Dogs in New Jersey, United States: rules, tax and travel
New Jersey: Dogs of licensing age (7 months or older, or with permanent teeth) must be licensed with the municipal clerk; a licence from one municipality is valid in all (N.J.S.A. Rabies and bite rules are in the details below.
Many dog rules in New Jersey are set by counties, cities or towns, so check your local animal control.
The national rules for United States apply here too. National rules
Breed rules
No breed-specific rule found.
Registration and microchip
Dogs of licensing age (7 months or older, or with permanent teeth) must be licensed with the municipal clerk; a licence from one municipality is valid in all (N.J.S.A. 4:19-15.1 to 15.3). Proof of rabies vaccination or an exemption is needed first.[1]
Dog tax and licence
Municipal licence fee set by ordinance between 1.50 and 21 dollars (4:19-15.12), plus a 1 dollar tag.[1]
1.5 to 21 USD a year
Leash and muzzle
None statewide. Municipalities may prohibit or regulate dogs running at large (N.J.S.A. 40:48-1).[2]
Other rules
Dogs of licensing age must be vaccinated against rabies, with the interval set by Department of Health rules (N.J.S.A. 4:19-15.2a; N.J.A.C. 8:23A-4.1). The table does not list cats.[3]
The state limits local breed-specific dog laws (N.J.S.A. 4:19-36).[4]
Dog bite liability: Strict liability statute (N.J.S.A. 4:19-16).[5]
Laws change: this is general information, not legal advice. The authority linked on each line has the final word.
Sources
- animallaw.info/statute/nj-dogs-consolidated-dog-laws (secondary source)
- animallaw.info/topic/table-state-dog-leash-laws (secondary source)
- animallaw.info/topic/table-rabies-vaccination-laws (secondary source)
- animallaw.info/article/overview-states-prohibit-bsl (secondary source)
- justia.com/injury/premises-liability/animal-dog-bites/dog-bite-law-50-state-survey (secondary source)