Pet Licensing (Dogs and Cats)

Pet Licensing
Licensing your dog/cat ensures that your pet has a current rabies vaccination and provides peace of mind that other pets in the community are also protected against this fatal disease.  Upon licensing your pet, you are provided with a metal tag to attach to your pet’s collar. This tag provides quick identification of your pet and ensures its quick return to your family if it ever happens to get lost.

Important information for pet licensing:
·All dogs/cats must have a current rabies vaccine in order to be licensed.
·Pet licensing begins January 1 of each year.
·License questions?  Call the North Caldwell Health Department at 973-228-6410, x-100.
·There is a discount if your pet is spayed/neutered; proof is required.

New Jersey Pet Licensing Procedures & Vaccination Requirements
Important information distributed by the New Jersey Department of Health requires that all New Jersey residents who own or harbor a dog 7 months of age or older are required to annually apply for and procure a dog license in the municipality where the dog is kept (N.J.S.A. 4:19-15.2). In order to receive a license, the dog owner must supply a rabies vaccination certificate signed by the veterinarian and must extend through at least ten months of the twelve month dog licensing period for a license to be issued. (N.J.A.C. 8:23A-4.2).

If the dog’s duration of immunity expires prior to the 10th month of the 12-month dog licensing period for that municipality, the dog must receive an additional rabies vaccination prior to licensure. It should be noted that administering a rabies vaccine before the duration of immunity of a previous vaccination has expired is not associated with an increased occurrence of adverse reactions in dogs or cats.

Municipal dog licensing officials shall grant an exemption to the vaccination requirement for a dog that a licensed veterinarian certifies in writing cannot be inoculated due to an infirmity, physical condition or regimen of therapy (N.J.A.C. 8:23A-4.3). Such certification must be for a specific medical condition and not because the veterinarian or owner does not want to vaccinate the animal before the previous duration of immunity lapses.

North Caldwell Licensing Requirements - § 38-3License and compliance required.  No person shall own, keep or harbor any dog or cat within the Borough without first obtaining a license therefor to be issued by the Borough Clerk upon application by the owner and payment of the prescribed fee, and no person shall own, keep or harbor any dog or cat in North Caldwell except in compliance with the provisions of this article.

Rabies Vaccination Requirements:  Each pet licensed must have a rabies vaccine. According to State Regulation N.J.C.A. 8:23A, when licensing, the rabies vaccination immunity must extend through at least 10 months of the 12-month licensing period.  For the 2023 license year, vaccines must be valid through November 1, 2023.  Licenses cannot be issued if the rabies vaccination expires before November 1st of each year. If for any medical reason the animal cannot be vaccinated in the required time, form VPH-28 (Certificate of Exemption) must be completed by the veterinarian and submitted with the renewal form. Submit copy of spay/neuter certificate if applicable.

Pet License Application
 * Have a new dog or cat?  Apply for a license by completing this form.
 * Annual renewals are due by January 31 of each year.  Late fees of $10 will be assessed after this date.
 * Fees:  $20 for spayed/neutered pets;  $23 for non-spayed/non-neutered pets.

Acceptable forms of payment:  Cash or Checks made payable to Borough of North Caldwell. 

Submit applications/renewal forms and payment to:
Borough of North Caldwell
141 Gould Avenue
North Caldwell, NJ 07006
Attention: Pet Licensing

NOTE:  If you no longer have your pet or have moved, please email ncclerk@northcaldwell.org so that we can update our records. Please note:  if you have moved, you must license your pet in the municipality you reside.