Free Rabies Shot Clinic Offered In Toms River

TOMS RIVER, NJ — If your pet will need an updated rabies shot before renewing its license, mark Jan. 14 on your calendar.

The Toms River Animal Facility will be holding a free rabies clinic on that Saturday, Jan. 14, from 10 a.m. until noon. The clinic is open to all Ocean County residents. You need to bring proof that your pet was previously immunized (except for animals receiving their first rabies vaccination).

For Toms River residents only, pet license renewals will be available on-site. Proof the animal is spayed or neutered is required and license payments must be made by cash or check; no credit or debit cards accepted.

All dogs and cats must be leashed or in a carrier.

The Toms River Animal Facility is located at 235 Oak Ave., adjacent to Police Headquarters.

If this date does not meet residents’ needs, pet owners can obtain free rabies vaccinations for their pets through the Ocean County Health Department at its shelters in Jackson and Manahawkin or at a free clinic in any Ocean County town. Click here for more information on how to contact the health department about vaccinations.

Toms River dog owners are reminded that all dogs over seven months of age must be licensed each year, per state law. In Toms River, dog licenses must be renewed each year in January. In order to purchase a dog license, the owner must present a current rabies shot certificate with an expiration date after Nov. 1, 2017. If the shot expires before Nov. 1, the dog cannot be licensed.

The license cost is $15 for a spayed/neutered dog and $20 if not spayed or neutered, with proof from a veterinarian if it's not on file with the township. A late fee of $5 plus the cost of license begins in February and increases to $10 plus the cost of the license in March. Late Fees are set by ordinance and cannot be waived.

All pet licenses can be renewed in person at the Toms River Health Department, 33 Washington Street, or by mail. Please visit our website, www.tomsrivertownship.com or call (732) 341-1000 extension 8400.

Township officials noted there are important benefits to licensing dogs and placing the license on the dog's collar, including:

• Licensed dogs are vaccinated against rabies and those with current license tags on their collars are considered generally protected from the disease.
• A licensed dog that wanders off the owner's property or gets lost can be traced and quickly returned to its owner by animal control officers.
• Dog licensing is mandatory in all New Jersey municipalities and the licensing fee is much less than the fines and penalties for having unlicensed dogs.
• License fees support animal control, animal sheltering and rabies control activities within the state.

Karen Wall photo