Health Department Sponsors Free Rabies Vaccination Clinics

The Health Department is sponsoring two free rabies vaccination clinics in 2014, according to the township website. The first will be held on Jan. 11 at the Department of Public Works building located at 25 Lakeside Avenue from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.. The second clinic will be held on Jan. 15 at Fire Station #4 located at 280 Pleasant Valley Way from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.


According to the township website, dogs must be restrained on leashes and cats contained in carriers. A licensed veterinarian will administer the vaccine. Animal Licenses are sold at both clinics for your convenience. All dogs and cats must be licensed every year in the Township of West Orange. A valid rabies vaccination is a requirement to purchase this annual license. New Jersey law requires all rabies vaccinations to be current through November 1, 2014.


If you choose to go to your private veterinarian a rabies certificate must be submitted to be added onto your pet’s licensing record.Vaccinations received at Township rabies clinics will be updated automatically. If your pet does not need an updated rabies vaccination this year, a license must still be purchased for 2014, according to the website.


Dog and cat licenses may be purchased at the Health Department, 66 Main Street, in Room #203 or through the mail. January is designated as dog and cat licensing month. Current licenses expire January 31 of each year.


The website states that the Health Department will send renewal applications to previously licensed pet owners in December. Late fees a recharged on March 1st. New pets may also be licensed at this time.This licensing process allows the Health Department to review veterinarian records for rabies immunity and inform residents of their obligation to keep this preventative vaccination current. Rabies is a virus that is transmitted to domestic animals and humans by infected warm-blooded animals especially raccoons, bats and fox. It is important to vaccinate dogs and cats to protect pets and families from this potentially fatal disease. 


Donations are accepted and specifically designated for the care and operation of theTownship of West Orange Alex Caprio Animal Control Facility. Licensing fees are also used for the Animal Control Division of the Health Department. Donations are payable to: Township of West Orange, C/O ACAF, 66 Main Street, West Orange, NJ 07052.For more information contact the Animal Control Division at 973- 325-4121.