Animal Health

The Bureau of Animal Health has the statutory responsibility to license all pet shops. Pet shop inspections are required for licensure and annual re-licensure of all Massachusetts pet shops.

Collaboration with the Department of Public Health and the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife in diligently investigating suspected cases of this serious viral disease.

The Bureau of Animal Health promotes the breeding of thoroughbred and standardbred horses in the Commonwealth and licenses riding instructors, riding schools, and rental stables. The Equine Program ensures the health and safety of the Commonwealth's horses through its hauler/transporter licensing program and its Prevention and Suppression of Equine Infectious Anemia Program. The Bureau also participates in the registration of thoroughbred and standardbred racehorses for the Massachusetts State Racing Commission.

All livestock, horses, poultry, waterfowl and other animals, including cats, dogs and other pets entering Massachusetts from other states must comply with Commonwealth regulations, significantly reducing the possibility of introducing contagious disease to our domestic animal population.

Animals raised in confinement generate considerable waste that can potentially impact surface waters. Find information about permitting requirements and Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans (CNMPs)

Biosecurity is a set of protocols or precautions used to minimize the risk of introducing an infectious disease into an animal population, and to prevent the spread of disease within that population. The protocols and precautions include proper cleaning, disinfection and precautionary methods of ensuring that diseases are not carried from one premise to another.

Licensing of riding instructors and riding schools/stables where hay, sleigh, carriage, pony, and trail rides are for hire and/or where riding instruction is offered; licensing of business selling, dealing, auctioning, or transporting equine animals; registration of equines for the Massachusetts State Racing Commission that promotes the breeding of thoroughbred and standard bred horses in the Commonwealth.

Appointing authority of the Commonwealth's municipal animal inspectors responsible for rabies control, inspection of livestock and poultry, and assistance with domestic animal disease quarantines in the event of an outbreak.

Licensing and inspection of all pet shops ensuring facility compliance.

Investigation of suspicious or positive cases of certain known diseases and foreign animal diseases not yet established in the US; diseases that have serious public health consequences; or diseases that Massachusetts has a keen interest in eradicating.

Registration of shelters and rescue groups who operate within Massachusetts or adopt animals into Massachusetts from other states.

Resources to educate producers and consumers about the benefits of local poultry and poultry products.