Welcome! Check here for updates on lost and found pets, vaccination events & animal safety and care tips. To report an animal control issue 24/7, call 311.

The mission of The City of Somerville Animal Control Department is to balance the health, safety and welfare needs of the people and animals in our City. Through our mission we will educate the public about responsible companion animal ownership, aggressively investigate animal cruelty cases, provide compassion and humane care for unwanted, stray, abused, and abandoned animals in our City, give adoptable animals a second chance at a forever home, and humanely euthanize animals when necessary and appropriate.


The Somerville Animal Control department responds to all calls relating to wild or domestic animals that may be sick, injured or considered dangerous, providing transportation to a veterinarian or to the City kennel as necessary. The department enforces all aspects of the City ordinances and State laws pertaining to animals including the leash, barking, poop scoop ordinances and Mass General Law Cha. 140, S.157, which states that all dogs must be licensed by the City Clerk in the town they reside. Animal Control also investigates complaints of cruelty to animals, as well as any instance involving an animal that may be abandoned or unclaimed.

The Animal Control Officers, acting as the state appointed animal inspectors for the City, oversee the containment of any animal that has bitten a person or another animal. Their duties also include filing mandated bite reports, following through with prosecution as necessary, and organizing the annual Rabies Day program that offers owners the opportunity to have their cat or dog vaccinated.

To report an Animal Control issue in Somerville 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, dial 311, or 617-666-3311.

ACO APRIL TERRIO
ACO RACHEL TAYLOR