Canine Waste

Please remember to always Scoop the Poop and to dispose of pet waste properly!

Dog waste left on the ground is more than smelly and unsightly….it pollutes our water and poses a health risk for pets and people, especially children! During rainfall, pet waste left on lawns, trails, and sidewalks washes into storm drains where it ends up flowing, untreated, directly into streams and local water bodies. Pet waste carries bacteria (twice as much as human waste), viruses, and parasites that threaten the health of humans and wildlife. Decaying pet waste consumes oxygen and sometimes releases ammonia. Low oxygen levels and ammonia can damage the health of fish and other aquatic life. 

Unlike wildlife, who consume resources and nutrients from the same ecosystem they’re a part of, dogs eat pet food rich in nutrients to provide them with a complete and healthy diet. Those pet foods lead to excess nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus in the environment when dog poop isn’t picked up. A buildup of those nutrients can create unstable conditions in many ecosystems.

Please be sure to not only pick up after your dog but also dispose of the waste in a receptacle. If no receptacle is available, please be prepared to bring the waste back home to dispose of in your trash. Never throw dog poop bags down a storm drain. 

Scooping the poop is not only the right thing to do, in Andover, it's also the law! 

Follow the Town of Andover bylaw (Article XII, Section 11)

• It is the duty of each person who owns, possesses, or controls a dog to remove its waste from both public and private property.
• You are always required to have means of dog waste removal when on sidewalks, streets, in parks, other public areas, or on private property.
• “Means of removal” includes any tool, implement, or device carried for the purpose of dog waste removal.
• A violation of any of these provisions is punishable by fine. ($75 for the first offense, $100 for the second offense, $150 for the third offense within the same calendar year.)
• Enforcing persons may include any police officer or the town Animal Control Officer.

Did You Know? Stormwater is the biggest threat to clean water today. Rain and snow flow over streets, parking lots, and roofs collecting excess nutrients and pollutants before entering into a storm drain or water body. Because stormwater flows over hard surfaces directly into a storm drain, there is no opportunity for soil and plants to filter out pollutants. Read more about Stormwater.

How to obtain a Dog License

Andover residents must obtain a license for their dog by January 31 each year. Dog licenses may be obtained from the Town Clerk’s Office either in person or by mail. A current rabies certificate must be provided in order to obtain a license. Please view the Town Clerk's Dog License Page for more information. 

Fun for Dogs

The following are dog-friendly locations in Andover. Hours and parking may vary. 

Andover Dog Park
Address: 302 High Plain Road Andover, MA 01810
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Google Maps

Harold Parker State Forest
Address: 133 Jenkins Rd, Andover, MA 01810
Download a Trail Map (mass.gov) 
Parking Fee: May 15– November (MA Residents $5 / Non-Residents $20) *may vary* 
Website

Ward Reservation
Address: 65 Prospect Rd, Andover, MA
Hours: 8:00 AM to Sunset
Parking fee: Free for Trustees members
$5 per car for nonmembers
Website

Andover Mass. Trails & Rivers Web Map
Interactive web map showing trails, bike routes, boat launches/landings, and parking areas