The Animal Inspector is nominated by the Board of Selectmen and appointed by the
Division of Animal Health.
The Bureau of Animal Health appoints a municipal animal inspector for each and every city and town in the Commonwealth. The primary duty of the Animal Inspector has recently become
rabies control in the domestic animal population.
Suspected rabid animals quarantined, isolated, or euthanised and analyzed for rabies in compliance with
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health's Reportable Diseases and Isolation and Quarantine Requirements and
The Massachusetts Rabies Control Plan for Cities and Towns.
Municipal Animal Inspectors are also responsible for barn inspections. Barn inspections are designed to: get a good census of the domestic animal population of the town;
be sure that all of the animals appear to be in good health and free from disease, and;
observe animal housing and ensure ample food and water are supplied. Generally inspections are done October to December every year.