Dog Ownership in Hoboken
WELCOME, HOBOKEN DOG OWNERS:
Here is a link to the city's municipal codes on dogs and other animals. Please note, by law, dogs must be kept on leash (six feet in length) in all public spaces in Hoboken, except in city dog runs. And, sadly, no dogs are allowed on grass or in planted areas within city parks or the waterfront walkway.
The no-dogs-on-grass rule is periodically enforced by the city's Health Officer; disregard this rule at your own risk. The HDA has advocated for a revision of this ordinance, similar to policies in certain parks in New York City, which allow dogs to play on the grass before 9 am and after 9 pm, but without success. A strong show of support across a broad base of citizens, and responsible behavior by dog owners to maintain clean and healthy lawn areas, may eventually achieve this goal.
Please license your dog annually!
First, it's the law! According to the City, "failure to comply will result in a mandatory court appearance." Second, a dog license tag is a key form of identification in case your pooch gets lost. Third, City Hall's records show relatively few dog owners have registered their dogs in the past. There is strength in numbers, therefore, we strongly encourage all of the estimated thousands of Hoboken dog owners to license their dogs, so the needs and concerns of dog owners will be taken more seriously in Hoboken.
Hoboken dog licenses expire on Dec. 31, regardless of the month they were obtained. New licenses are available from Jan. 1. You will receive an application in the mail if you previously have licensed your dog. A $5 penalty is assessed if you have not renewed the license by January 31.
If you have a new dog or have not licensed your dog before, you can find the application on the city's website.
In 2018, the rates for a Hoboken dog license are:
The city traditionally offers a free Rabies Vaccine Clinic in January. You are required to license your dog to receive the free rabies vaccine. Applications will be available at the clinic and you will need to pay before you are eligible for the rabies vaccine.
Hoboken Dog License FAQ
Who needs a dog license?
A license is required in New Jersey for all dogs 7 months of age and older and younger dogs with permanent teeth. You have 10 days to apply for a license after 1) your dog reaches licensing age, 2) you acquire such a dog, or 3) you move into town with an unlicensed dog. The current year's license tag must be attached at all times to your dog's collar or harness, and Hoboken dog licenses must be renewed in January of each year.
New residents: If your dog already has a valid license from another NJ town, there's no need to apply for a Hoboken dog license for the current year (N.J.S.A. 4:19-15.3). However, if your dog was licensed in another state, you must apply for a Hoboken dog license within 15 days of residency. If your dog is unlicensed, you have 10 days to apply for a Hoboken dog license.
What's required for a license?
In order to obtain a license, you must provide documentation that: (a) your dog has been vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian, and (b) the vaccination is valid through the end of the current year. However, NJ state law provides for an exemption from the rabies vaccination requirement for any dog whose veterinarian certifies in writing to be "incapable of being inoculated because of an infirmary, other physical condition, or regimen of therapy" (N.J.A.C. 8:23A-4.3). See below for more info on the rabies vaccination requirement.
How much does it cost?
Fees: $10.00 if spayed/neutered (proof required) or $14.00 if NOT spayed/neutered. No fees apply to guide dogs. A $5.00 late penalty is added for license renewals not completed by January 31st.
Where do I get the license?
1. Download Hoboken's Dog License Application here: Hoboken Dog License Application (pdf)
2. Gather your supporting documentation:
(a) a valid rabies certificate (good through the end of the year)
(b) spay/neuter verification (if applicable).
3. Mail back the completed form with your documentation to the address below OR apply in person:
The Hoboken Health Department
124 Grand Street
Hoboken, NJ 07030
Hours: M-F, 9 am – 3:45 pm
Phone: (201) 420-2040
Fax: (201) 420-2052
Rabies Vaccination Requirement
A rabies vaccination is required for licensing, and the vaccination must be valid through the end of the calendar year. The Hoboken Health Department offers FREE rabies vaccinations for Hoboken residents each year, usually in January. Initial vaccinations are valid for one year (e.g., for young dogs and those with an unknown vaccination history), while subsequent vaccinations are valid for three years.
CAUTION for newly vaccinated and young/unvaccinated dogs: Your dog is NOT protected against the fatal rabies virus (a) within the first 30 days after his or her initial rabies vaccination, or (b) if he or she is too young to be vaccinated. To prevent possible exposure to rabid animals, it is strongly recommended that such dogs NEVER be left outdoors unattended.
Rabies info from the State of NJ:
- Policies and Guidelines for Animal Rabies Vaccination (pdf)
- What You Should Know About Rabies
- Rabies Fact Sheet (pdf)
Rabies Statistics: More than 4,700 cases of animal rabies were confirmed in NJ between January 1989 and September 2004, including 11 in Hudson County. [Source: NJ Animal Rabies Cases by County and Species (pdf), NJ Dept. of Health & Senior Services]
Additional Hoboken Dog Information
Click below for more info from the City of Hoboken:
Lost/Found Dog?
Call Hoboken Health Department, (201) 420-2375 (M-F, 9 am - 4 pm).
After hours, call the Hoboken Police Department, (201) 420-2100.
The Liberty Humane Society in Jersey City provides animal control services to Hoboken. All of the strays, injured animals, and wildlife are taken to Liberty Humane Society and all birds and wildlife are transported to the appropriate rehabilitation resources throughout the state.
Here is a link to the city's municipal codes on dogs and other animals. Please note, by law, dogs must be kept on leash (six feet in length) in all public spaces in Hoboken, except in city dog runs. And, sadly, no dogs are allowed on grass or in planted areas within city parks or the waterfront walkway.
The no-dogs-on-grass rule is periodically enforced by the city's Health Officer; disregard this rule at your own risk. The HDA has advocated for a revision of this ordinance, similar to policies in certain parks in New York City, which allow dogs to play on the grass before 9 am and after 9 pm, but without success. A strong show of support across a broad base of citizens, and responsible behavior by dog owners to maintain clean and healthy lawn areas, may eventually achieve this goal.
Please license your dog annually!
First, it's the law! According to the City, "failure to comply will result in a mandatory court appearance." Second, a dog license tag is a key form of identification in case your pooch gets lost. Third, City Hall's records show relatively few dog owners have registered their dogs in the past. There is strength in numbers, therefore, we strongly encourage all of the estimated thousands of Hoboken dog owners to license their dogs, so the needs and concerns of dog owners will be taken more seriously in Hoboken.
Hoboken dog licenses expire on Dec. 31, regardless of the month they were obtained. New licenses are available from Jan. 1. You will receive an application in the mail if you previously have licensed your dog. A $5 penalty is assessed if you have not renewed the license by January 31.
If you have a new dog or have not licensed your dog before, you can find the application on the city's website.
In 2018, the rates for a Hoboken dog license are:
- Spayed/Neutered: $10.00 (one year) or $30 (three years)
- Not Spayed/Neutered $14.00 (one year) or $42 (three years)
The city traditionally offers a free Rabies Vaccine Clinic in January. You are required to license your dog to receive the free rabies vaccine. Applications will be available at the clinic and you will need to pay before you are eligible for the rabies vaccine.
Hoboken Dog License FAQ
Who needs a dog license?
A license is required in New Jersey for all dogs 7 months of age and older and younger dogs with permanent teeth. You have 10 days to apply for a license after 1) your dog reaches licensing age, 2) you acquire such a dog, or 3) you move into town with an unlicensed dog. The current year's license tag must be attached at all times to your dog's collar or harness, and Hoboken dog licenses must be renewed in January of each year.
New residents: If your dog already has a valid license from another NJ town, there's no need to apply for a Hoboken dog license for the current year (N.J.S.A. 4:19-15.3). However, if your dog was licensed in another state, you must apply for a Hoboken dog license within 15 days of residency. If your dog is unlicensed, you have 10 days to apply for a Hoboken dog license.
What's required for a license?
In order to obtain a license, you must provide documentation that: (a) your dog has been vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian, and (b) the vaccination is valid through the end of the current year. However, NJ state law provides for an exemption from the rabies vaccination requirement for any dog whose veterinarian certifies in writing to be "incapable of being inoculated because of an infirmary, other physical condition, or regimen of therapy" (N.J.A.C. 8:23A-4.3). See below for more info on the rabies vaccination requirement.
How much does it cost?
Fees: $10.00 if spayed/neutered (proof required) or $14.00 if NOT spayed/neutered. No fees apply to guide dogs. A $5.00 late penalty is added for license renewals not completed by January 31st.
Where do I get the license?
1. Download Hoboken's Dog License Application here: Hoboken Dog License Application (pdf)
2. Gather your supporting documentation:
(a) a valid rabies certificate (good through the end of the year)
(b) spay/neuter verification (if applicable).
3. Mail back the completed form with your documentation to the address below OR apply in person:
The Hoboken Health Department
124 Grand Street
Hoboken, NJ 07030
Hours: M-F, 9 am – 3:45 pm
Phone: (201) 420-2040
Fax: (201) 420-2052
Rabies Vaccination Requirement
A rabies vaccination is required for licensing, and the vaccination must be valid through the end of the calendar year. The Hoboken Health Department offers FREE rabies vaccinations for Hoboken residents each year, usually in January. Initial vaccinations are valid for one year (e.g., for young dogs and those with an unknown vaccination history), while subsequent vaccinations are valid for three years.
CAUTION for newly vaccinated and young/unvaccinated dogs: Your dog is NOT protected against the fatal rabies virus (a) within the first 30 days after his or her initial rabies vaccination, or (b) if he or she is too young to be vaccinated. To prevent possible exposure to rabid animals, it is strongly recommended that such dogs NEVER be left outdoors unattended.
Rabies info from the State of NJ:
- Policies and Guidelines for Animal Rabies Vaccination (pdf)
- What You Should Know About Rabies
- Rabies Fact Sheet (pdf)
Rabies Statistics: More than 4,700 cases of animal rabies were confirmed in NJ between January 1989 and September 2004, including 11 in Hudson County. [Source: NJ Animal Rabies Cases by County and Species (pdf), NJ Dept. of Health & Senior Services]
Additional Hoboken Dog Information
Click below for more info from the City of Hoboken:
- City of Hoboken Health Department
- "Dogs and Other Animals in The City of Hoboken--A Guide to Local Regulations" pamphlet (pdf)
Lost/Found Dog?
Call Hoboken Health Department, (201) 420-2375 (M-F, 9 am - 4 pm).
After hours, call the Hoboken Police Department, (201) 420-2100.
The Liberty Humane Society in Jersey City provides animal control services to Hoboken. All of the strays, injured animals, and wildlife are taken to Liberty Humane Society and all birds and wildlife are transported to the appropriate rehabilitation resources throughout the state.
