Off-Leash Dog Regulations Reminders

Off-leash hours are between 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. and dogs are to be kept off baseball diamonds at all times. Dogs can easily damage these playing fields.

Please be advised that any resident with a dog that is off leash in an unapproved location and/or time can be cited. Citations are also given for failing to clean up after your dog. For failing to do so, there is a $75 fine for the first offense with increased fines for subsequent offenses. A list of these fines may be viewed at arlingtonma.gov/animalcontrol.

Dog License Information (apply and pay online)

Dog License Application (fillable PDF to print and mail/email)

Download the Dog License Application

Descargue la solicitud de licencia para perros

下载阿灵顿狗应用程序

Off-Leash Dog Guidelines

In the Spring of 2010, Arlington Town Meeting approved a by-law amendment for limited off-leash hours in the morning at select Arlington parks (Article 36). The Recreation Department and Park and Recreation Commission have developed rules and regulations for where and when off-leash dog activity is allowed and is included in the Off-leash Dogs Guidelines.

A list of all Arlington parks and fields can be found here.

Thorndike Field Dog Off-Leash Recreation Area (OLRA)

Users of the Thorndike OLRA facility do so at their own risk. The Town of Arlington, Arlington Recreation Department and Arlington Park & Recreation Commission are not liable for any injury or damage caused by any dog in the OLRA. With the opening of the Thorndike OLRA the Park Commission has eliminated off-leash hours at Magnolia Park and Thorndike Field from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. Read OLRA rules and regulations here.

When Parks are Closed, Off-leash Activity is Suspended

Please Note: Off-leash dog activity is suspended when parks and fields are closed due to weather conditions or special events. To be alerted via email of when parks and fields are closed (the OLRA is exempt), subscribe to the Field Conditions Notification email list at arlingtonma.gov/subscriber. Emails are sent when Field status changes. Check Field Status anytime here. Generally fields are closed when rain is heavy, if unsure, keep your dog on-leash.

Save up to 28% on Pet Prescriptions

If your veterinarian is writing prescriptions for your pet, not covered by insurance, talk to one of our participating pharmacies to see if your pet's prescription qualifies for a discount through the Free Prescription Drug Card offered by the Town of Arlington and the National League of Cities (NLC). Not only for pets, the card can offer significant discounts on prescriptions not covered by insurance. For program details visit arlingtonma.gov/prescriptioncards.

Additional Information

Managing Pet Waste and Stormwater 

2012 Changes to Dog Laws (Chapter 193) [PDF]
Memo by Town Counsel summarizing recent changes to state animal-control laws (posted Dec. 1, 2012).