DPW 1 Franey Road  Somerville, MA 02143
311 (617-666-3311 from outside of Somerville)
Animal Control Officer, April Terrio

The Animal Control department, established under Massachusetts general law chapter 140, sections 136 – 174, responds to all calls relating to wild and domestic animals that may be sick, injured or considered dangerous, providing transportation to the MSPCA or a veterinarian as necessary. The department enforces all aspects of the City ordinance regarding cruelty to animals, as well as any instance involving an animal that may be abandoned or unclaimed. The Animal Control Officer, acting as the state appointed animal inspector for the City, oversees the containment of any unclaimed or dangerous animal while in the custody of the City. His or her duties also include filing mandated bite reports, following through with prosecution as necessary, advertising the City’s animal adoption program, and organizing the annual Rabies Day program that offers owners the chance to have their cat or dog vaccinated.