Show All Answers

1. How do I know if my neighbor is abusing their animal?

If you believe an animal is being abused, there are a few simple steps you can take in order to help.

- You can call us at 508-659-1290 or e-mail us a complaint
- Call the Animal Rescue League of Boston Law Enforcement Department at 617-426-9170, ext. 110
- Call the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals at 800-628-5808

2. How do I know if the animal is being abused?

Mass General Laws provide for the basic necessities of an animal. Food water, and shelter are among the most common concerns, as well as actual physical abuse.

3. What do I need to know to make a complaint?

Document information such as time of the incident, person committing the act (description of person, if identity is unknown) exact location (such as proper address of where the animal lives or license plate of vehicle being driven) and as much information about the animal being abused (breed, color, size, where it is kept).

If the life of an animal is in immediate danger contact the local police at once Bridgewater Police 508-697-6118.

Show All Answers

1. Every time I call the office I get a voice mail. Why isn't anyone at the office?

The Bridgewater Animal Control Department personnel consists of one part time animal control officer covering the entire Town. If you get the voice mail please leave a detailed message and the ACO that is on will return your call as soon as possible. If the call is for an injured animal, animals in distress, or emergency please call the Bridgewater Police Department at 508-697-6118.

Show All Answers

1. I am thinking of buying a cat. Where can I buy one?

We suggest you adopt your cat from a rescue agency or a shelter where you can save a life.

2. Why should I spay and neuter my cat?

There are just not enough homes each day thousands of cats are put to death in Massachusetts. (let's do some quick math)

- An average number of litters a fertile cat can produce in one year: 3
- Average number of kittens in a litter: 4-6
- In 7 years, 1 female cat and her offspring can theoretically produce 420,000 cats.

3. Is it true that cats aren't happy unless they can go outside to roam and hunt?

Cats like to play, prowl, pounce, and they can do all those activities indoors with you and a few toys without being exposed to predators, disease, traps, poison and traffic. Indoor cats are healthier, happier- and safer and live longer!

4. Do cats need to wear a collar and tags?

An identification tag is a lost cat's ticket home, 2-5% of cats in shelter get claimed by their owner.

5. If I put a collar on my cat will it injure it?

Many cat owners believe a collar can injure a cat, but a breakaway collar lets a cat escape if the collar becomes snagged.

6. I have a stray cat in my yard. What do I do?

Contact your neighbors, it maybe a new cat in the neighborhood or a neighbors cat that just got out.

7. I have contacted my neighbors and the stray is not theirs. Now what do I do?

You may contact your local animal control to help you catch the cat, or contact Habitat for Cats 508- 961-2287 they will work with you on trapping the cat.

Show All Answers

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

Show All Answers

1. Bills

Pay Now

Show All Answers

1. Who are the Board of Assessors?

The Board of Assessors consists of three elected officers who serve staggered terms of 3 years each. The Board is assisted by an Assistant Assessor that handle the daily business matters and execute the decisions of the Board.

2. When are where does the board meet?

The Board holds its regular meeting in the Assessors Office located on the 1st floor of the Town Hall 66 Central Square.

3. What are the assessor's responsibilities?

- Classify and determine "full and fair cash value" of all real and personal property according to Massachusetts General Law (Chapter 59).
- Review and act upon all real and personal property abatement applications.
- Process all motor vehicle abatement requests.
- Review and process all Statutory Exemption applications.
- Review all applications for accuracy regarding tax incentives for land used for recreational, forestry or agricultural purposes.
- According to Department of Revenue mass appraisal standards, implement a revaluation of the Town's real and personal property, every three years. Assessors are responsible for appraisal and assessment of all residential, commercial, and personal property in the community. Property is appraised at 100% of its fair market value.

The Assessors must discover and list all taxable property, maintaining accurate ownership and property information. As such, records indicating changes in ownership, deed transfers, and property improvements are sought from a variety of sources including the Plymouth County Registry of Deeds and the town's Building and Inspectional Services Departments. The motor vehicle excise tax program is also administered by the Assessors Department.

4. Why is the previous owner's name (seller) on the bill when I am the new owner?

Under the statutory guidelines of M.G.L. Chapter 59, tax bills for real and personal property must be printed with name of the owner of record as of January 1 of the year preceding the fiscal year. For example: The property owner as of January 1, 2004 will be listed as the owner for the fiscal year 2005. (Fiscal year 2005 covers the period July 1, 2004 to June 30, 2005). Tax bills are forwarded twice per fiscal year. To learn more about tax bills read

M.G.L. Chapter 59.

5. How can I reduce my tax bill?

A tax bill can be reduced if an exemption is granted or if the assessed value is abated.

A tax exemption is a discharge from the obligation to pay all or part of a real estate tax. State law determines exemption amounts and eligibility requirements. In addition, the Massachusetts General Laws contains several statues which provide for personal exemptions from real property tax bills. Exemptions are available for certain disabled veterans, the blind, disabled persons, qualifying elderly, indigent individuals, and the spouse or minor children of police or fire fighters killed in the line of duty. Additional restrictions and eligibility requirements may be applicable. All taxpayers are encouraged to contact the Assessors Department for clarification or assistance.

An abatement may be issued if you believe there are factual errors in the data pertaining to your property, or you believe that comparable sale properties are assessed substantially less (ten percent) than your property. A taxpayer can only seek an abatement from the time the first bills are mailed in November, until these bills are due to be paid ( or 30 days from the date of issue).

6. How are property taxes calculated?

Total property valuation is divided by 1,000. It is then multiplied by the current tax rate.

Show All Answers

1. My neighbors dog constantly barks and is a nuisance to our neighborhood. What can we do?

A barking dog complaint is one of the most time consuming and intense investigations Animal Control does. It takes time and help from the complainant to end this problem, some complaints take 1 week to sometimes 6 months every complaint is different in some way.

2. How could I make a complaint?

You could either call our office 508-659-1290 or e-mail your compliant to us the more information you give us the better we will be able to handle this complaint.

3. Will you have to tell the dog owner who reported the complaint?

No! It's against the law to divulge the name of the complainant it's very important to us to know the complainant, at times it helps to speed up the process.

4. Who do I call if my neighbor's dog is barking after hours ?

You can call the Bridgewater Police at 508-697-6118 at put your complaint that your neighbor at (address) dog is being a nuisance and won't stop barking. They will send the area car to investigate and then inform the Animal Control Department of the findings. We will then further investigate your complaint.

5. Is there a fine or a law against a barking dog?

Yes! Well it's not only a barking dog Mass General Law's state that a nuisance by reason of excessive barking or other disturbance maybe considered a nuisance.

Show All Answers

1. A wild animal bit my animal. What do I need to do?

Take your pet to a veterinarian within 24 hours. If the attacker is at risk for rabies, for example, a raccoon, skunk, woodchuck, fox, or bat, handle your pet with gloves and wash any area, which may have saliva from the attacker on it.

2. What should I do to protect my animal from wild life?

To prevent your pet from being bitten by another animal, keep pets under control at all times and in the house at night.

3. How could I keep my child safe from being bitten?

You can prevent children from being bitten by:

- Keeping children away from dogs or cats that are eating
- Keeping children away from strange and stray animals
- Keeping them away from sick or injured animals
- Not allowing children to take a toy or ball from an animal that is playing with it

4. If I am bitten what do I need to do?

You should seek medical attention immediately. Animal bites should be taken care of immediately due to infection and possible treat to rabies.

5. How do I avoid being bitten?

Points to Remember

- Never go into someone else's yard to pat a dog.
- Never try to pat a dog that is chained up.
- Don't reach through a car window to pat a dog.
- Even if the dog is one that you know and who likes you, he may not recognize you. So stay away unless you have the owner's permission.

The Safe Way to Meet a Strange Dog:

- Stand quietly with your arms at your sides.
- Do not shout at the dog.
- Do not wave your arms, grab at the dog or run away.
- If a dog looks frightened or angry, leave it alone.
- Do not look straight into the dog's eyes.

Show All Answers

1. How do I obtain a birth, death, or marriage certificate?

Certified copies are $10 each and can be obtained over the counter or by mail with a self-addressed stamped envelope and the following information: state name (s) and dates (s) and send to: Town Clerk
Town Hall
64 Central Square
Bridgewater, MA 02324

Checks should be made payable to: Town of Bridgewater

2. How can I reduce my tax bill?

A tax bill can be reduced if an exemption is granted or if the assessed value is abated.

A tax exemption is a discharge from the obligation to pay all or part of a real estate tax. State law determines exemption amounts and eligibility requirements. In addition, the Massachusetts General Laws contains several statues which provide for personal exemptions from real property tax bills. Exemptions are available for certain disabled veterans, the blind, disabled persons, qualifying elderly, indigent individuals, and the spouse or minor children of police or fire fighters killed in the line of duty. Additional restrictions and eligibility requirements may be applicable. All taxpayers are encouraged to contact the Assessors Department for clarification or assistance.

An abatement may be issued if you believe there are factual errors in the data pertaining to your property, or you believe that comparable sale properties are assessed substantially less (ten percent) than your property. A taxpayer can only seek an abatement from the time the first bills are mailed in November, until these bills are due to be paid (or 30 days from the date of issue).

3. Who are the Board of Assessors?

The Board of Assessors consists of three elected officers who serve staggered terms of 3 years each. The Board is assisted by an Assistant Assessor that handle the daily business matters and execute the decisions of the Board.

4. What are the hours of the Bridgewater Animal Control Officer?

Our Animal Control Officer works from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Monday - Fridays. Please call 508-659-1290 leave a detailed message and the ACO will get back to you as soon as possible.

5. Where do I find forms for package store licenses?

Visit the ABCC Website.

Show All Answers

1. Do ferrets get along with other animals?

While ferrets get along great with cats and dogs under supervision - they can do serious harm to birds, rabbits, and other small pets.

2. Do ferrets need to be vaccinated for rabies?

Yes they do, same as dogs and cats.

Show All Answers

1. When does the year end report post to the website?

the year end report will be uploaded to the website some time in December.

Show All Answers

1. What is AutoPay?

AutoPay is a convenient option in which bills will be paid automatically each billing cycle on their due dates using your default credit card or bank account. This will avoid any late fees and free you from having to remember when to pay. Login to your account and click on AutoPay to enroll.

2. Can I cancel AutoPay?

Yes, simply login to your account and click on AutoPay. Next select Edit, change the status to “No, I do not want AutoPay” and save. To modify, go into your profile and uncheck the AutoPay box that you had previously checked when you elected to opt in.

3. I’m signed up for AutoPay but do not see anything showing under “Upcoming Scheduled Payments.”

The AutoPay date will not appear on the home page under Upcoming Scheduled Payments. However, when on the Scheduled Payments page, AutoPay will show.

4. Can I set up a payment plan?

Yes, you can make installment payments on bills by using a simple self-service selection called FlexPay. You decide the number of payments, the plan start and end dates and the payment method, either credit card or e-check. Note that each payment will incur a convenience fee.

Once your FlexPay schedule is made, you will receive an email confirmation of the schedule and then individual email reminders will be sent prior to each payment being made. You may cancel a FlexPay schedule at any time during the payment period, however, only future payments will be cancelled.

5. How do I set up a payment plan?

Login to your account, click on Pay my Invoices and select the invoice to pay. Click on Pay Selected and on the next screen, select the option to Pay with FlexPay and click on Proceed to Checkout. Add or select your payment method and Continue. Select the dates for the first and last payment and the number of payments and click on Create Schedule. Review your information and click on Schedule Payments.

6. What are scheduled payments?

Scheduled payments are individual payments that are scheduled for a specific date prior to the bill due date. Scheduled payments can be changed if it is before the date scheduled.

7. What is the difference between AutoPay and a scheduled payment?

AutoPay is an automated process which pays your balance in full each billing cycle on the due date. Scheduled payments are manually entered by you for the date you choose.

8. What if I already have AutoPay set up with my bank?

You will want to contact your bank and cancel your automated bank draft before the payment is due and then you can choose to enroll in AutoPay or Recurring Scheduled Payments, if offered, using a credit/debit card or bank account through our online payment portal.

9. If I sign up to Go Paperless, how will I receive my bills?

You will receive an email notification each time a new bill is ready for you to view and pay. Email notifications go to the email address used when you registered. A courtesy email address may be added if you wish to send notifications to an additional email address.

10. Can I start receiving paper bills again?

Yes, simply login and click on Paperless. Then, select “No” and save your changes.

11. What is Account Linking?

Account Linking means that payers can link multiple accounts and view and pay all open bills with a single transaction. When registering bills under the same email address, payers are given the option to link the related accounts within the service.

Multiple first email notifications scheduled for the same day, including for different bill types, are grouped into one email rather than sent separately. Payment receipts are sent individually. Editing account information such as changing an email or password will go across all linked accounts, however, changing settings such as AutoPay or paperless is only for the accessed account.

Show All Answers

1. What are some of the benefits of receiving my bill electronically?

It is convenient, saves time and allows you to receive bills anywhere at any time. Plus, it helps the environment.

2. What are some of the benefits of paying a bill online?

Paying online with a credit/debit card or electronic check gives you the flexibility to pay how and when desired, and saves you the trouble from writing and mailing a check or driving by our office. In addition, you may choose to store your information for future use.

Show All Answers

1. Who do I contact with questions about my bill or if I’m having trouble using the online system?

Please contact us at (866) 342-9267 and we will do our best to assist you.

2. I accidentally deleted my current email notification, what should I do?

If you are registered, you can login to the online payment portal to view your bill. Or, you can call your biller’s office and ask them to resend the email.

Show All Answers

1. What forms of payment can I use?

You can pay with credit or debit card or you may issue an electronic check from your bank account (checking or savings).

2. What is a service or convenience fee?

A non-refundable fee added to an invoice to cover various administrative costs associated with billing and accepting payment.

3. Which bills can I pay online?

You can pay current Motor Vehicle Excise, Real Estate and Personal Property bills online with InvoiceCloud.

4. Are there fees for paying online?

There is a non-refundable service fee of $.40 per transaction when using an ACH transfer (electronic check) from your checking or savings account and 2.95% per transaction when using a credit/debit card. The service fee will be shown on the payment page before you submit your payment for processing.

5. How will I know that my payment has been accepted?

After you submit your payment, you will see a payment confirmation screen. It will contain your payment confirmation message. It will show an approved number for credit cards or a processed number for electronic check. You will also receive a confirmation email after your transaction is submitted. The email will include your account number, invoice number, amount paid and confirmation message. If your electronic check does not pass through the bank, you will receive an email informing you of the rejected payment.

6. Can I use more than one payment method per transaction?

Yes, if partial payments are accepted, you may use one payment method for part of the transaction and another payment method for other parts of the transaction.

7. How long does it take for online payments to process?

Credit card transactions are authorized immediately and typically take 48 hours to settle. ACH transactions typically take 48 – 72 hours to settle.

8. Can I tell if my payment has been posted?

Yes, simply login to your account and select “View paid or closed invoices”.

9. How long will my payment history be maintained?

24 months is the standard retention period.

10. Will I be able to print a copy of my bill?

Yes, each invoice is presented in PDF and HTML format. Electronic storage is recommended because it saves paper and has a beneficial impact on our environment, but you can choose to print your bill.

11. How do I change my account information?

Simply log into your account and change any of your personal information under the My Profile tab. If you are unable to change some of your information, you may need to call the biller and have them change it for you.

Show All Answers

1. Is my information secure?

Invoice Cloud uses the highest standards in Internet security. Account information displayed within the customer and biller portals is truncated to protect confidential data. Any information retained is not shared with third parties.

2. Is my credit card and checking account information safe when I pay online?

Absolutely. Invoice Cloud will safely store your financial information using Payment Card Industry (PCI) Compliant systems. This includes truncating (abbreviating) account numbers so that even the biller does not see your complete account information.

3. What is PCI Compliance and why is it so important?

PCI stands for Payment Card Industry, and compliance with the industry standards is a requirement for those that accept the major credit cards and for software providers who have applications which involve the transmission and/or storage of credit card information.

Show All Answers

1. Do I have to enter an email address to make a payment?

Yes, an email address is required so the payment confirmation can be delivered via email.

2. What if I can’t locate my bill?

If your bill is not showing, please double check that the right information was entered in the search criteria. For example, an exact match may be required.

3. When I try to pay my bill, it asks for credit card information and I want to pay by electronic check.

Under “How would you like to pay” click on the drop-down box and choose EFT Check.

4. Will I receive a confirmation email that my bill has been paid?

Yes, you will receive a confirmation email.

5. How Do I Register?

Registering is easy and can be done when you make a payment. There are two ways you can make a payment:

When you receive an email notification that your bill is ready to paid, simply click on the “View Invoice or Pay Now” button. You will be directed to Town of Bridgewater’s “Online Bill Pay” site, powered by Invoice Cloud. Once there, you will be given the opportunity to register or make a One Time Payment. If you choose to register, you will be asked to provide a password and accept the terms and conditions to use the system. The payment information you enter in your profile will then be securely encrypted and saved for your next visit.

You can go directly to the www.bridgewaterma.org and click on the “Make a Payment” button. Select What bill you want to pay, You will then be directed to the Town of Bridgewater’s “Online Bill Pay ” site, powered by Invoice Cloud. Once there, you will need to locate your account and be given the opportunity to register or make a one time payment. If you choose to register, you will be asked to provide a password and accept the terms and conditions to use the system. The payment information you enter in your profile will then be securely encrypted and saved for your next visit.

6. Do I need to register to pay a bill?

No, registration is not required for One Time Payments. However, by registering you’ll be able to view prior history, set up automatic payments and store payment information, if desired.

7. I forgot my Password, how do I access my account?

Click on “Forgotten Password?” at the bottom of the login screen. You will need your account number and email address to retrieve your password. If you’re unable to locate this information, you may call the Biller, and after verifying your identity, the Biller can assist.

Show All Answers

1. What is rabies?

Rabies is a viral disease of the central nervous system that is almost always fatal.

2. How is rabies spread?

The rabies virus can lives in the saliva (spit) and other body fluids of infected animals and is spread when they bite or scratch. The virus can also be spread if one of these body fluids touches broken skin or a mucous membrane.

3. How can I tell if an animal is rabid?

Rabid animals often behave strangely after the virus attacks their brains. Rabid animals may attack people or other animals for no real reason, or they may lose their fear of people and seem to be unnaturally friendly. Not all rabid animals act this way, however, so you should avoid all wild animals, especially bats, skunks, foxes and raccoons. Also, you should not feed or touch stray cats and dogs.

4. What should you do if you think you have been exposed to rabies?

If you have been bitten or scratched by a stray or wild animal, or by a pet or farm animal that has been behaving oddly, follow these steps:

- Wash the wound with soap and water right away for at least five minutes.
- Call your local Board of Health and your doctor, nurse or health center as soon as you finish washing. They will help you decide if you need to be treated for rabies. Follow their instructions to the letter.
- Contact your local animal control officer to catch or find the animal that scratched or bit you. Your local board of health can tell you how to get it tested by the State Rabies Lab.
- If your pet has been bitten or scratched by an animal you think might be rabid, wear gloves to touch it. Follow the steps above but call your pet's veterinarian instead of your own doctor in step 2.

5. How can you prevent rabies?

- Avoid wild animals, especially bats, skunks, foxes and raccoons. Do not feed or pet strays. Avoid any animal -wild, farm or pet - that you do not know. Report any animal that behaves oddly to your local animal control official.
- Make sure that your pets are inoculated against rabies and that their shots are up to date. BY LAW ALL DOGS AND CATS MUST BE VACCINATED AGAINST RABIES.
- Feed pets indoors and keeps them indoors at night. If they are outside during the day, keep them on a leash or fenced in so they cannot wander. Even vaccinated pets can get rabies. Pets allowed to roam freely are more likely to get rabies and bring it into your home.
- Fasten trashcan lids tightly. Garbage attracts animals (like skunks, raccoons and strays) looking for an easy meal.
- Teach your children to avoid wildlife, strays and all other animals they don't know well. Do not let your children roam freely in areas where wild animals live.
- It is against state law to keep wild animals such as skunks, or raccoons as pets. There are no rabies vaccines for most wild species.
- Cap your chimney with screens and block openings in attics, cellars and porches to keep wild animals like bats and raccoons out of your home.
- If you have bats in your house, talk to a professional about bat proofing your home.
- Do not handle dead, sick or injured wild animals yourself: call the police or animal control officer. If you must handle the animal, use heavy gloves, sticks or other tools to avoid direct contact.
- Animal Control Officers, veterinarians and their assistants, and others who have a lot of contact with strays or wildlife should think about getting routine rabies vaccinations to protect themselves before they are exposed to the virus.
- Your doctor, nurse, or health center
- Your local Board of Health Listed in the phone directory under local government.
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health Division of Epidemiology 617-522-3700, ext. 420 or ext. 425.

Show All Answers

1. What is the cost of a Municipal Lien Certificate?

The Municipal Lien Certificate cost is $50 per parcel.

2. Why can't I find my bill online when trying to pay online?

If it is after the due date that is on the bill it may not be available to pay online.

Show All Answers

1. Why should I spay my dog?

Spaying helps dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives. Spaying eliminates the possibility of uterine or ovarian cancer and greatly reduces the incidence of breast cancer, particularly when your pet is spayed before her first estrous cycle.

2. What is the average number of litters a fertile dog can produce in one year?

A dog can produce 2 litters per year.

- Average number of puppies in a canine litter: 6-10 puppies
- In 6 years, one female dog and her offspring can theoretically produce 67,000 dogs.

Some Estimates

- Number of animals entering shelters each year: 6-8 million
- Number of animals euthanized by shelters each year: 3-4 million
- Number of animals adopted from shelters each year: 3-4 million
- Number of cats and dogs reclaimed by owners from shelters each year: Between 600,000 and 750,000 -- 30% of dogs and 2-5% of cats entering shelters.

3. Why should I neuter my dog?

Neutering eliminates testicular cancer and decreases the incidence of prostate cancer. Neutering makes pets less likely to roam the neighborhood, run away, or get into fights and cause neighborhood nuisances.

4. Is there any help for spaying and neutering my animal?

Yes, There are a lot of veterinary hospitals that offer low cost programs you could also contact some low cost clinics to seek their programs.

Show All Answers

1. How do I obtain a birth, death, or marriage certificate?

Certified copies are $10 each and can be obtained over the counter (Cash or Check payment) or by mail with a self-addressed stamped envelope and the following information: state name (s) and dates (s) and send to: Town Clerk,  Academy Building, 66 Central Square, Bridgewater, MA 02324

Checks should be made payable to: Town of Bridgewater

To order online and have the certificate mailed to you please click here  https://www.bridgewaterma.org/310/Online-Payment-Center

Please be sure to verify that the record is on file with the Town of Bridgewater before ordering.

2. How do I register to vote?

You can register in person at the Town Clerk's Office, by mail or online. You will receive confirmation by mail that your registration was received.
Click To Register online or download Mail In Form

3. Where do I vote?

All voting is conducted at the Bridgewater Middle School

166 Mount Prospect Street

Bridgewater, MA 02324

There are 9 precincts in the Town of Bridgewater. The Annual Town Election is held the last Saturday, preceding the last Monday in April every year.

Check your Voting Status and Precinct here

4. How do I apply for a marriage license?

 

The fee to file is $30. Both parties must appear in person together to file the marriage intention. Both parties must bring in a valid form of identification. There is a 3 day waiting period from the date you file your intention before the license can be issued to you. The license is only good for 60 days from the date you file your intention.

5. How do I obtain a Business Certificate?

See Link Below to the Business (D.B.A.) page

Click here for the Business Certificate page

Show All Answers

1. If I am in my yard and a strange dog walks past my house, can I go and pat him?

No, the only time you should pat a dog you don't know is if you have permission. So, if a person and a dog are walking past your house and you want to pat the dog, ask permission.

2. What do I do if an unfriendly dog approaches me?

Do not run, scream or talk. Just stand still and be quiet. Don't look directly at the dog, even if he comes up to sniff you. You can look at his tail or his foot, but don't look into his eyes. In dog language, that is a threat. Remember; quiet, still, no staring. Most likely the dog will lose interest once he looks you over. Then you can slowly move away.

3. How do I approach a dog?

Walk up to the dog from the side, not the back or directly in front.

Hold out your knuckle and let him sniff your hand, this method keeps your fingers protected. That's how dogs tell who you are by sniffing. Pat him under his chin or on the side. Never pat a dog by coming down over the top of his head or the back of his neck because it is threatening. Practice by patting your pet dog correctly.

4. What do I do if I fall down?

Remember: quiet, still, no staring. If you are down and the dogs seems to want to bite you, slowly curl into a ball and fold your hands behind your neck.

Show All Answers

1. I have problems with wildlife. What are my choices? Can I capture it?

Massachusetts's law prohibits capturing a wild animal and releasing it in another area. You can contact a (PAC AGENT) Problem Animal Control Agent who may assist you with the problem their number is in the phone book.

2. Is there any information on line that I could turn to?

The MSPCA has a web cite living with wildlife.org it has some helpful information or you may contact them at 617-522-7400.