Animal Control Department

Address: 29 Dexter Lane – PO Box 9, Rochester, MA 02770

Hours: On-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Phone: 508-763-5112

E-mail: aco@rochestermapd.com

• Paul H. Magee, Department Head
• Anne Estabrook, Animal Control Officer
• Kathleen Massey, Animal Control Officer

This department handles animal issues pertaining to stray/loose/nuisance dogs, dog bites, loose livestock, rabid animals, and other animal complaints.  The department also conducts animal and barn inspections in compliance with Massachusetts General Laws. Animal Control Officers are on-call only and can be reached through the Rochester Police Department.

The department does not handle problem wildlife such as raccoons in chimneys, woodchucks in gardens, or wildlife inside your home. Please refer those calls to Exterminators or Problem Animal Control Agents that can be found in the yellow pages of your phone book.

Lost/Found Animals

If you have lost an animal, call the Animal Control Department at 508-763-5112 and provide a description and the last known location of your animal.  If you find an animal, you should report it immediately to the Animal Control Department so that the owner can be located promptly.

Rabid Animals

If you see an animal that you believe may be rabid, call to report the location of the animal. Do not try to touch or capture the animal because it may attempt to bite you. Animals with rabies usually show some type of behavioral change. They can be aggressive and excited or depressed and lethargic. They may be uncoordinated and unfocused on the presence of humans around them.

The most common types of wildlife that may carry the rabies virus are raccoons, foxes and bats. These animals, which normally avoid humans, are nocturnal and it is unusual for them to be active during daylight hours. If you see a raccoon, fox or bat during daylight hours and it appears to be sick or is aggressive toward other animals or humans, move to a safe location and call immediately.

Dog Bites

If a dog bites you, report the incident to Animal Control through the Rochester Police Department. An animal control officer will investigate, and the animal’s owner will be required to show proof of rabies vaccination. In addition, any dog that has bitten someone is required to undergo quarantine at the owner’s home