Township Animal Licenses and Dog Park Passes: Application Forms Due January 31

Livingston Health Officer Louis Anello informs animal owners that their 2017 licenses for their pets are due January 31. This week, more than 1,100 computerized animal license applications were mailed to Livingston animal owners.

Instructions

Owners of currently licensed animals will receive their application in the mail with all the information pre-printed 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. Directions are printed on the back of the application and can also be downloaded from the Township website at www.livingstonnj.org.

Only currently licensed dogs will receive their application in the mail. An animal owner who does not receive an application can obtain the forms at the Health Department, located in the Senior/Community Center at 204 Hillside Ave.

Animal owners should follow the directions on the application carefully when completing the form. All copies of the form should be completed and returned with a self-addressed, stamped envelope and a check or cash for the correct amount of the licensing fee.

The same licensing application can now be used to obtain both the required dog license and the optional Dog Park Pass, which is necessary for entrance into the Livingston Dog Park.

Cats

The application also allows cat owners to license their cats. Unlicensed cats maybe subject to removal from another person’s property if not properly identified. Licensing your cat will provide proper identification and eliminate concerns about feral cat habitats.

Immunizations

The Township requires that every dog be licensed and immunized against rabies at seven months old. 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 at least 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, 2017. If a dog’s rabies vaccine expires prior to this time, the dog must be revaccinated for a license to be issued.

Fees

State laws require the owner of non-neutered or non-spayed dogs pay an additional fee of $500. 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 this proof is on file at the Health Department, no further documentation needs to be submitted for the life of the dog.

The fee for a non-neutered or non-spayed dog is $20.00. A license for a neutered or spayed dog costs $15.00. There is also a $5.00 late fee for those owners who neglect to obtain a license for their dog prior to March 1st of that licensing year. The same fee structure applies to licensing cats.

The cost of a Livingston Dog Park Pass is $10.00 for Livingston residents and $20.00 for non-residents with proof of a current license from their home community.

Anello adds that full compliance is essential and that all animal owners must have their pets immunized and licensed. Those dog owners who do not obtain current licenses for their pets are liable for a summons and possible court appearance and fines.