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 tags expire on March 31 no matter when you obtain a License.

Note: A current Cambridge dog license is required to utilize the off-leash areas in Cambridge. All dogs aged six months and older must be licensed.

Here are the requirements for licensing your dog in Cambridge:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. The fees are $10.00 for a spayed female or neutered male and $30.00 for an unspayed female or unneutered male.
5. 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 at 344 Broadway, in the Animal Commission office.
6. If applying in person, be prepared to pay by cash, check, or money order. Credit cards are not accepted. Make checks or money orders payable to the City of Cambridge.

Yes. Rabies vaccines are required by state law and is 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.

No. Cats are not required to be licensed, but the Animal Commission suggests both indoor and outdoor cats wear a safety collar and ID tag.

No. The Animal Commission only rescues sick or injured animals. For a list of licensed nuisance wildlife removal companies, visit this Mass.gov webpage, Problem Animal Control agents.

If any wildlife appears to display sick, injured, or rabid behavior, please call the Cambridge Police Department at 617-349-3300 for animal control radio dispatch.

If you find a dead animal on the street, please contact the Public Works Department at 617-349-4860 for removal. You can also report it online at See Click Fix.

Dead animals found on private property are the responsibility of the property owner.

Wild turkeys can be found near people in suburban and urban areas. Follow these best practices to minimize conflicts and make your property less appealing to turkeys, especially during mating season from late February through early April:

• Don’t let turkeys intimidate you. Don’t hesitate to scare or threaten them with loud noises, an open umbrella, or water sprayed from a hose.
• Protect your gardens by using netting and scaring turkeys away with loud noises or water sprayed from a hose.
• Don't feed the turkeys.
• Keep bird feeder areas clean.
• Cover windows or other shiny/reflective objects. The turkeys have a pecking order and they see the reflection of themselves and believe it is another turkey, especially during mating season late February through early April.
• Educate your neighbors. It requires the efforts of the entire neighborhood to help to keep wild turkeys wild.

Living with Wild Turkeys Fact Sheet

Be Coyote Aware Helpful Tips If you Encounter a Coyote

Coyotes are common throughout North America, including in urban areas, and are regularly observed throughout the City of Cambridge.

Below are some key facts about coyotes and helpful tips if you encounter one:

• Coyotes are members of the dog family; they are curious, adaptable, and learn quickly.
• Coyotes often mate for life, are devoted parents, and are highly communicative (barks, yips, howls).
• Coyotes weigh 18-35 pounds in the West and 30-60 pounds in the East.
• Coyotes may be more protective of dens/ territories during pup rearing (April-Aug).
• Coyotes eat large numbers of rodents and rabbits, as well as fruit, vegetation, insects, and carrion. They help keep ecosystems vital, healthy, and clean.
• Coyotes are naturally wary of people but can habituate to our presence and the reliable food sources that we provide.
• Don't Feed Coyotes. Their life and your safety depend on coyotes remaining wild and naturally wary of people.
• Remove attractants; pick up trash, secure garbage, and feed pets inside. Don’t leave food or pets outside at night.
• Walk dogs on leashes, especially during pup rearing season (April-Aug). Pick up your small dog if you see a coyote and don’t let pets roam.
• If approached, don’t run. Wave arms, make noise, and walk toward the coyote until he retreats. Be “Big, Bad, and Loud.”
• Avoid areas where coyotes may be denning or feeding/hiding pups.
• Appreciate coyotes from a distance. Share this information with family and friends.

For more information visit Project Coyote

Living with Coyotes Fact Sheet

Habituated Coyotes

The presence of a coyote alone is not cause for concern, as coyotes are naturally afraid of people. Help keep coyotes wild by scaring or threatening coyotes in your yard with loud noises, bright lights, or water sprayed from a hose. Coyotes that have become dependent on human-associated food can become habituated and exhibit bold behavior toward people. A habituated coyote:

• Does not run off when harassed or chased.
• Approaches pets on a leash.
• Approaches and follows people.

If there is an immediate threat to human safety or if animals are showing clear signs of rabies, the Environmental Police 1-800-632-8075, Mass Wildlife, and police departments have the authority to respond to and humanely dispatch the animal as outlined in the Code of Massachusetts Regulations (CMR) 2.14 regarding the handling of problem animals.

If possible, Mass Wildlife should first be contacted to authorize the lethal taking of a coyote at 1-508-389-6300 or Mass.Wildlife@mass.gov.