People love to in Wellesley, as do their pets. At last count, there was about 1 dog for every 10 people in Wellesley, and 1 for every 3 households. And that’s not factoring in all the cats, birds, lizards, rodents, and other critters that make their home in Wellesley homes.
Licenses
All dogs over 6 months old residing in Wellesley must be licensed by the Town Clerk. New licenses are available each year from Jan. 1-March 31, and must be renewed annually to avoid a fine. Wellesley’s dog license fee rose from $20 to $25 this year, and the spay/neutered dog license increased from $12 to $15
Cats and ferrets do not require a license but current rabies vaccinations must be on file with the Animal Control Officer.
Leash Law
Wellesley has a leash law requiring that when a dog is off the property of its owner or keeper, it must be on a leash not exceeding seven (7) feet.
More animal regulations, which are enforced by the town’s animal control officer, a member of the police department.
Parks
Some dog owners wish there was a dedicated park for their pups, but they make do with town parks such as Centennial Reservation (accessible from Oakland Street and Maugus Avenue) and Perrin Park (off Weston Road). Perrin has specific dog use rules. Nearby, Eddie’s Park in Natick on Rte. 135 is a bonafide fenced in dog park.
No dogs are allowed at Morses Pond beach during beach hours.
Many parks and trails in town have doggie waste bag dispensers.
Services
Wellesley has had pet supply stores in the past, but as of 2023 had none. However, there are numerous grooming services and veterinary services in Wellesley and nearby.
Art
Wellesley’s pets are immortalized on an electrical box painting in front of the Wellesley Square post office.
More
- We typically round up a list of the most popular dog names and breeds in Wellesley.
- A dog contest is typically held as part of Wellesley’s Wonderful Weekend activities in May.
