The Animal Control Department, a division of the Police Department, is charged with enforcing all laws relating to animals; educating residents relative to the caring and keeping of animals; and providing for the humane treatment of animals that come into the Town’s custody.
Additional Services
- Temporary housing of residents’ pets when the family is forced out of their homes by fire, floods or other such incidents;
- Spay and release program for feral cats;
- Adoption program for pets.
By-Laws
The Town has established several by-laws pertaining to the keeping of animals. These are found in Chapter 13 of the General Codes.
The Animal Control Officer is responsible for enforcing each of these by-laws.
Violators are served a summons and fines are payable to the Town of Marblehead at the Town Clerk’s Office.
Inspector of Animals
The Inspector of Animals also assures that animals are properly housed and cared for and to make certain that they don’t infringe on the neighborhood.
Records are kept on all horses, dogs, goats and poultry in the Town.
Directions to the Animal Control Office
- Follow Route 1A North along the coastline.
- In Swampscott, follow the signs for Route 129, which becomes Atlantic Avenue.
- Follow Atlantic Avenue to the second set of traffic lights. Take a left (Ocean
Avenue) then right (Pleasant Street). The fire station will be on the left. - Follow Pleasant Street, passing the Veterans Middle School on the left (set on the hill).
- Take the next left (Village Street). The Animal Control Office is the first building on the left
after the bridge.
- From Route 128 take the Route 114 East exit. Route 114 in Marblehead becomes Lafayette
Street and then Pleasant Street. - After entering Marblehead pass through six sets of traffic lights, continuing past the
Veterans Middle School on the left (set on the hill). - Take the next left (Village Street). The Animal Control Office is the first building on the left
after the bridge.
Additional Information
Animal bites should immediately be reported to the Animal Control Officer by calling (781) 631-1212 or by sending an e-mail. Bites should also be reported to the Inspector of Animals at the Health Board.
The Animal Control Officer will attempt to apprehend the animal and the Inspector of Animals will quarantine the animal if required.
Chapter 13 By-Law: Animals
The Town has established several by-laws pertaining to the keeping of animals. These are found in Chapter 13 of the General Codes.
The Animal Control Officer is responsible for enforcing each of these by-laws.
Violator Fines
Violators are served a summons and fines are payable to the Town of Marblehead at the Town Clerk’s Office.
A nonprofit volunteer organization, the Friends of Marblehead Abandoned Animals (FOMAA), has been formed for the purpose of feeding and caring for the abandoned animals housed at the Marblehead Animal Shelter. Fund-raising supports these activities and volunteers are always welcome.
The Inspector of Animals also assures that animals are properly housed and cared for and to make certain that they don’t infringe on the neighborhood.
Records are kept on all horses, dogs, goats and poultry in the Town.
The Animal Control Department publishes a newsletter that is sent upon request. Information is also available at Marblehead Animal Shelter’s website. Sign up for the Animal Shelter Email Newsletter here.
Additional Animal Control Services:
- Temporary housing of residents’ pets when the family is forced out of their homes by fire, floods or other such incidents;
- Spay and release program for feral cats;
- Adoption program for pets.
Additional Animal Control Services:
Licenses, issued by the Town Clerk, are required for all dogs. Dog licenses must be renewed yearly. See the Town Clerk’s Office for more information. Rabies shots must be kept current. Substantial fines are levied for noncompliance. Cats do not need to be licensed but are required to be immunized.
Volunteers are always needed to help with the feeding and caring of abandoned animals housed at the Marblehead Animal Shelter.
Friends of Marblehead Abandoned Animals (FOMAA), a nonprofit organization, was formed for this purpose.
The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife has a website with pertinent information on this topic. Please click here for basic Do’s and Don’ts.