"Speak now or forever hold your leash"

The Boston Dog Owners Group (BostonDOG) was established to address the growing needs and concerns of dog owners in the city. The group's mission is to promote responsible dog ownership, represent the collective needs and desires of dog owners (and non-dog owners) and help create and maintain successful dog recreation spaces that benefit our entire community in general, and our beloved dogs specifically.

Since its formation in June 2006, BostonDOG has been lead by Back Bay's J. Alain Ferry, who has operated Boston Petpal, a pet sitting business, since 2003. As a dog owner and animal lover himself, Alain grew frustrated at Boston's lack of public space for dogs to roam leash-free. Hearing that same frustration from his friends, neighbors and customers, Alain created a website at www.bostondog.org and began recruiting dog-loving volunteers from across the city.

While the group's initial focus has centered around establishing dog recreation spaces in Boston Common and the Charles River Esplanade, BostonDOG's ultimate goal is to create dog parks in all neighborhoods and make Boston the most dog-friendly city in the world.

Did you know that there are more than 8,000 licensed dogs and approximately 30,000 unlicensed dogs in the city of Boston?

Did you know that the city of Boston’s leash law prohibits dog from being off-leash in public areas?

Brookline, Cambridge, Somerville, Framingham and a handful of other cities in Massachusetts, as well as many towns and cities nationwide, have created wonderfully successful dog recreation spaces.

Please join BostonDOG in its quest. We are non-profit, all volunteer and we need your support. Whether to just voice your opinion, attend our events and meetings, sign our petition or join our mailing list, the more people we get involved, the better chance we have of accomplishing our objectives.

Thanks!