Dog Licensing

N.J. State Statute 4:19-15 and City Ordinance 87-17, Sec. 11-1 require that any person owning, keeping or harboring a dog of licensing age (3 months or older) shall in the month of January and annually thereafter procure a license and official metal tag for each dog owned from the Municipal Clerk’s office.

At the time of licensing, a written proof of a current rabies vaccination, proof of spayed or neutered, must be presented.

Violators of these laws may be issued a summons and face a possible fine of up to $150.00.

Office hours in the Municipal Clerk’s office are from 8:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Office is located at City Hall, 9th Street and Asbury Avenue, Ocean City. Call 609-525-9324.

Leash Law in Effect

Any dog off the property of its owner or custodian must be on a leash not exceeding six feet in length (87-17, 11-4.3).

Dogs Prohibited on Boardwalk

Dogs are not allowed AT ANY TIME OF THE YEAR on the Boardwalk or any platform or ramp associated. This includes carrying or transporting a dog in any manner. (87-17, 11-4.4a).

Dogs Prohibited on Beach During Certain Times

Dogs are not allowed on the beach from May 1 through September 30. Dogs are permitted on the beach on a leash from October 1 to April 30. Owners must clean up after their dogs. (87-17, 11-4.4b)

“Pooper Scooper” Law in Effect

Ordinance 87-17, Sec. 11-4.9, Removal of Waste:
It is unlawful for the owner or custodian of any dog to permit, suffer or allow any such dog to discharge its excretia upon any public or private property other than the property of the owner or custodian, unless the owner or custodian removes such excretia and disposes of it in a closed container or covered trash receptacle.

A Clean-Up Suggestion
Carry a small plastic bag, such as a sandwich bag, with you whenever you walk your dog. Turn it inside out, place it over your hand, and pick up the excretia. Then turn the bag right side out over your hand, close the bag, and carry it home to deposit it in a trash bag. Never place it in a storm drain or dune.

Why Should I Do This?
Failure to clean up after your dog can have a number of consequences:
1. The rain will wash it into the street and down the storm drain, polluting the bay and ocean waters we all use.
2. Flies and other insects will be attracted to it.
3. Someone will step in it.
4. Someone will drive over it.
5. You may receive a summons and a fine.

For the sake of the environment and the quality of life in Ocean City, please be a conscientious dog owner and clean up after your pet.

To contact the Animal Control Officer, call 609-399-9115.