NWBRHC, in conjunction with the Local Boards of Health of our contracting towns and Tyco Animal Control, hosts several rabies vaccination clinics throughout the year. There is no charge to attend our Rabies Vaccination Clinics. Dogs must be on leashes (no retractable leashes), and cats must be in carriers; both dogs and cats are welcome at any time. Please note that rabies vaccinations are required for ALL dogs and cats by four months of age (but no less than 12 weeks). Please bring pet tags and/or proof of previous rabies vaccination. Residents from any New Jersey municipality are welcome to bring their pets to our programs. Questions? Please contact us at 201-445-7217.
Additionally, click here for information on rabies clinics at the Bergen County Animal Shelter.
Animal Bites & Rabies Control
Rabies is a serious infection that affects the brain and spinal cord. It can spread to any warm-blooded animal, including raccoons, foxes, skunks, groundhogs, dogs, and cats. Rabies is passed through the saliva of an infected animal, usually through a bite or if saliva from an infected animal gets into an open cut or wound.
Rabies can be prevented if treated soon after a bite, with shots that protect against the disease. However, once symptoms appear (usually 2-12 weeks after a bite), rabies is almost always fatal. This is why all animal bites must be reported to the local health department immediately for follow-up.
Here’s what to do if you’re bitten by an animal or exposed to its saliva:
- Wash the wound with soap and water right away.
- If bitten by a pet, get the owner’s contact information. If it’s a wild or stray animal, try to capture it safely for testing, or call the Police/Tyco Animal Control (see below). Report all animal bites, including contact with potentially rabid animals to NWBRHC immediately.
- See a doctor as soon as possible.
Visit the links below for information about rabies and rabies prevention:
Contact Tyco Animal Control at (201) 652-4554 for:
- Dead animals on public property
- Dead animals on private property (removal fee)
- Nuisance Wildlife (removal fee)
- Leash law, licensing and pooper scooper violations
- Report of a lost pet
Tyco Animal Control services the following NWBRHC Towns:
- Emerson, Franklin Lakes, Hillsdale, Ho-Ho-Kus, Midland Park, Montvale, Saddle River, Waldwick, Washington Township
For other NWBRHC towns, please contact:
Don’t see your town listed? Find your Local Health Department HERE.
You can call the police to report:
- Sick, injured or dangerous animals
- Stray domestic animals
Kennels, pet shops, animal shelters and pounds must be inspected at least annually by the local health department and found in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations and ordinances before municipalities can license their operation. The regulations for the sanitary operation of kennels, pet shops, animal shelters and pounds address specific requirements that must be met in order for a satisfactory rating to be issued for the facility.
For more information on Registration, License and Inspection Forms, click HERE.
Animal rescue groups are not regulated by the State or local health departments unless they operate an animal shelter facility. Rescue facilities shall comply with the provisions of the animal cruelty statutes.
Cleaning and Disinfection Practices for Animal Facilities
Per the New Jersey Department of Health and pursuant to N.J.A.C. 8:23A-4.2, dogs seven months of age or older must be licensed annually through the municipality where the owner lives. The owner must present proof that the dog has been vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian, and that its immunity will extend through at least ten months of the twelve-month license period. Dog licensing fees are set by municipal ordinance.
Contact the Municipal Clerk in your town or municipality for pet licensing information.
