2011 CAT LICENSE UPDATE
RABIES VACCINATION REQUIREMENT
RENEWAL of an existing license ideally requires proof of new rabies vaccination if the current vaccination will expire before March 31, 2012. This guideline follows the state mandate for rabies vaccination for dogs, which requires that a rabies certificate is valid for the first 10 months of a licensing year.
While this requirement is not mandated by State law for cats, WE FEEL THIS IS AN IMPORTANT SAFEGUARD FOR THE CAT POPULATION OF SOMERVILLE AGAINST RABIES. We also understand that – unlike rabies vaccinations for dogs – many veterinarians no longer give 3 year rabies vaccinations for cats, offering only annual rabies shots.
Please renew your cat’s license even if its rabies vaccination expires before March 31, 2012. It is your responsibility to keep your cat’s rabies vaccination up-to-date. Rabies is a deadly disease, fatal once symptoms appear.
All Somerville cat owners MUST get a new or renewed cat license during the month of June. Licenses can be obtained in-person at Somerville Borough Hall, 25 West End Avenue, or through the mail.
A cat license application can be found at
http://www.somervillenj.org/filestorage/5580/578/295/167/705/2010_Pet_License_Application.pdf
The license fee is $11.00 for neutered cats or $14.00 for non-neutered cats. A NEW LICENSE will only be issued with proof of rabies vaccination and neuter (if applicable).
If you pay by check or money order, please make payable to “Borough of Somerville”.
If you renew a cat license after June 30 the late fees are $3.00 in July AND an additional $1.00 for each month thereafter. There will be NO free rabies vaccination clinic in Somerville this June.
PetCo (300 US Highway 202, Raritan, NJ 08869 - phone 908-203-8840) will have low-cost vaccination clinics on Saturday, JUNE 11, 18 and 25 from 9:30 am – 11:00 am. Appointments are not required. Rabies shots are $15.00.
For more information about pet licenses, call Marcie Tyson at (908) 725-2300 ext. 1980 or mtyson@somervillenj.org.