DoodyCalls of Essex County, MA

Essex County Dog Resource Guide

Local Laws & Ordinance and Information for Dog Owners

• Amesbury - Any owner of a dog 6 months or older in the town of Amesbury shall cause that dog to be licensed as required by the Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 140 commencing in April 1st of each year.  Amesbury is a listed in the Dog Friendly City Guide.
• Beverly - The mission of the Beverly Animal Resource Coalition (BARC) is to help you live happily with your dog in a community that welcomes your pet and respects your decision to be a responsible dog owner. We help you keep your dog happy, healthy, clean and safe. This city borders the only dog park on the North Shore.
• Boxford - Dog training.
• Georgetown - Your pet and your health.
• Gloucester - Dog license registration form for new dogs.
• Haverhill - Dog licenses may be obtained in the City Clerk’s office.  Fee is $15 for neutered/spayed dogs and $20 for male/female dogs.
• Newbury - Dog licenses.

Pet-Friendly Beaches on the North Shore

There’s no doubt that dogs love the beach as much as we do, but it’s always a good idea to check with local towns about their beach dog policies before heading out.

• Gloucester - Dogs are allowed on the beaches only in the off-season, before May 1 and after September 15th.
• Ipswich: Crane Beach - Dog walking is permitted October 1 to March 31. Dogs must be on leash at all times and walk only on beachfront below the high tide line.
• Manchester: Singing Beach - Dogs are allowed on the beach only during the off-season, from Oct. 1 through April 30th.
• Newbury/Newburyport: Plum Island - Dogs allowed on beach on lead from October 15 to May 15. Please be aware that the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge does not allowed dog on its premises at all, including in cars.

Area Humane Societies and Animal Shelters

• Cape Ann Animal Aid
  260 Main Street, Gloucester, MA
  978.283.6055
• Melrose Humane Society
  P.O. Box 760668, Melrose, MA
  781.662.3224
• Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society
  171 Bridge Road, Salisbury, MA
  978.462.0760
• MSPCA at Nevins Farm
  400 Broadway, Methuen, MA
  978.687.7453
• Northeast Animal Shelter
  347 Highland Avenue, Salem, MA
  978.745.9888
• North of Boston Animal Rescue
  Peabody, MA
  978.531.9659
• North Shore Feline Rescue
  Middleton, MA
  978.774.4413
• Strays in Need
  29 Ash Street, Danvers, MA
  978.774.1409