachusetts General Laws state that by the age of 6 months all dogs must be vaccinated.

3. What is the citation for not having a vaccinated dog?

A fine of up to $350 assessed to the owner or person in control of the dog under the following conditions:

1. The dog is unlicensed; and
2. The Police Department, the Health Agent, or the Animal Control Officer responds to a complaint or a stray dog report concerning the animal; and
3. The dog has not received a rabies vaccine pursuant to Section 4.B.1.

4. My dog never leaves my property. Does it need a license?

The Massachusetts General Laws state that all dogs by the age of 3 months must be licensed at their city or town hall.

5. What is the citation for not having a licensed dog?

1. Failure to comply; penalties.

A fine of up to $250 assessed to the owner or person in control of the dog under the following conditions:

1. The dog is unlicensed; and
2. The Police Department, the Health Agent, or the Animal Control Officer responds to a complaint or a stray dog report concerning the animal.

A fine of up to $350 assessed to the owner or person in control of the dog under the following conditions:

1. The dog is unlicensed; and
2. The Police Department, the Health Agent, or the Animal Control Officer responds to a complaint or a stray dog report concerning the animal; and
3. The dog has not received a rabies vaccine pursuant to Section 4.B.1.

6. I work all day and can't get to city hall to license my dog. Is there a way I could get this done?

Yes, you may make an online payment for your dog license by clicking on "Make a Payment" on the Town 's website www.bridgewaterma.org