Pet Licensing & Rabies Vaccination Requirements in Toms River, NJ

We wrote this post for the convenience of our dog walking and cat sitting customers as well as prospective customers that engage us for pet care in Toms River, New Jersey. If you live in another township or municipality, please contact your own local municipal government to make sure you have the most up-to-date and accurate information about pet licensing and vaccination rules.

Checklist: What to Bring For Pet Licensing in Toms River, NJ

Before heading to the Toms River Health Department, bring:

1. Rabies vaccination certificate (must be valid for at least 10 of the 12 months in the license year)

2. Spay/neuter certificate (if applicable, to qualify for lower fee)

3. License fee payment (cash or check, as per township rules)

4. Completed application form (available on the Toms River Township website)

New Jersey Rabies Vaccination Requirement for Dogs and Cats

The State of New Jersey requires that all dogs 7 months or older must be licensed, and proof of a rabies vaccination—administered by a licensed veterinarian and valid for at least 10 months of the 12-month license period—must be presented before a license can be issued. (NJ Dept. of Health, NJ Rabies Guidelines PDF)

Dog Licensing Requirements in Toms River, NJ

License Term: January 1 – December 31 (per Township Website and Code §165-12)

Both the Township Website and the Code give the same rules for dogs.

Where to Apply: Toms River Health Department (in person or by mail)

Dog License Fees

(per ordinance, Code 165-12)

$15 if spayed/neutered, $20 if unaltered

Cat Licensing Requirements in Toms River, NJ

License Term - Conflicting information for Cats

Township Website: January 1 – December 31

Township Code (§516-33 H): July 1 – June 30

These dates conflict. Confirm with the Toms River Health Department.

Where to Apply for Cat Licenses in Toms River:

Toms River Health Department (in person or by mail)

Cat License Fees

$9 if spayed/neutered

$12 if unaltered

Late Fees for Dog and Cat Licenses

According to the township code (but please confirm with the Health Department):

• $5 if up to 30 days late

• $10 if more than 30 days late

Renewal Deadlines for Dogs and Cats:

Dogs: Due in January (website and code agree). See: §165-13-13

Cats: Town website lists Jan–Dec; ordinance lists July–June. Late fees apply after whichever renewal date the township enforces.

Licensing New Pets

You must license a new dog or cat, or one that has just turned 7 months old, within 10 days. After that, late fees may apply.

Penalties for Unlicensed Dogs and Cats in Toms River

• Dogs: $5–$50 fine per offense

• Cats: $50–$500 fine per offense

• Why Pet Licensing and Rabies Vaccination Are Required in New Jersey

State and local governments require pet licensing and rabies vaccination because:

Rabies prevention:

Licensing ensures pets are vaccinated, protecting people and other animals from rabies (NJ Dept. of Health).

Lost pet recovery:

Licensed pets can be identified quickly and returned home (Paramus Borough FAQ).

Supports community services:

Fees fund rabies clinics, shelters, and low-cost spay/neuter programs (NJDOH Licensing Guidance).

Public health success:

Rabies vaccination programs have drastically reduced human rabies cases in the U.S. (CDC & NJDOH).

Toms River Health Department Contact Information

Because the website and code do not currently match for cats, always check directly:

Toms River Health Department
33 Washington St, Toms River, NJ 08753

(licensing/questions): 732-341-1000, ext. 8400

Ocean County Health Department (countywide info): 732-341-9700 or 800-342-9738 | info@oceancountyhealth.gov

Final Reminder for Pet Owners in Toms River

The only conflict is with cat license dates. Always confirm with the Toms River Health Department to stay compliant and avoid fines.