Animal Health & Safety

The Northampton Health Department works with the Animal Control Officer at the Police Department to investigate rabies reports and to make sure that animals are quarantined when necessary.

Permits

• Application for Beaver Removal Permit (PDF)
• Application for Stable License (PDF)

State & Local Regulations

• Massachusetts Beaver Law
• Massachusetts Rabies Control Law
• Northampton Regulations: Animal and Fowl (PDF)

City Ordinances

• City Ordinance, Section 5-18 requires that all dogs be leashed and prohibits them from running free on the property of others without permission.
• City Ordinance, Section 5-22 requires that those who own or control dogs on public property clean up and dispose of any droppings left by their pets.

Additional Resources

• Bats and Rabies
• Bats in your home
• City of Northampton Animal Control Officer
• Pet safety
• West Nile Virus fact sheet