Responsible Pet Ownership

RESTRAINT: All dogs must be leashed and controlled, no matter how friendly or obedient the dog is. This law is especially important in our dense community. Leash laws protect our dogs and the public at large from harm.

Over 4 million people are bitten by dogs each year in the United States, and more than 800,000 receive medical attention for dog bites. If you and/or your dog are bitten, always remember to get the individual’s contact information before leaving the scene.

CURB YOUR DOG: Unless permission is specifically granted by a property owner, keep your dog off private property. This includes front lawns!

PICK UP THE POOP! For health and environmental reasons, always remove dog waste immediately. Please dispose of dog waste bags in your own garbage. Never place dog waste in a storm drain. This water is not sent to a treatment facility and is released directly into our waterways.

Please be advised of the following ordinances:

  • All dogs and cats must be licensed with the City through PetData and renewed each year
  • All dogs and cats must be vaccinated against rabies
  • No pet waste may be disposed of in catch basins/storm drains
  • All dogs must be leashed at all times while on a public way
  • Dogs are not allowed on school property, cemeteries, athletic tracks, or playgrounds maintained by the City of Watertown
  • Not more than three dogs over six months of age shall be kept in a household
  • Leashed dogs on marked or paved walking paths at the following parks is allowed:


Watertown Dog Parks

Currently there are two off-leash dog parks available to Watertown residents within the fenced-in area:

Howe Dog Park (Pleasant Street & Bacon Street) Off-leash dogs are allowed in the fenced area only. The open field adjacent to the fenced area is off limits to dogs!

Filippello Park (Grove Street) There is a large fenced area for all dogs and a smaller fenced area for small dogs.

For all Watertown-owned dog park maintenance issues contact Recreation: 617-972-6494 parksrec@watertown-ma.gov

Watertown Dog Park Rules

  • Dogs must display current license at all times
  • Dogs must be leashed when entering and exiting the fenced area
  • Adhere to posted park hours
  • Dogs must never be left unattended and kept in sight at all times
  • Distracted supervision is unacceptable
  • Owners must pick up and dispose of dog poop in proper trash receptacles, INCLUDING "compostable/biodegradable" poop bags
  • Each person is limited to 3 dogs
  • No food or smoking in the park
  • Park use is at your own risk; the City of Watertown is not responsible for injury or damage arising from use of a dog park

o Whitney Hill Park
o Arsenal Park
o Linear Park
o Saltonstall Park

Violators of these rules are subject to fines. Fines start at $50.00 and increase for each subsequent offence up to $300. Each offense is considered a separate offence.

Dog, cat, and wildlife bites must be reported to Animal Control at 617-972-6446