The Animal Control Unit consists of three Animal Control Officers. The Animal Control Officers are responsible for responding to and investigating all calls involving animals. This includes, but is not limited to, complaints of loose dogs, barking dogs, injured animals, orphaned or sick animals, concerns of animal neglect or cruelty, and animal wellness checks. Animal Control Officers also assist the public with education on animal matters and assist with providing information on Rescue Shelters that can help with the placement of animals.

For any animal problems, please call Lowell Police Communications at (978) 937-3200. For emergency animal issues, which may include, aggressive animals, animal bites, active cruelty or neglect to an animal or loose dogs, please call 911.

Please note that Animal Control does not respond to animal-related calls on private property. The department recommends that property owners reach out to private companies to address issues such as bats or racoons in the house.

Individuals who are considering surrendering their pet(s) should contact an animal rescue organization, such as the Lowell Humane Society, Sweet Paws Rescue, Animal Rescue League of Boston, or MSPCA.

Contact Info:

Lowell Humane Society: 978-452-7781

Sweet Paws Rescue: info@sweetpawsrescue.org

Animal Rescue League of Boston: 617-426-9170

MSPCA: 978-687-7453

Licensing: All dogs over the age of six months are required to be licensed. Residents can obtain a dog license by visiting the City Clerk’s Office with a copy of their dog’s rabies vaccination certificate (City Ordinance 104-2). Dog owners can also visit the City Clerk’s Office website here, obtain a dog license form here and mail in the required information and payment.

Rabies Vaccination: Owners are required to have their cats, dogs, and ferrets vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian. (City Ordinance 104-19 and M.G.L. Ch. 140 Section 145B).

Leashes: Owners are required to have their dog(s) on a leash when in public unless the animal is in an area designated for off-leash activities (e.g. dog park) (City Ordinance 104-6).

Animal Waste: Owners are responsible for removing any animal waste deposited by their dog(s) on his or her property, public walks, recreation areas, or private property (City Ordinance 104.25).

Excessive Barking: Owners shall not allow their dog(s) to bark in the open, outside of any building, repetitively for more than 30 minutes between the hours of 9 PM and 7 AM. Excessive barking by any dog during the hours of 7 AM and 9 PM due to owner neglect, as determined by the Animal Control Officer, shall be subject to fines (City Ordinance 104-29).

Service Animals: Massachusetts service animals include dogs and, on specific occasions, other animals accepted by Massachusetts Commission of Disability.
https://www.mass.gov/commissions-on-disability

Service animals are not the same as emotional support animals or comfort animals. Please refer to the following site for additional information on Massachusetts law about service animals. https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-law-about-service-animals

For any lost or found animals, please contact Lowell Police Communications at 978-937-3200. It is Massachusetts law that any found dog must be reported within forty-eight hours to the Police Department (M.G.L. Chapter 272 Section 85A).

The Lowell Animal Control Unit recommends that pets wear a collar with an identification tag. It is also recommended that all pet owners microchip their cats and dogs. A microchip is a rice sized electronic device that contains a unique identification number. Owners must register the number in order to link it with their contact information. The Animal Control Officer, veterinarians and all animal rescues are required by law to scan each pet that comes into their custody.

Animals that are microchipped are frequently returned to their owners faster due to being easily identified. In the unfortunate event you lose your pet, please contact Lowell Police Communications immediately at 978-937-3200. Owners should be ready to give detailed information with their pet’s description, where the pet was lost, if the pet is microchipped, and their contact information.

Lowell is home to a variety of mammals, fish, and birds. Although these creatures can be fascinating, it is advised that residents do not approach or handle wildlife. This also applies to nocturnal animals, such as raccoons and skunks. Nocturnal animals occasionally come out during the day for food and during mating season. This does not mean they are sick or rabid.

However, if the animal takes aggressive or strange actions against a person, then there is a possibility that the animal might be sick or rabid. Signs of rabies in animals could include a variety of symptoms including fever, excessive drooling, staggering, seizures, and paralysis. Animals infected with rabies may also be sensitive to light and sound. If you encounter an animal that may be sick, please contact Lowell Police Communications (978-937-3200) and stay with the animal until either an Animal Control Officer or Police Officer arrives. For more detailed information regarding wildlife, please refer to the following site https://www.mass.gov/orgs/division-of-fisheries-and-wildlife.

Q: Where can I find low income veterinary care?
A: The MSPCA Nevins Farm and the Lowell Humane Society offer low cost spay/ neuter services, low cost veterinary care including vaccinations and a microchip, free pet food and supplies. Please contact the Lowell Police Communications at 978-937-3200 if you are in need of any assistance with your pet. The Massachusetts Animal Fund offers numerous options for pet owners.

Q: I have information on animals that are being abused. What should I do?
A: If you suspect or know an animal is being neglected or abused please call Lowell Police Communications at 978-937-3200 immediately. If you believe that an animal is suffering and cannot wait please call the non-emergency line (978-937-3200). If you believe that an animal is suffering and cannot wait please call 911.

Q: What should I do if I find injured or orphaned wildlife?
A: Please do not handle any wildlife. The best thing you can do when you find injured or orphaned wildlife is to call Animal Control for assistance. If you need additional assistance, please visit www.mass.gov/ wildlife-rehabilitation for a list of licensed wildlife rehabilitators.