Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 119, § 26D – Behavior or temperament assessment or veterinary records for animals in foster or pre-adoptive homes

(a) The department may request that a foster or pre-adoptive parent applicant or a foster or pre-adoptive parent obtain and provide a copy of a behavior or temperament assessment or provide veterinary records for any animal maintained on premises used as a foster or pre-adoptive home. The cost of the behavior or temperament assessment shall be borne by the foster or pre-adoptive parent or applicant. The department shall not restrict placement of a child solely based on the presence of a particular breed of dog in the home; provided, however, that the department may consider:
(i) the age of the child;
(ii) any prior incidents of dangerous behavior between the child and animals in previous placements;
(iii) veterinary records, including, but not limited to, whether the animal may have disease and parasites; provided, however, that the department may contact the veterinarian for a reference or additional information;
(iv) whether the animal is licensed and vaccinated as prescribed by sections 145B and 147 of chapter 140 or any other law or local ordinance or by-law;
(v) the age and size of the animal;
(vi) whether the animal has been neutered;
(vii) a copy of a behavior or temperament assessment for the animal;
(viii) any prior incidents of dangerous behavior or incidents by the animal;
(ix) behavioral characteristics of the child;
(x) the number of animals on the premises; and (xi) whether the animal is penned or caged at any time, and if so, under what circumstances and for what purpose.
(b) The department may request that a foster or pre-adoptive parent applicant or a foster or pre-adoptive parent obtain and provide to the department any other information deemed necessary for the department to make a determination on the safety and well-being of the child as it relates to the status of any animal in the home.
(c) The department may promulgate regulations necessary to administer this section.