Dog Licensing | City of Newton, MA

--website homepage dog license 2021--

State law requires that all dogs over 6 months have a current dog license (MGL Ch. 140 Sec. 137.) Newton residents can apply for or renew their dog’s license here.

Beginning April 1st annually, all dogs six [6] months and older must be licensed. Registration for the annual season begins in March.

*Option 1: License: Spayed & Neutered dogs $20, unfixed $25

*Option 2: Off-Leash: Spayed & Neutered dogs $70, unfixed $75 (License included in fee.)

How to Order a Dog License:

*Kindly note that we are using a NEW website for the 2026-27 cycle and you will be prompted to sign up for a new account and enter information even if you have previously registered your pet. Going forward your information will be saved, and you will receive annual reminders to register your dog in future seasons.

Order On-line:

Register your dog online here (Note: Dog registration must be completed by April 1st, 2026).

If your dog is over 6 months old, you can register them using the above link. You can pay using credit card, by mailing or hand delivering a check, or hand delivering cash. Upon completion of the application, a PDF version of the license will be made available and a physical copy with the dog tag will be mailed to you.

Please note: Proof of current rabies vaccination must be provided. If applying online you will be prompted to upload a copy of a current rabies certificate.

Credit Card and E-Check payments will incur a small service charge. Alternatively, you may hand-deliver or mail a check to the Clerk's office or hand deliver cash to avoid any fees. Checks must note the application number beginning with "DL-".
All checks can be made out to the City of Newton and addressed to the City Clerk.

*Kindly allow processing time for electronic applications*

In-person/By mail:

Due to recent feedback, a paper application will continue to be available for dog registration for the 2026–2027 cycle. A printable version is provided below for your convenience. Completed applications may be mailed with payment, or submitted in person at the Clerk’s Office, where copies are also available.

2026-27 Dog License Application

For additional information, contact City Clerk Staff at the
City Clerk's Office: 617-796-1200

Dog Off-Leash Areas

There are 8 parks in the City of Newton where dogs may roam off-leash accompanied by owner.

Informational Flyer

Locations:

Braceland Playground: Chestnut St. [bottom tier]
* Cabot Park: Newtonville Ave. [corner entrance]
Claflin Playground: Lowell Ave. [gate entrance]
* Hunnewell Park: Grasmere St. [off Hunnewell Ave. parallel to MA Pike]
* McGrath Park: Washington St. [gate entrance]
Newton Centre: Bowen St./Centre St./Homer St./Tyler Ter. [entrance]
Old Cold Spring Park: Beacon St. [entrance and follow trail]
*Walker Park: Washington Street

*= Fully Fenced In

Rules:

Keep your dog leashed prior to entering and upon exiting the park
Dogs may not be left unattended, they will be impounded
Immediately remove and properly dispose of your dog's waste
Owner must have collar with current license tag at all times
Dogwalker must have Newton Commercial Dogwalker Permit
Dogwalker clients must have off-leash license from Newton
Dogs must be at least six [6] months old to be allowed off-leash
Unspayed dogs are not allowed at parks when in heat

For more info, contact the Parks & Rec Department at 617.796.1500.

Pet Safety in an Emergency

Newton cares about your pet. Be prepared in case of an emergency. Keep a file handy with:

A photo of your pet (with you in the photo)
Current Rabies Certificate
Current Printed Doc License

The Newton Massachusetts Animal Response Team [NMART] will operate shelters for pets in case of large scale emergencies or disasters.

For more info, contact the Animal Control Office at 617-796-2109.

Properly Dispose Of Pet Waste...It's The Law!

Pets have a special way of winning our hearts and offering invaluable companionship.

It's important to pick up after your dog during walks or in public areas. Leaving pet waste behind is not just unpleasant to look at; it's also laden with bacteria and pathogens detrimental to human health and our water systems. When it rains, or as snow melts, this waste gets washed away into natural water bodies such as Crystal Lake and the Charles River, among others. By responsibly disposing of your pet's waste, you're contributing to the cleanliness and well-being of Newton. Let's all do our part!