Department Details
THOMAS DECHELLIS
Director of Animal Control
Phone
Address
446 Court Street, Brockton, MA 02301
Office Hours
7 AM to 11 PM Daily; 7 to 11 AM Holidays
Animal Control
The Animal Control Department's primary mission is to:
- Protect the safety of the public and animals.
- Ensure compliance with city, state and federal laws governing animals.
- Educate and promote responsible pet ownership.
- Provide temporary housing and care of animals.
- Reunite missing pets with owners and re-home unclaimed animals.
The Department is a 24 hour, 7 days a week operation. Open daily from 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. and holidays from 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Staffed by eight full-time employees; the Director, six Animal Control Officers and one Kennel Attendant. After regular operational hours, an Animal Control Officer is 'On Call' to respond to emergency situations. The Department of Animal Control falls under the 'umbrella' of the Police Department.
PLEASE NOTE: Dogs are licensed by the Elections Commission
A license is active from May 1st to April 30th of the following year.
Services
Animal Shelter
In addition to responding to 'calls for service,' the department operates its own shelter. The facility can house up to sixteen dogs and six cats. The staff responds and deals with an average of 8,500 calls per year and impounds approximately 350 animals.
Most animals are claimed by their owners within 1-3 days. Those unclaimed are behaviorally evaluated by staff members and if found to be adoptable (not aggressive or having severe medical issues), are placed for adoption or transferred to other animal rescue organizations.
Domestic Animals
Domestic animal calls usually involve dogs. The complaints range from animal waste and leash law violations to excessive barking, dog bites, sick or injured strays and animal cruelty.
Issues involving cats (both domestic and feral) are increasing every day. Although the law doesn't address cat issues to the same degree as dogs, we respond to the following problems: cats (stray or feral) that are sick or injured, aggressive cats, cat bites and animal cruelty.
Wildlife
While Animal Control primarily responds to domestic animal issues, we also handle a limited number of wildlife problems. The department only responds to wildlife situations when the animal is sick, injured, deceased (on a public way) or posing an immediate threat to public safety. Under state law, Animal Control Officers are prohibited from trapping and removing nuisance animals from private property.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I do with a stray dog?
Residents are advised not to take in stray dogs because the dog’s medical history and temperament are unknown. If you find a stray dog, state law requires you to contact the Police or Animal Control within forty-eight hours of possession.
Does Animal Control house stray dogs?
Yes, the Animal Control Department maintains its own facility. Under City Ordinance, impounded animals are held for a minimum of ten days unless claimed by the owner.
Does Animal Control adopt unclaimed animals?
Yes, adoptable animals are adopted out or transferred to other state approved shelters or rescue groups.
Where do I license my dog?
The Elections Commission office issues dog licenses. Licenses are due annually; license period is May 1st through April 30th. A valid license and rabies tag must be worn by the animal at all times.
Is there a leash law in Brockton?
Yes, whenever the animal is off the owner or keeper’s premises, the dog needs to be under restraint as defined in Chapter 3, Brockton, MA Code of Ordinances.
Does Brockton have an animal waste ordinance?
Yes, the owner or keeper of a dog is responsible to pick up the animal's feces from public or private property of others.
Does Animal Control pick up stray or feral cats?
No, feral or free-roaming cats are not subject to the leash law.
Does Animal Control dispose of dead animals?
Animal Control Officers only remove deceased animals from public ways.
Will Animal Control remove a wild animal from my property?
Animal Control Officers are only allowed to remove wildlife from private property if the animal is found to be sick, injured or posing an immediate threat to public safety. If it is a nuisance situation, you can hire a pest control service or exterminator to deal with the issue. Residents are also allowed to use humane methods to remedy the problem.
Follow us on Facebook
This dog was recently seen in Brockton on the Perkins Ave and also Clifton Ave area. If seen, please do not chase or attempt to catch. Contact Animal Control or mass missing dogs right away, 508-580-7835UPDATE 1/24: Mogwai is still out there. There was a potential sighting Tuesday evening on 106 near the train tracks. A bystander thought they saw a younger white woman in a light silver Camery traveling with a male companion, attempting to secure a dog that resembled Mogwai around 7:00pm. If it was him then we are looking to speak with the individuals in the Camry. Has a family member, friend or neighbor got a new dog within the past few days? Do you work at an animal hospital and a dog resembling this sweet boy has come in for treatment? If so please call the number on the flyer. You can remain anonymous. * We do not have set proof that he was picked up by anyone, but we are covering all bases.*
We are asking that anyone who lives in neighborhoods off of 106, the Mattfield Street, Union Street and Plain Street area please review any outdoor security footage from Tuesday and going forward. If you think you pick something up please reach out to one of the numbers on the flyer directly.
MISSING DOG Male, Australian Shepherd, #WestBridgewater, MA, 01/MISSING DOG Male, Australian Shepherd, #WestBridgewater, MA, 01/#LOSTDOG18/2025
Mogwai is White & Brown (Blue Eyes), 3 yrs/30 lbs, and is missing from the area of Orchard Dr/Union St. Mogwai is SHY!!!!! DO NOT CALL TO OR CHASE OR TRY TO CATCH or post sightings on social media instead,
Call 774-306-2361/774-340-7301 if you see, or have information about, Mogwai.
Sweet Mogwai has been traveling non-stop since he went missing Saturday night. We are asking that if anyone does see him to contact the number on the flyer immediately with information. Do not post on social media, that has been happening in Good Samaritans have gone to the areas to try to help and all it has done is push him further away. He is in flight mode and he will not go to anyone. If you see him do not approach him or even call out to him. We have equipment on standby and a plan in place, we just need him to feel safe enough to settle down.
There have been some potential sightings in the Union Street area of West Bridgewater as well as the Plain Street area of Brockton. Please check any outdoor security cameras, if you see him or think you see him reach out to the number on the flyer. Thank you!
#missingdogsmassachusetts #missingdogsmass #missingdogsma #LOSTDOG
9 CommentsComment on Facebook
Probably scared and or hiding nearby. Walk neighborhood calling his name and if there is still no trace you can reach out to (Animal Patrol Team ) on Facebook they helped me locate my dog days ago. 👇 👇👇👇 www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61568178089004
Hoping he is caught today!! He's been out in this cold for days 😢
I just got a ring notification this dog my be here
UPDATE Morgan's owners were found.
Do you recognize this little one? She was found this morning on moraine Street. You are missing your dog please contact Brockton Animal Control at 508-580-7835.
18 CommentsComment on Facebook
It’s mine !
Shared and shared to Massachusetts Lost Pet Locator 🐱
So happy she's safe. ❤️
Do you Recognize me?
Short haired brown tabby intact male (not neutered) kitten about 5-6 months old found near the intersection of Burton Street at Glendale Street in Brockton. No microchip, no collar. Please CAREFULLY review the photo attached and physically compare it to photos of your cat, if you are confident this is your cat please call 617-945-2430. Please have your rabies certificate and photos of face and body as proof this is the correct cat, make sure to include any additional descriptions of special markings for identification.
3 CommentsComment on Facebook
Hopefully a vet visit is in his near future
Is his eye injured? Sharing x 5. 😔
Shared to Found Cats and Dogs in Massachusetts & others ❤️
Other Organizations
The MSPCA-Angell
For spaying and neutering information, along with other resources for pet owners, visit the MSPCA-Angell here.
The Animal Rescue League of Boston
For information on how to help animals in need of rescuing or veterinary treatment as well as community programs that promote education about pet health, behavior, care and services; visit the Animal Rescue League here.
Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources – Division of Animal Health
For information about inspections, licensing, awareness and education about domestic animals; visit the MDAR Animal Health Division here.
City of Brockton Dog License Application
Uploaded: September 25, 2018 at 9:48 am