Frequently Asked Questions

Am I required to license my dog or cat?

Under both Township Ordinance Chapter 83 and New Jersey state law, all dogs and cats seven (7) months of age or older and kept in the Township of East Brunswick for more than ten (10) days are required to be licensed; license(s) should be worn by said animal. Failure to obtain a valid animal license can result in a fine in accordance with Township Code Section 83-33. In order to obtain a license, an animal must have a current vaccination against Rabies. In East Brunswick, cats, including outdoor cats that you provide any care for, must also be vaccinated against rabies and licensed. 

All animal licenses are for the calendar year, January 1 through December 31. All license renewals must be received by March 31st of the licensing year. Postmarks are not acceptable. All renewals received after March 31st of the licensing year are subject to a $5.00 late fee. 

All applications and/or renewals for animal licenses should be remitted to the Township by mail only, along with a check made payable to the Township of East Brunswick. Proof of rabies vaccination and spaying/neutering is required for all new licenses. 

Proof of new vaccinations must accompany renewals. New Jersey law requires that all animals with rabies vaccinations expiring between January 1st and October 31st of the licensing year must be revaccinated before a new license can be issued. Copies only of new certificates should be remitted, as documentation will not be returned. 

Failure to provide the appropriate documentation and/or fee will result in your application/renewal being returned unprocessed. No exceptions. 

For more information, please visit the Animal Licenses webpage.

What is the law regarding the tethering of my dog?

“Tether” means to fasten a dog with an object such as a cable, chain, rope, or other similar objects to a stationary object or to a device that is mobile, including, but not limited to, a trolley or pulley, in order to restrict the dog’s movement. “Tether” also means the cable, chain, rope, or other similar object used to fasten a dog, as applicable. For information regarding the New Jersey Tethering Law click here.

My neighbor’s dog barks all the time and they let it run loose in the neighborhood. What can I do?

An owner is responsible to keep his pet reasonably quiet, dogs are known to bark but may not be permitted to bark for an excessive period of time.  As per Township noise ordinance:

G. It shall be unlawful for any property owner or tenant to allow any domesticated or caged animal to create a sound across a real property line which unreasonably disturbs or interferes with the peace, comfort, and repose of any resident, or to refuse or intentionally fail to cease the unreasonable noise when ordered to do so by a Noise Control Officer or Noise Control Investigator. Prima facie evidence of a violation of this section shall include but not be limited to:

(1) Vocalizing (howling, yelping, barking, squawking, etc.) for five (5) minutes without interruption, defined as an average of four or more vocalizations per minute in that period; or,

(2) Vocalizing for twenty (20) minutes intermittently, defined as an average of two vocalizations or more per minute in that period.

It is an affirmative defense under this subsection that the dog or other animal was intentionally provoked to bark or make any other noise.

Also, any dog off of the owner’s property must be on a leash no longer than 8’ long, and the owner must clean up after his dog by removing any feces left by the pet.  No dogs are allowed off-leash in any Township park or on any public land.

If you are having a problem with a neighbor and their pet, please call animal control and a letter can be sent to your neighbor explaining the local laws regarding pet ownership.  Often a letter is all that is needed to inform residents of existing laws and to compel compliance. 

I constantly see wildlife in my backyard. Are these animals dangerous and what can I do about them?

East Brunswick has a rich diversity of wildlife living within our borders, everything from chipmunks and snakes to deer, coyotes, and even bears have been found at one time or another in our town. These animals are generally no threat to humans, however, they are wild animals, and as such should be considered unpredictable and treated with respect.

We will respond to calls involving endangered or rare species as well as sick or injured wildlife creating a definite public health threat. We do not, however, trap and relocate nuisance wildlife. New Jersey Fish and Game laws require a specific set of circumstances before wildlife can be disturbed. Also, due to the current rabies epidemic, state wildlife regulations prohibit the release of wildlife anywhere other than the location where it was trapped. This area has reached the saturation point for those types of wildlife usually involved in nuisance complaints. Those animals already established drive off animals released into an already overpopulated area. Newly introduced animals generally die from exposure or are struck by motor vehicles as they move from one area to the next looking for a home. It is for these reasons, that unless they are living in your fireplace, attic or are doing extensive damage to your property, wildlife should be left alone. A local exterminator or wildlife pest control operator can remove problem wildlife. Check with the company that provides your home’s pest control services or look in the phone book under Pest Control.

Are Trap Neuter Return (TNR) Programs available in East Brunswick?

The Township of East Brunswick can provide referrals to local organizations that conduct TNR programs. The organizations may require or request a fee from the landowner to cover costs associated with the services. Many of these organizations are staffed with volunteers and supplement their operation with funding received from 501c(3) charity donations. All colonies must be established in cooperation with East Brunswick Animal Control, health agencies, wildlife organizations, humane groups, and veterinarians. They should not be established in areas where at-risk wildlife populations could be threatened or where they may pose a nuisance or zoonotic disease risk to the public. The operation of the colony must comply with all State and local laws, rules, and ordinances and receive landowner permission. When deemed necessary and appropriate by East Brunswick Animal Control, the Township of East Brunswick supports the efforts of these organizations. The East Brunswick Animal Control Officer maintains a working relationship with several of these organizations and provides consultation, instruction, and advice when needed.

If you are looking for additional TNR information, please contact Animal Control at 732-390-6960. If you would like to donate to support these organizations, please refer to the following link: Karma Cat + Zen Dog Rescue Society.