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

Chapter 117, Article I of the Code of the City of Passaic governs dogs kept, harbored or running loose within city limits. " The Code defines "running at large" as being off the owner's or keeper's premises without a leash, tether, chain or rope, measured including the hand grip, that exceeds six feet, held by someone able to control the dog. Every dog seven months or older, or with a full set of permanent teeth, must also be licensed with the City Clerk before February 1 each year under § 117-2, and licensed dogs must wear a collar bearing the registration tag under § 117-10.

When the Animal Control Officer finds an unlicensed dog at large, a stray dog off its owner's premises, or a dog without a current registration tag, § 117-9 directs the officer to seize and impound it at the Municipal Dog Pound, run by the Director of the Department of Human Resources. An owner reclaiming an impounded dog owes a $50 release fee plus $20 per day of quarantine under § 117-9(F); if the dog is unclaimed seven days after written notice, the pound may destroy it or offer it for adoption.

Section 117-11 ties penalties to Chapter 1, Article II's general penalty, which for Passaic ordinances tops out at a $2,000 fine, 90 days' imprisonment or 90 days' community service, with each day of continued violation a separate offense.