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Pet Ownership Guide

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Executive Summary

This document is a pet ownership guide for residents of Robbinsville Township, New Jersey, published in March 2026. It provides information on pet licensing requirements, animal control officer duties, pet owner responsibilities, leash laws, animal cruelty laws, and procedures for handling lost and found pets. The guide emphasizes responsible pet ownership, including proper care, adherence to local ordinances, and emergency preparedness.

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--- Document: Pet Ownership Guide Document ---
March 2026 
 
1 
 
 


March 2026 
 
2 
 
This booklet serves as a guide for pet owners living in Robbinsville. Within the 
booklet, you’ll find information on pet licensing, pet-related laws, and other 
resources you may find useful as a dog or cat owner.  
 
Table of Contents 
Pet Licensing ………………………………………………………………………………………………… Page 3 
Animal Control Officer Duties …………………………………………………………………….... Page 4 
Pet Owner Responsibilities ………………………………………………………………………….. Page 4 
Leash Law & Removal of Pet Waste ……………………………………………………………… Page 5 
Animal Cruelty Laws ……………………………………………………………………………….……. Page 5 
Lost & Found Pets ………………………………………………………………………….…………….. Page 6 
Important Phone Numbers ………………………………………………………………………….. Page 6 
Emergency Plan for Your Pet ……………………………………………………………………….. Page 7 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


March 2026 
 
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PET LICENSING 
The State of New Jersey requires that all dogs six (6) months or older 
must be licensed. Proof of rabies vaccination is required for a license to 
be issued. Licenses must be renewed in January. Each year during the 
month of December, renewal applications will be mailed to dog owners 
who have licensed a dog in Robbinsville Township during the previous 
year. However, even if you have not received a renewal application, it is 
the responsibility of the dog owner to obtain a license prior to the end 
of January. Robbinsville Township does not license cats at this time. 
 
Access the 2026 dog license application here. 
• Renewal applications received after January 31 are subject to a $5 surcharge and a $1 per 
month late fee (Ord. 96-27). A current rabies certificate valid through November 1 of the 
licensing year is required in order to obtain a license. 
• If your dog cannot be revaccinated due to illness or other reasons, please complete the 
NJDOH Certificate of Exemption from Rabies Vaccination Form and submit it with your 
renewal form or application for a new license.  
• Licenses can be obtained from the Municipal Clerk during office hours (8:30 am-4:30 pm, 
M-F). If you would like to receive your dog license by mail, please send in a current rabies 
certificate (valid through November 1 of the current year), proof of spaying/neutering, 
and a check made payable to Township of Robbinsville to the following address: 
Office of the Municipal Clerk 
2298 Route 33 
Robbinsville, NJ 08691 
• If you moved within the state and have obtained a license for the current year at your 
previous address, a copy of that license will be sufficient until January of the following 
year. 
• Anyone who has moved to the Township from out-of-state has ten (10) days in which to 
obtain a New Jersey license from Robbinsville Township, if the dog was not registered in 
the previous state of residence. 
• Anyone who has moved to the Township from out-of-state and has a dog with a tag from 
that state, has ninety (90) days in which to obtain a New Jersey license from the 
Township. 
• Per Township Code § 74-3, the number of dogs limited to no more than 3 dogs on 
residential properties of six acres or less and not more than six dogs on a residential 
property of more than six acres. 
 
 


March 2026 
 
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GENERAL DUTIES OF THE ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER (ROBBINSVILLE) 
Animal Control Officer duties include: 
• Investigating bites 
• Enforcing all dog ordinances 
• Assisting in the control of wild or stray animals 
What to report and how to make a report: Call the Robbinsville Police non-emergency dispatch 
number at (609) 259-3900 to report: 
• 
Animal bites (from dogs, cats, raccoons, bats, etc.) 
• 
Deceased, stray, or wounded animal 
• 
Animal cruelty  
• 
Lost/found pet 
PET OWNER RESPONSIBILITIES 
Please see below for “Guidelines for Responsible Pet Ownership” from the American Veterinary 
Medical Association. 
Owning a pet is a privilege and should result in a mutually beneficial relationship. The benefits of 
pet ownership come with responsibilities. These include: 
• 
Lifelong care of the pet. This means committing to the relationship for your pet's entire 
life. 
• 
Selecting a pet that is suited to your home and lifestyle and avoiding impulsive decisions. 
• 
Recognizing that owning a pet(s) requires an investment of time and money. 
• 
Keeping only the type and number of pets for which you can provide an appropriate and 
safe environment. This includes appropriate food, water, shelter, health care and 
companionship. 
• 
Animals that spend extended periods of time outside require habitats that protect their 
health, safety, and welfare. Outdoor confinement of an animal should include provisions 
to minimize distress or discomfort to the animal, and assure access to appropriate food, 
water, and shelter from extreme weather conditions. 
• 
Ensuring pets are properly identified (i.e., tags, microchips, or tattoos) and that their 
registration information in associated databases is kept up to date. 
• 
Adhering to local ordinances, including licensing and leash requirements. 
• 
Helping to manage overpopulation by controlling your pet(s)' reproduction through 
managed breeding, containment, or spay/neuter. Establishing and maintaining a 
veterinarian-client-patient relationship. 
• 
Providing preventive (e.g., vaccinations, parasite control) and therapeutic health care for 
the life of your pet(s) in consultation with, and as recommended by, your veterinarian. 


March 2026 
 
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• 
Socialization and appropriate training for your pet(s) to facilitate their wellbeing and the 
wellbeing of other animals and people. 
• 
Preventing your pet(s) from negatively impacting other people, animals and the 
environment. This includes proper waste disposal, noise control, and not allowing pet(s) 
to stray or become feral. 
• 
Providing exercise and mental stimulation appropriate to your pet(s)' age, breed, and 
health status. 
• 
Include your pets in your planning for an emergency or disaster, including assembling an 
evacuation kit. 
• 
Making arrangements for the care of your pet when or if you are unable to do so. 
• 
Recognizing declines in your pet(s)' quality of life and making decisions in consultation 
with your veterinarian regarding appropriate end-of-life care (e.g., palliative care, hospice, 
euthanasia). 
LEASH LAW & REMOVAL OF PET WASTE 
Robbinsville Township enforces several pet-related ordinances, two of which are highlighted 
below. To access all animal-related ordinances in Robbinsville Township, please visit the 
Robbinsville Township Code here.  
 
Leashing of Dogs 
Dogs must be kept on a leash when off their owner’s property.                    
The leash must be no longer than six feet.  
 
Removal of Pet Waste 
All owners and keepers are required to immediately and 
properly dispose of their pet’s solid waste deposited on any property, public or 
private, not owned or possessed by that owner or keeper, or used with the express 
authority or permission of the property owner. 
 
 
ANIMAL CRUELTY LAWS 
To ensure all dog, pet and service animal owners, and caretakers have a basic understanding of  
legal requirements, a brief, general description of the requirements and prohibitions and a guide 
to compliance is provided on the Robbinsville Township website, on the Animal Control page. 
If you suspect animal cruelty or abuse, contact the Robbinsville Police Department at (609) 259-
3900. 
 
 


March 2026 
 
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LOST & FOUND PETS 
There may be an occasion when a pet is lost or found by a resident. Report lost or found pets to 
the Robbinsville Police Department at (609) 259-3900.  
Tips to Prevent Lost Pets: 
• Get a collar with dog ID tags and/or a QR code to scan for your contact information.  
• Secure your yard and home with a fence in the front- and backyard.  
• Spay or neuter your pets to keep them from wandering off in search of other pets. 
• Teach your pet basic commands, such as “come” and “stay.”  
• Microchip your pet. 
Steps to Take if You Lose Your Pet: 
• Inform Robbinsville Police Department. 
• Call and visit local animal shelters to check for your pet. 
• Use social media and community groups to share missing pet information. 
• Create pet photo poster and post in local stores, restaurants, post offices, etc. 
• Use private services dedicated to finding lost pets. 
• Beware of scams. 
o If a stranger claims to have found your pet, ask them to describe your pet and send 
a photo. 
o Be wary of anyone who asks for money before they’ll return your pet. 
o Omit one identifying characteristic when advertising a lost pet and be skeptical of 
anyone who claims to have found your pet but can’t describe this characteristic.  
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS 
Call the Robbinsville Police non-emergency dispatch number at (609) 259-3900 to report: 
• 
Animal bites (from dogs, cats, raccoons, bats, etc.) and vicious pets 
• 
Deceased, stray, or wounded animal 
• 
Animal cruelty  
• 
Lost/found pet 
Call the West Windsor Health Department at (609) 936-8400 for questions/concerns about: 
• Rabies or potential exposure to rabies 
• Rabies vaccination clinics 
Call the Robbinsville Township Clerk at (609) 259-3600 x 1109 for questions about: 
• Dog licensing 


March 2026 
 
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EMERGENCY PLAN FOR YOUR PET 
In the event of an emergency, pet owners should have a plan of evacuation for themselves and 
their pets. Questions to ask yourself in preparation for an emergency include the following: 
1. If I need to evacuate, where can I take my pet? List potential locations below: 
(1)_______________________________________________________________________
(2)_______________________________________________________________________
(3)_______________________________________________________________________ 
2. Will I be able to bring my pet to a local emergency shelter? If so, where is the shelter 
located?  
Local Emergency Shelter Name: ______________________________________________ 
Address: _________________________________________________________________  
Phone Number: ___________________________________________________________ 
 
3. Are there pet-friendly hotels in the area I am evacuating? If so, record name, location and 
contact for pet-friendly hotels. 
(1) Hotel Name: ____________________________________________________________ 
      Hotel Address: __________________________________________________________ 
      Hotel Phone Number: ____________________________________________________ 
 
(2) Hotel Name: ____________________________________________________________ 
      Hotel Address: __________________________________________________________ 
      Hotel Phone Number: ____________________________________________________ 
 
4. If I become separated from my pet during an emergency, does my pet have adequate 
identification to re-connect with me/my family? 
Collar with Phone Number Tag:   Yes    No 
Microchip: Yes    No 
 
5. In the event of a medical emergency for my pet, do I have the contact number for 
veterinarian services? 
Veterinarian Office: _________________________________________________________ 
Address: __________________________________________________________________ 
Phone Number: ____________________________________________________________ 
 
Alternative Veterinarian Office: _______________________________________________ 
Address: __________________________________________________________________ 
Phone Number: ____________________________________________________________ 


March 2026 
 
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Below please find an emergency plan checklist to complete for each pet you own. 
 Food, drinking water, bowls, cat litter/pan, and a manual can opener if your pet 
eats canned food. 
 Sturdy leashes, harnesses and/or carriers to transport pets safely. 
 Medications and copies of medical records stored in a waterproof container. 
 A first aid kit. 
 Current photos of you with your pet(s) in case they get lost.  
 Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems, and 
the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to foster or board 
your pets. 
 Pet beds and toys, if easily transportable.  
 Veterinarian name and contact number.  
 
 
 
 
West Windsor Health Department thanks you for taking the time to review the information on pet 
ownership.  We hope this serves as a convenient reference for the community.  The Health Department 
welcomes feedback and suggestions for future issues.   
“Pets are humanizing.  They remind us we have an obligation and responsibility to preserve and nurture 
and care for all life.”  - James Cromwell