Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
πŸ” Animal Ordinances/Breed Restrictions

Breed Restrictions: Garfield vs Paramus

How do breed restrictions rules compare between Garfield, NJ and Paramus, NJ?

Garfield and Paramus have similar restriction levels.

Garfield, NJ

Bergen County

Few Restrictions

Bergen County does not impose breed-specific dog restrictions. New Jersey state law (N.J.S.A. 4:19-36) preempts municipalities and counties from enacting breed-discriminatory ordinances against pit bulls or other specific breeds.

View full Garfield rules β†’

Paramus, NJ

Bergen County

Few Restrictions

Bergen County does not impose breed-specific dog restrictions. New Jersey state law (N.J.S.A. 4:19-36) preempts municipalities and counties from enacting breed-discriminatory ordinances against pit bulls or other specific breeds.

View full Paramus rules β†’

Key Facts Comparison

FactGarfieldParamus
Breed bansProhibited by state lawProhibited by state law
StatuteN.J.S.A. 4:19-36N.J.S.A. 4:19-36
Vicious dog lawBehavior-based onlyBehavior-based only
County shelterLocated in TeterboroLocated in Teterboro
Insurance for vicious dogsRequiredRequired

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Garfield FAQ

Are pit bulls legal in Bergen County?

Yes. New Jersey law prohibits any municipality or county from banning dogs by breed. Pit bulls and other breeds are fully legal throughout Bergen County.

What if my dog bites someone?

Any dog that bites or threatens may be declared potentially dangerous or vicious under state law. Owners face containment, signage, and liability insurance requirements regardless of breed.

Can my landlord still ban certain breeds?

Yes. The state preemption applies to government, not private landlords or insurers. Rental policies and homeowners insurance can still impose breed restrictions.

Paramus FAQ

Are pit bulls legal in Bergen County?

Yes. New Jersey law prohibits any municipality or county from banning dogs by breed. Pit bulls and other breeds are fully legal throughout Bergen County.

What if my dog bites someone?

Any dog that bites or threatens may be declared potentially dangerous or vicious under state law. Owners face containment, signage, and liability insurance requirements regardless of breed.

Can my landlord still ban certain breeds?

Yes. The state preemption applies to government, not private landlords or insurers. Rental policies and homeowners insurance can still impose breed restrictions.

Want to add a third city?

Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.

Open Comparison Tool