Did you know?....Massachusetts law REQUIRES the following and if violated you will be sited???
1) dogs be licensed with the city
2) dogs must be leashed
3) you must pick up the poop

Animal Control is the body responsible for siting you should you violate any of these laws. They could also site your dog walker while they are care taking your pet.   Following is more information provided by City of Boston

Massachusetts general law, chapter 140, sections 137 and 141 and city ordinances mandate that every dog owner must obtain a license for their pet each year. Proof of rabies vaccination is required to purchase a license and puppies upon reaching six months of age are required to be vaccinated and licensed accordingly. Search (City of Boston) database for information on an existing dog license.

A dog license may be purchased by mail for your convenience. You must complete the dog license application and mail it along with a copy of your dog's rabies vaccination certificate and check for the appropriate fee (you must provide written proof of spay/neuter certificate to receive the discounted rate). Your license will then be mailed to you

License fees:
Unspayed and/or unneutered dogs $17
Requirements: Proof of current rabies vaccination

Spayed and/or neutered dogs $6
Requirements: Proof of current rabies vaccination and proof of spay/neuter.

Pit Bulls & Pit Bull Mixes $50
Requirements: Proof of ownership of home or letter of permission from landlord stating that you are allowed to have a Pit Bull or Pit Bull Mix; photo of your dog no older than 30 days; photo of the owner no older than 30 days old; proof of rabies vaccination; proof of spay/neuter.

Where can you license your dog?
Mail the application and all of the required paperwork along with a check/money order to:

            Boston City Hall
            Animal Control - Room 811
            Boston, MA 02201

Go to the Property Management Department located in City Hall, Room 811 with all the required paperwork, check/money order and the application (if you have cash, they will send you downstairs to the cashier's office).

 Go to the shelter in Roslindale with all the required paperwork and a check/money order (Please, NO CASH).

            City of Boston Animal Shelter
            26 Mahler Rd.
            Roslindale, MA 02131
            Hours: Mon-Sat 8-4pm & Wed until 8pm

Exercise restraint...leash your dog!

An essential rule to be followed by all responsible dog owners:

When your dog is off your property, it must be on a leash. The purpose of Massachusetts general laws, chapter 140, section 173 and city ordinance 16-1.9 is intended to protect people from free roaming dogs.

When not confined to your property either inside the house or in secured fenced yard, your dog must be under control. A responsible dog owner does not allow their pet to be a menace to their neighbors, chasing cars and children, getting into trash, not to mention soiling their neighbor's yards.

While enjoying our city's parks with our pets the same rules apply. We must respect the rights of those with whom we share the city's parks in order to ensure a clean and safe environment.

Dog fouling (that means POOP) and the law

The City of Boston's dog fouling ordinance, section 16-1.10a of the city code, requires dog owners to remove and properly dispose of any feces left by their dogs. This ordinance covers waste left by your dog on sidewalks, streets and parks, and on your neighbor's yards.

When walking your dog, the law necessitates you to be prepared for such occurrences and be equipped with a bag or some other means of feces removal. After it is removed, it is important to dispose of the feces properly, either in a toilet or in a trash container (after being secured in a plastic bag).

These laws are intended to protect the public from potential hazardous health conditions, and prevent environmental pollution caused by dog waste.