Township-authorized personnel from St. Hubert’s Giralda anmal welfare agency are conducting the annual dog canvass in Hillsborough Township.
Canvassers have passed a background check and are carrying appropriate identification.
The canvassers are knocking on doors to check for unlicensed dogs. Each resident with an unlicensed dog is given information about why the canvass and dog licensing are necessary, and that they must license a dog within 10 days of the visit or face a municipal court summons. A door hanger bag with this information inside is left at each home where a dog is barking and there is no license on record. Presently, the fine is $50 per incident, with a mandatory court appearance.
Dog licenses in Hillsborough must be renewed annually in January.
Annual licensing is a reminder to update a dog’s rabies vaccination. Also, if the dog is lost, a Good Samaritan is more likely to hold onto the dog and call the owner if they see a license on the dog.
The cost of a license for a spayed or neutered dog is $21 and if not spayed or neutered the cost is $24. All dogs must have a rabies vaccination that is current for at least 10 months of the licensing year, up until Nov, 1, 2016.
To apply for a dog license, go to the township website at www.hillsborough-nj.org and click on eGov, form center, and scroll to the Health Department, where you will see "New Dog Application." Click on the link. Send the completed form to Hillsborough Township, Animal Licensing, 379 South Branch Road, Hillsborough, 08844, along with the payment and proof of rabies vaccination (current through Nov. 1) and spay or neutering.
Direct questions to the township health department at 908-369-5652.
