TOMS RIVER – The Toms River Animal Facility will be holding a free rabies clinic from 10 a.m. to noon on January 18, at 235 Oak Ave. near Police headquarters.
Written proof of a prior rabies vaccination shot is required to make the new shot good for three years.
There will be no adjustments made to rabies shot certificates once the clinic is over. Township residents may also purchase dog and cat licenses at the clinic. Payment by check or cash only. All dogs and cats must be in a carrier or on a leash.
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. To purchase a dog license, the owner must present a current rabies shot certificate with an expiration date after November 1, 2020. If the shot expires before November 1, 2020, the dog cannot be licensed.
The cost is $15 for a spayed/neutered dog and $20 if not spayed or neutered. If applicable, residents are also reminded to show proof the animal is spayed or neutered. 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 or by mail at the Toms River Health Department, 33 Washington St.
Those wishing to purchase by mail, the address is Toms River Dog Licensing P.O. Box 728, Toms River NJ 08754 Requests must Include: – Check for exact amount, payable to “Toms River Twp.”
Rabies shot certificate expiring after November 1, 2020 – Proof of spaying/neutering signed by a licensed Vet (if applicable) – Self-addressed, stamped, business-size envelope.
For those coming in person be prepared to wait in long lines, due to high volume, during January, February and March. The hours are 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Toms River Municipal Building, 33 Washington St. Payment must be in cash and in the exact amount or check payable to “Toms River Twp.” Only. (no debit or credit cards)
For additional information or questions, call 732- 341-1000 extension 8408.
The benefits of a dog licensure and placing the license on the dog’s collar has many benefits for the dog owner, as well as for the citizens, including the following benefits:
• 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 municipality.
