Township Dog Census Begins May 1

Hillsborough Township announced its dog canvass will begin on Friday, May 1.

New Jersey State statute requires that all township dogs have a valid dog license. All dogs must be licensed annually, once they reach seven months of age.

“Pursuant to New Jersey Statute, Hillsborough Township must conduct a canvass, also known as a dog census, at least every two years,” Hillsborough Township Committeewoman Gloria McCauley, Liaison to the Board of Health, said. “This year the Township will be utilizing Animal Control Officers to conduct the canvass in conjunction with educating our residents about the importance of pet licensing.”

To license your dog, dogs must have a rabies vaccine that is current for at least 10 months of the licensing year through Oct. 31, per state statute. Additionally, the Township said, licensing your dog helps keep them protected from the rabies virus and drastically improves the chances of a safe return if they were to get lost. If found missing, Good Samaritans or Animal Control officers are more likely to want to handle your pet if it is licensed, the Township said.

First time dog licenses must complete the Municipal Animal License New Dog Application, which can be found on the Township website. The completed form should then be sent to Hillsborough Township Animal Licensing, 379 South Branch Road, Hillsborough, NJ 08844, along with the payment and proof of rabies vaccination and neutering. The cost of a license for a spayed or neutered dog is $26 and if the dog is not spayed or neutered at this time it is $29.

(Photos featuring the pets of Patch Editor Paige McAtee: Gus (English Yellow Lab))