09/12/2025
❄️Massachusetts Winter Pet Advisory & Tethering Regulations ❄️
**For All Pet Owners and Caregivers**
Winter in Massachusetts brings freezing temperatures, harsh winds, snow, and icy conditions — all of which pose risks to pets. State law includes important protections to ensure dogs are not left outdoors in unsafe or inhumane conditions.
🐾 **Key MA Tethering Laws (Ch. 140 §174E): **
• No tethering during **weather advisories, watches, or warnings** (except 15 mins while supervised).
• No tethering **10 pm–6 am**.
• Max **5 hours** tethering in 24 hours.
• Collars used for tethering must be safe and humane — **no choke, prong, or pinch collars** for tethering.
• Puppies under **6 months** cannot be tethered outside.
• Outdoor dogs must have **proper, weatherproof shelter**, bedding, and continuous access to clean, unfrozen water. Structure must protect animal from wind, snow, rain, and cold. Must be large enough for the dog to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably
❄️ **Winter Safety Tips for All Pets**
• **Limit outdoor exposure: ** Dogs and cats can develop frostbite or hypothermia quickly in extreme cold.
• **Protect sensitive paws: ** Wipe paws after walks to remove salt, ice, and de-icers. Consider booties or paw wax.
• **Provide warm indoor spaces: ** Ensure pets have draft-free sleeping areas with warm bedding.
• **Dress appropriately: ** Short-haired, senior, or small dogs may need sweaters or jackets.
• **Keep pets out of cold vehicles: ** A cold car can be as dangerous as a hot one.
• **Be aware of wind chill: ** Pets lose heat faster than humans, especially in wind, rain, and snow.
• **Check under your car: ** Cats and small animals may seek warmth near engines.
Stay warm, stay safe, and look out for our furry family members this winter. ❄️🐶🐱
