Licenses
The city requires that all dogs be licensed annually. Although cats must receive required rabies vaccination they need not be licensed. Licenses must be renewed April 1st of each year. To obtain a dog license please contact the City Clerk's office, Lynn City Hall, Room 201.
City Leash Law
No owner or keeper of any dog shall permit such dog to run at large at any time. Dogs shall be restrained by being kept indoors or in a yard sufficiently and safely enclosed or on a leash. Dogs are not allowed in Pine Grove Cemetery. There is no leash law for cats in the City of Lynn.
City Dog Park
The "Barkland Avenue Dog Park" is located on Parkland Avenue, near the intersection with Richardson Road. All dogs using the park must display a valid dog tag, proof of vaccination and city dog license and must be accompanied by a handler over 18 years old. Children under age 10 are prohibited. Food, whether for human or canine consumption, smoking and alcohol are prohibited within the park.
Keeping Animals Within City Limits
One must obtain a permit from the Inspectional Division to keep fowl (chickens, hens or pigeons), guinea pigs, rabbits, minks, or ferrets within city limits. Additional regulations and limits apply. For more information, please contact Lisa Tobin, City Sanitarian, at (781) 598-4000.
Service Animals
The American With Disabilities Act (ADA) recognizes dogs trained to perform work/tasks for persons with disabilities as service animals which must be permitted to accompany persons with disabilities into all areas of state and local government buildings, public accommodations and commercial facilities that are open to the public.
- Staff may not inquire about the nature of an individual's disability, require medical documentation or proof of training/certification of the animal.
- Allergies and fear of dogs are not valid reasons for denying access or service.
- Service animals must be permitted in public areas of food establishments even if state or local health codes otherwise prohibit animals.
- Persons with service dogs may not be isolated or treated less favorably than other patrons, or charged fees not assessed patrons without animals. If patrons with pets are charged an additional deposit or fee, such fee may not be charged in the case of a service animal.