Animal Control

Who We Are

View all Codes pertaining to Animal Control (Chapter 9, Animal Control).

The Animal Control Office now covers not only Berkeley Township, but also Pine Beach, Ocean Gate, and Seaside Park.

Strays are picked up and brought to the Ocean County Animal Shelter in Manahawkin:

SOCAF
360 Haywood Road
Manahawkin, NJ 08050
Phone: 609-978-0127

General Info

Programs covered by the Berkeley Township Animal Control are Dog and Cat Licensing, Animal Census taking, and the Free Rabies Clinic offered twice a year to further address the Township's needs.

Berkeley Animal Control also works in conjunction with the Office of Emergency Management (O.E.M.) in the event of natural disasters or emergencies to help you and your animals maintain safety and comfort in times of crisis.

Dog License Application Chapter 9-1.4

Please keep in mind that you need to have Current Proof of your Rabies vaccination to license your dog.

View or download the Dog License Application Form (PDF).

Dog and cat licenses will be sold in the Animal Control Trailer located in the Public Works Parking lot, Monday through Friday between 9 am and 3 pm. It is the tan trailer opposite the Public Works garage. Cash or check only, we do not accept Debit or Credit cards.

Note: Dog and cat licenses are due annually by January 31st. A $5 late fee applies after January 31st of every licensing year (New dogs excluded).

Rabies Vaccinations must not expire before November of the Licensing year in order to obtain a license, a new rabies vaccination certificate must be provided.

Berkeley Township holds free Rabies Clinics in the fall. Check our Facebook page or call Town Hall for details.

Cat License Application Chapter 9-8.3

All cats in Berkeley Township, even if they are indoors, are required to be licensed.

Please keep in mind that you need to have Current Proof of your Rabies vaccination to license your cat.

Dog and cat licenses will be sold in the Animal Control Trailer located in the Public Works Parking lot, Monday through Friday between 9 am and 3 pm.  It is the tan trailer opposite the Public Works garage, cash or check only, we do not accept credit or debit cards. 

View or download the Cat License Application Form (PDF).

Rabies Clinic

Berkeley Township holds two free Rabies Clinics per year in January and November. Only dogs and cats will be vaccinated. Please bring proof of prior Rabies vaccination for a three-year shot. If you don't bring proof, a one-year vaccination certificate will be issued. Our next scheduled Rabies clinic is:

• Dates: Saturday, November 22, 2025, and Saturday, January 17, 2026
• Time: 10 am to 11 am
• Place: Bayville First Aid Squad Building at the corner of Station Road and Route 9. To park, turn onto Station Road and park in the Berkeley Township Elementary School lot behind the First Aid Squad building.

Please Note: Licenses will not be sold at the Clinics.

Free Rabies Clinic at Ocean County Animal Shelter

• Date: Every other Wednesday
• Time: 11 am to Noon
• Place: NOCAF, 615 Freemont Avenue, Jackson, NJ. 
• Call 732 657-8086 for an appointment.

Free Rabies Clinic at Ocean County Animal Shelter by appointment only.

Free Rabies Clinic at Ocean County Animal Shelter

• Date: Every other Wednesday
• Time: 11 am to Noon
• Place: SOCAF, 360 Haywood Road, Manahawkin, NJ 08050, NJ.
• Call 609 978-0127 for an appointment.

Free Rabies Clinic at Ocean County Animal Shelter by appointment only.

An Ordinance Amending Chapter IX Entitled Animal Control. Fees for Traps and Surrender

View or download the Ordinance Amending Chapter IX Entitled "Animal Control. Fees for Traps and Surrender" (PDF).

9-10 Geese, Ducks, and other Waterfowl.

9-10.1 Feeding Prohibited.

No person or persons shall feed, cause to be fed, or provide food for geese, ducks, or other waterfowl on publicly or privately owned lands within the Township of Berkeley. (Ord. No. 00-2-OAB Section 4)

9-10.2 Exceptions.

This section shall not be construed to prohibit humane acts towards geese, ducks, or other waterfowl on an individual basis, such as the temporary nurturing of a wounded bird, provided same is not done on property of the Township of Berkeley. (Ord. No. 00-2-OAB Section 4)

9-10.3 Abandonment Prohibited.

No person or persons shall abandon, leave, or discard any geese, ducks, or other waterfowl on any private lands within the Township of Berkeley. (Ord. No. 00-2-OAB Section 4)

9-10.4 Enforcement.

The Animal Control Officer, Code Enforcement Officer, and / or the Ocean County Board of Health are hereby authorized and directed to enforce the provisions of this section. (Ord. No. 00-2-OAB Section 4)

9-10.5 Violations and Penalties.

Any person who violates any 1 or more subsections of this section shall be subject to a fine of not more than two hundred fifty ($250) dollars for each separate offense and may be ordered to perform community service not to exceed 10 days in duration. (Ord. No. 00-2-OAB Section 4)