The Holden Police Department employs one full-time and one part-time Animal Control Officer. They deal primarily with problem domestic animals (dogs, cats, etc.), and enforce the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and Town of Holden bylaws that pertain to animal control and licensing. While it is not their direct responsibility to respond to calls regarding wild animals, they do have a list of resources available to refer you to the appropriate agency or private company to help with wild animal issues.
Animal Control Direct Number
508-829-0215 Staffed Mon-Fri 7AM-3PM |
Voice Mail available
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ANIMAL CONTROL EMERGENCIES
Medical Emergencies dial 9-1-1
The full-time Holden Animal Control Officer works Mon-Fri 7 AM - 3 PM. Voice mail is always available. The ACO direct dial number is 508-829-0215. For an after-hours situation that cannot wait, call 508-829-4444.
Animal bites
911 if medical emergency; call your physician for minor injury; always call Animal Control to report bites at 508-829-0215.
Vehicle accident involving animal
911 if personal injury; 508-829-4444 for less serious accidents
Dead/injured animal
508-829-4444 if injured and/or causing a traffic hazard; Animal Control at 508-829-0215 if deceased and not a hazard.
Animal causing traffic hazard
508-829-4444
Viscious animal
911 if someone is in imminent danger; 508-829-4444 if not.
Rabid animal
911 if someone is in imminent danger; 508-829-4444 if not.
Cat stuck in tree
Please donot call our emergency line for a cat in a tree. Click here. Thank you.
ANNUAL RABIES CLINIC
Holden Animal Control sponsors an annual rabies vaccination clinic for dogs and cats. The date varies from year to year but is generally held in the spring. Information will be posted here when a date is scheduled.
All pets must be well restrained - strong leash or enclosed carrier or both
The full-time Holden Animal Control Officer works Mon-Fri 7 AM - 3 PM. Voice mail is always available. The ACO direct dial number is 508-829-0215. For an after-hours situation that cannot wait, call 508-829-4444.
Domestic animals include pets such as dogs and cats, farm animals, and other animals owned and maintained by someone. It does not include moose, deer, coyotes, raccoons, bats, mice, wild birds, etc. which are not owned as pets. For questions regarding those animals, please see our Wildlife Issues section.
Loose dogs
Call Animal Control at 508-829-0215; leave voice mail if necessary. If traffic hazard or excessive nuisance, call 508-829-4444.
Nuisance barking
Call Animal Control at 508-829-0215; leave voice mail if necessary. If excessive and disturbing after hours, call 508-829-4444.
Animal cruelty
For ongoing problem, call Animal Control at 508-829-0215; leave voice mail if necessary. For emergencies, call MSPCA at 617-522-6008.
Abandoned/stray pets
Call Animal Control at 508-829-0215; leave voice mail if necessary.
Holden Animal Control is responsible for domestic animal issues only, but we are happy to make suggestions and referrals to help with wild animal questions and problems. The Mass Wildlife website also has excellent information.
Wild animal causing traffic hazard
Call HPD business line at 508-829-4444
Sick, injured, or nuisance animal
Call Animal Control at 508-829-0215; leave voice mail if necessary. If traffic hazard or excessive nuisance, call 508-829-4444.
Wild animal in house
Call a private company. See Contact and Links section of this page for local companies. Please note these companies will charge for their services.
SEASONAL CONCERNS
Some animal issues are specific to certain times of the year. Below are some of the most frequently reported seasonal problems in New England and some tips and links to help you deal with them. The Mass Wildlife website also has excellent educational and practical information about local wildlife. Their "Living with Wildlife" page is especially helpful.
SPRING
Baby Birds
In general, baby birds should be left where you find them. Fledglings sometimes spend days on the ground before flying, a crucial step in their development. Nestlings (unable to walk or hop) may be returned to the nest or you may make an artificial one to keep them out of harm's way. Nurturing a baby bird yourself is virtually impossible. Keeping your cats indoors will increase the chance of survival for young birds (and your cats!). Here is a good article regarding what to do if you find a baby bird.
Skunks
Every spring, we receive lots of calls about nuisance skunks. These critters love to dig up lawns (they eat grubs) and hide under porches. The skunk population in Central Massachusetts is a healthy one, which is a good thing, but we don't necessarily want to meet one when we walk out our front door (nor do we want our dogs to). Common sense measures such as not feeding your pets outdoors and treating your lawn for grubs can help. Click here to link to an online article with more tips about dealing with your skunk problem.
FALL
Bears
Reports of black bears in neighborhoods, especially in the fall, have been increasing in Central Massachusetts. Common sense measures such as bringing in bird feeders at night and not feeding pets outdoors can help to discourage foraging bears from coming close to your home. Check out the Mass Wildlife "Living with Wildlife" web page for more tips and links to related information.
LOST & FOUND
If you have lost your pet or found someone else's, call the Holden Police Department Business Line at 508-829-4444 to report it - the phones are staffed 24/7/365. We keep a running list of reported losses and discoveries so hopefully we can make a match and reunite pet and owner.
Information to have available when you call, if possible
I found a pet
I lost my pet
Type of animal, gender, approximate age (if known)
Tag number and vaccination status (all up-to-date?)
Cautions (nips under stress, doesn't like children, etc.)
* Do not attempt to get the tag number if the animal is at all aggressive; don't put yourself at risk!
SHELTERS & ADOPTIONS
Holden Animal Control does not coordinate adoptions or have any official affiliations with shelters. We do, however, encourage you to use local shelters if you have decided to adopt a new family member. Here are some links:
Not a traditional shelter, NEADS trains dogs as assistance pets. They do, however, have a "puppy program" if you are interested in helping to raise a pup in your home temporarily.
LAWS & LICENSING
Holden pet owners must follow Massachusetts state laws and Town of Holden bylaws regarding the licensing and vaccination of their pets. In summary, the following rules apply. Use the links to State and Town laws for more detailed information.
Vaccinations
All dogs and cats must have up-to-date rabies vaccinations and other shots as required by law (see links to laws below).
Licensing
All dogs must be licensed yearly. Cats do not require licensing or registration.
Leashing
Holden has a 24-hour leash law for dogs. Your pets must be under your control at all times in all public places and on public ways. When on private property, your animals must be confined to those premises.
Laws regarding dog licensing, etc. are in MGL Chapter 140, Sections 136A-175. The page you will be linked to here has a search box you can use to narrow it down, or you can page through the sections in order by using the "next section" button on the page.
