In Livingston: What To Know About Pet Licenses, Dog Park Passes

LIVINGSTON, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of the Township of Livingston. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

The Livingston Health Department reminds animal owners that the deadline for dog and cat license applications is Saturday, January 31, 2026. Animal license applications open on Thursday, January 1, 2026. Applications submitted in December 2025 will only apply to the 2025 calendar year.

The township requires that every dog be licensed and immunized against rabies at seven months of age. Proof of immunization is required either at the initial licensing or when the dog’s current rabies inoculation expires. Documentation of a rabies certificate is needed to show that the animal has been inoculated through the entire licensing year, or at least for ten months through the year. This means that before a license can be issued to a dog owner, their pet must be vaccinated through October 31 of the licensing year. Any animal with a rabies vaccine that expires prior to this time must be revaccinated before a license is issued.

Previously licensed animals: Owners of currently licensed animals will receive their application in the mail with all the information preprinted on the licensing form. Owners should verify the information and return ALL copies of the license and any necessary documentation needed to process the application. Directions are pre-printed on the backside of the application and can also be downloaded from the township website at livingstonnj.org/AnimalLicense. If, by chance, the animal license application is not received in the mail, the owner is still liable for licensing the animal.

New animals: Owners with animals that have not previously been licensed can download the Animal License Form at livingstonnj.org/AnimalLicense. Paper forms are also available at the Health Department office located in the Senior/Community Center at 204 Hillside Avenue in Livingston. The animal license can also be used by cat owners who wish to license their cats. Unlicensed cats may be subject to removal from another person’s property if not properly identified. Licensing your cat will provide proper identification and eliminate concerns for feral cat habitats.

Fees: The license fee for a non-neutered or non-spayed dog is $20. The license fee for a neutered or spayed dog is $15. There is also a $5 late fee for those dog owners who neglect to obtain a license prior to March 1 of the licensing year. The same fee structure applies to licensing cats; there is no late fee for cat registrations, as those licenses are not mandatory. In the event that the animal tag is misplaced, a replacement tag can be provided for a $5 fee.

Documentation: Proof that the dog has been spayed or neutered must accompany the application when the dog is first licensed or when a dog is relicensed after a spaying or neutering operation. Once proof of spaying or neutering is on file at the Health Department, no further documentation needs to be submitted for the life of the dog. The applications are self-explanatory, and pet owners should follow the directions carefully when completing the form.

Payment: All copies of the licensing form should be returned — the completed forms, along with a self-addressed, stamped envelope with a check or cash for the correct amount of the licensing fee — to the Health Department at the Senior/Community Center, 204 Hillside Avenue, Livingston, NJ 07039. Residents may also choose to visit the Health Department in person and pay by credit card. As of January 1, 2026, animal licenses and dog park passes may be paid online through the Dog License Application link at livingstonnj.org/AnimalLicense.

Dog Park Passes: In addition to obtaining the required dog license, the animal licensing application can be used by pet owners to obtain an optional Dog Park Pass, which is required for entrance into the Livingston Dog Park. The cost of a Livingston Dog Park Pass is $10 for Livingston residents and $20 for non-residents with proof of a current license from their home community.

Register: It is essential that all animal owners have their pets immunized and licensed. Any dog owners who do not obtain current licenses for their pets are liable for a summons, a possible court appearance, and fines.

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Learn more about advertising on Patch here.