Bloomfield, NJ Animal Ordinances: Dog Leash Laws (2026)

Chapter 134 of the Bloomfield Township Code (Animals) is the controlling local ordinance for dog restraint. The chapter makes it unlawful for any dog or cat to run at large within the Township, defining 'at large' as being off the premises of the owner or keeper while not on a leash, tether, chain, rope, or the like. The total length of the restraint, including the hand grip, may not exceed six feet, and it must be held by the owner or another person capable of controlling the animal. Dogs kept in a kennel, pet shop, shelter, pound, or breeder's premises may not leave such premises except on a leash or in a crate or other safe means of control. The Township also restricts unattended tethering: it is unlawful to tether, fasten, tie, or restrain an unattended dog to a house, tree, fence, garage, stake, or other stationary or highly immobile object by a rope, strap, or other physical restraint, except when the tethering totals no more than seven hours within a 24-hour period, with a maximum of four hours at any one interval and a minimum one-hour break between confinements. Statewide, N.J.S.A. 4:19-15.1 defines a 'dog of licensing age' as any dog seven months old or having a permanent set of teeth, and N.J.S.A. 4:19-15.2 requires owners to apply annually (or every third year) to the Municipal Clerk for a license and metal registration tag, which must be affixed to the dog's collar or harness. Bloomfield's Municipal Clerk issues licenses each June; current rabies vaccination is required.