Cherry Hill, NJ Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)

Cherry Hill licenses cats the same way it licenses dogs, through two companion sections adopted by Ordinances #90-46 and #90-47 in June 1990. Section 8-7.3 requires that 'No person shall own, keep, harbor, or maintain any cat over seven (7) months of age within the Township, unless the cat is vaccinated and licensed,' with exemptions for cats in a licensed cattery, veterinary clinic, shelter, pound or pet shop. Vaccination must follow the current national rabies-vaccine compendium and be certified by a licensed veterinarian, and an owner can seek a temporary medical exemption from the Department of Licensing, Vital Statistics and Animal Control under § 8-7.3d.

Section 8-7.4 sets the mechanics: application within ten days of acquiring a cat of licensing age, a collar or registration sleeve displaying the license number, and an annual fee of $22.20 for a neutered cat or $25.20 for an unneutered cat, expiring every July 31. Separately, § 8-6, 'Control of Cats,' bans cats from soiling or committing a nuisance on public property or anywhere people congregate, and lets the Animal Control Officer impound any cat found off its owner's premises that is believed to be a stray, is unlicensed, or is a female cat in season; an impounded cat is held seven days after notice before it can be destroyed or placed for adoption, subject to a $4.00 daily maintenance charge and a $50.00 penalty if unlicensed. New Jersey license reciprocity applies: a valid tag from any New Jersey municipality is accepted under § 8-7.4h(2).