Animal Control

Overview

The City of Long Branch Health Department provides a comprehensive program to residents for animal control. For urgent animal-related matters outside of normal business hours, contact the Long Branch Police Department at 732-222-1000.

Free Rabies Vaccination Clinic

Free Rabies Clinic Event Fall 2023 copy

Saturday, October 7, 2023 · 9AM - 12PM

OEM Building, 205 Union Avenue

Dogs & cats welcome. Residents & non-residents welcome.

Please leash dogs and have cats in carriers. Dogs & Cats must be accompanied by a family member 18 or older.

For more information call Animal Control at 732-571-5665 ext. 5260. 

Dogs on Beach-October

A few reminders regarding dogs at the beach:

  • Dogs are permitted on municipal public beaches from October 1 until April 30; Seaview to Brighton Avenue. Dogs must be leashed & Owners are responsible for pet waste removal.
  • Dogs are not allowed on the boardwalk or promenade.
  • Dogs are prohibited on all beaches from May 1 through September 30.
Read the full ordinance at: http://ecode360.com/6280197

Pet Licensing

Cat and dog. Time to renew their license.


As per City Ordinance § 109-2: All dogs and cats owned by residents of Long Branch must be licensed by the Health/Animal Control Department. Read the full ordinance.

To obtain a license you must present current proof of rabies vaccination. Download the cat/dog license application (PDF).

Licenses are:

  • $12 for spayed or neutered dogs.
  • $18 for non-spayed or non-neutered dogs.
  • $5 for spayed or neutered cats
  • $7 for non-spayed or non-neutered cats.

The Health Department provides an annual free rabies clinic for dogs and cats. Contact Animal Control Supervisor Deb Nagel for more information at 732-222-7000, ext. 5260. 

Yearly Chip Check-Up Brochure.

The Health Department reminds residents that all dog and cat licenses must be renewed by the end of January to avoid the possibility of a summons.

All licensing may be done in person at the Health Department, 344 Broadway, or via mail.

Pet Waste

Animal Control Officers enforce regulations in the City of Long Branch with regard to at-large animals and pet waste. Dogs are not permitted to be at large unless on private property. Dogs are not permitted at-large on our beaches. All dogs must be leashed when being walked on public thoroughfares. Pet owners or anyone who takes a pet for a walk must properly dispose of the waste.

Download Pet Waste Pollutes Our Waters (PDF) notice for more information.

Animal Cruelty Information

For information regarding Animal Cruelty crimes and penalties as well as a guide to prevention, click the links:

Steps to keep a healthy and happy pet

Meet Animal Control Officer, K9 Tucker

Tucker, a Smooth Coat Border Collie, was brought by plane from Virginia to NJ on April 24, 2016, to meet up with his new partner, Animal Control Officer, Deb Nagel. Tucker is the City's Official Geese Patrol Dog. He reminds pesky gaggles of geese when they are not welcome at local parks, lakes, and community sites by giving them a quick and harmless chase. When he's not chasing geese, he loves to participate in special events and visit the schools to help teach kids about being responsible pet owners.

Animal Control Officer K9 Tucker by airplane, with children, and dressed up for Christmas.

View to see Tucker at work.