Vaccine Mandate In Livingston (For Dogs): Pet License Forms Due Jan. 31

LIVINGSTON, NJ — Livingston Health Officer Michael Raimo reminded dog and cat owners this month that their applications for 2022 animal licenses are due by Jan. 31.

The township requires that every dog be licensed by seven months old and be immunized against rabies.

Rabies is almost always fatal to animals and humans unless they are treated right away.

The virus is spread to people from the saliva of infected animals, often through a bite.

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 is inoculated through the entire licensing year or for at least 10 months of the year. This means that before a license can be issued to a dog owner, their pet must be vaccinated through Oct. 31, 2021. Any rabies vaccine that expires prior to this time must be revaccinated before a license is issued.

The Animal Licensing Application also offers licensed pet owners the option to obtain a dog park pass for 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 respective communities.

Some Were Mailed

During the first week of January, more than 800 computerized animal license applications were mailed to Livingston animal owners.

Owners of currently licensed animals will receive their application in the mail with all the information preprinted on the licensing form. The owner should verify the information and return ALL copies of the license and any necessary documentation needed to process the application.

What About Cats?

Cat owners can also use this form 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.

Directions for completing the application form are pre-printed on the back of the application and can also be downloaded from the township web site at www.livingstonnj.org/AnimalLicenses

Only currently licensed animals will receive an application in the mail. Any animal owner who does not receive an application in the mail can obtain the form at the health department or online at www.livingstonnj.org/AnimalLicenses

State laws require that owners of non-neutered or non-spayed dogs pay an additional fee of $5 per animal. Proof that the dog has been spayed or neutered must accompany the application, either when the dog is first licensed or when the dog is relicensed after a spaying or neutering operation.

The total license fee for a non-neutered or non-spayed dog is $20. The license for a neutered or spayed dog is $15. Once proof of neutering or spaying is on file at the health department, no further documentation is needed for the life of the dog.

Applications can be mailed back or dropped off in person to the Health Department, 204 Hillside Ave., Livingston, NJ 07039. If returning the forms and payment by mail, be sure to include payment by check and include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. If dropping off the forms in person, payment can be made by credit card, cash, or check.

There is also a $5 late fee for those owners who neglect to obtain a license for their dog prior to March 1 of the licensing year. The same fee structure applies to licensing cats. Livingston Animal Control Officers will be conducting routine compliance checks to make sure all dogs in the community are up to date with their licensees.

“It’s essential that we have full compliance, and that all animal owners have their pets immunized and licensed,” stated Raimo. Dog owners who do not obtain current licenses for their pets are liable to receive a summons, a possible court appearance, and fines.

The Livingston Health Department is located in the Senior/Community Center, 204 Hillside Ave. For more information about licenses and dog park passes, visit www.livingstonnj.org/AnimalLicenses.

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