Dog Leash Laws: Edison vs New Brunswick

Do dogs have to be leashed in Edison, NJ?

Yes. Chapter 9 of the Edison Township Code requires every dog off the owner's premises to be on a leash no longer than 6 feet held by a competent person. The only off-leash area in the Township is the fenced dog park at Whitman Avenue Park.

Can I tie my dog outside in Edison?

Only under strict limits. Tethers must be at least 15 feet long with swivels on both ends, no heavier than one-eighth of the dog's weight, and a dog may be tethered no more than 9 hours in any 24 hours and no more than 3 hours at a stretch. Unneutered dogs cannot be tethered outside at all.

What if my neighbor's dog runs loose in Edison?

Report it to Edison Animal Control through the Township Health Department (732-248-7350) or to Edison Police non-emergency dispatch. The officer can impound the dog under Chapter 9 and issue a citation to the owner; fees and fines apply before the dog is released.

Is there a leash law in New Brunswick, NJ?

Yes. The City of New Brunswick regulates dogs through Municipal Code Chapters 6.04 (Dog Licensing) and 6.08 (Dogs), and N.J.S.A. 4:19-15.16 separately authorizes certified animal control officers to impound any dog found off its owner's premises that is reasonably believed to be a stray or that lacks a current registration tag. In practice that means a dog must be under the owner's control - on a leash and accompanied by a person able to control it - whenever it is off the owner's property. Always check the current published text of Chapter 6.08 in New Brunswick's Municipal Code for the exact leash length and any exceptions.

Who do I call about a loose dog in New Brunswick?

All Animal Control calls in New Brunswick go through New Brunswick Police Dispatch at (732) 745-5200, per the City's Division of Animal Control. The Division operates under the New Brunswick Health Department and works with the Police Department. For non-emergency questions about pet licensing, lost pets, or animal welfare, you can email aco@nbpdnj.org. Use the Police Dispatch line - not 911 - for an active loose-dog complaint unless someone has been bitten or is in immediate danger.

Do I have to license my dog in New Brunswick?

Yes. The Division of Animal Control licenses all pets and exotic animals kept in the City of New Brunswick under Municipal Codes 6.04 and 6.08. Under N.J.S.A. 4:19-15.1 and 4:19-15.2, the owner of any dog seven months or older (or with a permanent set of teeth) must apply to the Municipal Clerk for a license and metal registration tag, which must be worn on the dog's collar. License applications and proof of current rabies vaccination should be returned to the New Brunswick Health Department, Division of Animal Control, P.O. Box 269, New Brunswick NJ 08903-0269.