I think the OP is making a pretty broad generalization about private home-boarding. Just as in any profession there are good apples and bad apples. OP, sounds like you have the misfortune of living near a bad apple. Leaving a dog unattended for hours on end is unacceptable whether it's your dog or someone else's. It's unfair to the dog as well as to the neighbors. That being said, most of the downtown JC dog-walkers I know offer boarding as an option to their clients and more often than not the clients are thrilled to take them up on it. There are many benefits if the dog-walker/boarder is responsible and genuinly compassionate towards animals. The dog gets to stay in a comfortable home environment as opposed to a cage in a strange place, more often than not the dog has the company of the dog-walker's own dog(s), the dog is with a person who is not only familiar but probably one of their favorite people, and in many cases the dog-walker will take the boarding dog with them on their "rounds" during the day so the dog gets loads of exercise. As I said, I can only speak for myself and the dog-walkers that I know and associate with in JC. Anyone who wants a recommendation, feel free to PM me. No one should be boarding multiple dogs at a time just to make money and it goes without saying that no one who works with animals and presumably loves them should be neglecting them or mis-treating them in any way. My advice: Let your dog be your guide. Wherever you board your dog, private home or big boarding facility, pay close attention to their mannerisms when you pick them up. If they are panicked and desperate to leave the place, chances are they had a negative experience. But if they are still thrilled to see their dog-walker or happy to return to the boarding facility the next time, then it's a safe bet they were well cared for and felt secure.

Also, just as an aside, many dog-walkers (myself included) offer in-home pet-sitting in which the pet-sitter will come to your home and essentially live there, sleep there, etc while you are away so your dog never has to stay in an unfamiliar place.

I am surprised you think a boarding facility is some wonderful alternative. Do you think your dog won't miss you while it's sitting in a cage all night all alone? My dog only stays with relatives.

r_pinkowitz: *thank you*

And to reiterate: All of us as dog owners have choices about where we leave our canine friends when we travel. Please choose a proper dog-boarding facility, like Boca's (again, other recommendations? my gf and I would love a backup).

When you board a dog in a legal establishment, chances are they're going to get proper care and exercise, in a place that's insured, legally zoned as a kennel, and in a place where they're allowed to bark.

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hitchcock, it's best to call our office at 201-547-4888 if you have any further questions or wish to file a complaint.

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jmiz, Your information is not correct.

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Sorry, but your statement is not accurate for Jersey City.

Animal Control should be called regarding all nuisance animal complaints. 201-547-4888, Animal Control is on duty for all types of complaints Monday thru Friday. (except when the City is closed for Holidays). Anything outside of those hours is considered "After-hours" and is AC will only respond to animal related emergencies.

JCPD will handle any complaint they feel warrants a patrol car during after hours.

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Thanks for proving my point.

Animal Control can take your dog. Animal Control won't be writing you any tickets for that noise, though. (third time I'm typing it).


If you want specifics on NJCACOA, here's the website: http://www.njcacoa.org/aco_authority.htm

For the third time: Animal Control will not issue noise complaint citations, summons, tickets or fines because Animal Control Officers are not trained in domestic disputes, which is exactly what noise complaints are, whether it be a party, a stereo, a dog, etc.

Many thanks for all the information, vigilante, r_pinkowitz, jmiz. Useful resources...

You can alert Animal Control online as well.

http://mygovhelp.com/JERSEYCITYNJ/_cs ... .aspx?ssessionid=&rqst=40

Duties of Animal Control



? 90-12. - Definitions. [Amended 12-23-1987 by Ord. No. C-651]

As used herein, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:

AT LARGE - Off the premises of the owner and not under the control of the owner, or the owner's agent or servant, by leash.

DANGEROUS DOG - Any dog:

A.

Which, unprovoked, chases or approaches a person or a domestic animal in a threatening manner;

B.

Which has propensity to attack or cause injury unprovoked or threaten humans or domestic animals;

C.

Which possesses physical characteristics when unprovoked will inflict harm or create a reasonable apprehension of such harm in a person;

D.

Which is owned or kept primarily or in part for the purpose of dog fighting or is trained for dog fighting; or

E.

Not licensed according to law.


DOG ? Any dog, bitch or spayed bitch.

DOG OF LICENSING AGE ? Any dog which has attained the age of seven months or which possesses a set of permanent teeth.

KENNEL/DOG DAYCARE ? Any establishment wherein or whereon the business of boarding, selling dogs or breeding dogs for sale is carried on, except a pet shop. [Added 1-26-2011 by Ord. No. 11-003]

OWNER ? Every person having a right of property in a dog and every person who has such in his or her keeping.

PET SHOP ? Any room or group of rooms, cage or exhibition pen, not part of a kennel, wherein dogs for sale are kept or displayed. [Added 1-26-2011 by Ord. No. 11-003]

POUND ? An establishment for the confinement of dogs seized either under the provisions of this chapter or otherwise. [Added 1-26-2011 by Ord. No. 11-003]

PROPER ENCLOSURE OF A VICIOUS OR DANGEROUS DOG ? While on the owner's property, a vicious or dangerous dog shall be securely confined indoors or in a securely enclosed and locked pen or structure, suitable to prevent the entry of young children and designed to prevent the animal from escaping from the enclosure. Such pen or structure shall have secure sides and a secure top and shall also provide protection from the elements for the dog.

PUBLIC PLACE ? Includes every sidewalk, gutter, street, park or any other place within the city which is accessible to the general public.

VICIOUS DOG ? Any dog which, unprovoked, bites or causes physical injury to a human or a domestic animal.


? 90-13. - License and registration tag required; removal of registration tags. [Amended 1-26-2011 by Ord. No. 11-003]

A.

Every owner of a dog of licensing age shall obtain a license and official registration tag for such dog and shall place upon such dog a collar or harness with the registration tag securely fastened thereto; provided, however, that any dog licensed in another state may be kept in the City of Jersey City for a period of ninety (90) days: thereafter, the owner or custodian of such dog shall obtain a license and registration tag in accordance with this section.

B.

Every owner of any newly acquired dog of licensing age or of a dog which attains licensing age shall obtain a license and registration tag for such dog within 10 days after such acquisition or age attainment.

C.

Applications for licenses shall state the following information:

(1)

Breed.

(2)

Sex.

(3)

Age.

(4)

Color and markings.

(5)

Whether the dog to be licensed is of a long- or short-haired variety.

(6)

Name and address of the person who shall keep such dog if different from the owner.

(7)

Any other pertinent information required by the Division of Health, including certificate of rabies vaccine inoculation from a licensed veterinarian, or a certificate of exemption to the rabies inoculation from a licensed veterinarian as provided by the State Department of Health regulations.

D.

No person, except an officer in the performance of his duties, shall remove a registration tag from the collar of any dog without the consent of the owner, nor shall any person attach a registration tag to a dog for which it was not issued.

? 90-14. - License and registration fees; expiration; license required for animal facilities; compliance with State Department of Health; exemption from individual dog license requirement. [Amended 12-4-1979 by Ord. No. S-315; 1-26-2011 by Ord. No. 11-003]*

A.

Dogs may be registered annually or for a three-year period as authorized by N.J.S.A. 4:19-15.12. The annual license and three-year license and registration tag fees shall be as provided in Chapter 160, Fees and Charges, for each license and each registration tag. For each annual or three-year renewal, the fee for the license and registration tag shall be the same as for the original. The license and registration tag, and renewals thereof, shall expire on April 30 in each year or every third year. Such additional fee as established by the state and forwarded to the Department of Health shall also apply.

B.

Any person who fails to apply for and procure a dog license or registration or renewal on or before May 31 of each year or every third year shall be subject to a late fee, which late fee shall be separate and apart from any penalties which may otherwise be imposed by this section or according to law.

C.

Any person who keeps or operates or proposes to keep or operate a kennel, dog day care facility, pet shop, shelter or a pound shall apply to the Health Officer for a license to keep or operate such establishment.

D.

The application shall describe the premises where the establishment is located or is proposed to be located, the purpose or purpose for which it is to be maintained, showing compliance with the local and state regulations governing location of and sanitation at such establishments.

E.

All licenses issued for a kennel, dog day care facility, pet shop, shelter or pound shall state the purpose for which the establishment is maintained and all such licenses shall expire on June 30 of each year and be subject to revocation by the City on recommendations of the State Department of Health or the Division of Health of the municipality for failure to comply with the regulations of the State Department or the Jersey City Division of Health after the owner has been afforded a hearing by either the State Department or the Division of Health.

F.

Any person holding a kennel, dog day care facility, pet shop, shelter or pound license shall not be required to secure individual licenses for dogs owned by such licensee and kept at such establishments; and such license shall not be transferable to another owner or different premises.

*? Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code; see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I.

? 90-15. - Exceptions from fee provisions.*

Dogs used as guides for blind persons and commonly known as "seeing eye" dogs, dogs used to assist handicapped persons and commonly known as "service dogs" and dogs used to assist deaf persons and commonly known as "hearing ear" dogs shall be licensed and registered as other dogs, but no fee shall be required therefor.

*? Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code; see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. I.


? 90-16. - Use of leash in public places; leash required off premises. [Amended 10-24-2007 by Ord. No. 07-168; 1-26-2011 by Ord. No. 11-003]

A.

Except in an area designated as a dog run by the City of Jersey City Division of Parks and Forestry with official signage erected clearly indicating such dog run, no person who owns, keeps or harbors any dog shall suffer or permit it to be upon the public streets or in any of the public places of the city unless such dog is accompanied by a responsible person and is securely confined and controlled by one adequate leash not more than six feet long.

B.

No dog kept in a kennel, dog day care facility, pet shop, shelter or pound shall be permitted off such premises, except on leash or in a crate or other safe control.

? 90-17. - Duties of vicious or dangerous dog owners. [Amended 12-23-1987 by Ord. No. C-651]

Ownership of a vicious or dangerous dog is subject to the following regulations at all times:

A.

A vicious or dangerous dog shall not be owned by any person under the age of 18 years of age.

B.

The owner of a vicious or dangerous dog must provide a proper enclosure to confine a vicious or dangerous dog together with the posting on the premises of a clearly visible warning sign that there is a vicious or dangerous dog on the property. Further, the owner shall conspicuously display a sign with a warning symbol that informs children of the presence of a vicious or dangerous dog.

C.

No owner of any vicious dog shall allow such dog outside of the dwelling of the owner or outside the enclosure unless the dog is securely and humanely muzzled so that it shall be impossible for it to tear or otherwise wound with its teeth any human being or animals and shall be in the charge of a competent person over the age of 18 and securely held by a chain or leash not more than six feet long.

D.

No owner of any dangerous dog shall allow such dog outside of the dwelling of the owner or outside the enclosure unless the dog is in the charge of competent person over the age of 18 and securely held by a chain or leash not more than six feet long so that it shall be impossible for it to tear or otherwise wound with its teeth any human being or animals.

E.

Dogs shall not be declared vicious or dangerous if the threat, injury or damage was sustained by a person who at the time was committing a willful trespass or other tort upon the premises occupied by the owner of the dog or was tormenting, abusing or assaulting the dog or has, in the past, been observed or reported to have tormented, abused or assaulted the dog or was committing or attempting to commit a crime.

F.

Any vicious or dangerous dog shall be immediately taken into custody and impounded or caused to be taken into custody and impounded by an animal control authority pursuant to ? 90-21 if the owner of the vicious or dangerous dog is in violation of this section. Thereafter, the dog may be destroyed or disposed of as provided by ? 90-21

G.

Any person who violates this section shall be subject to a fine of $1,000 or imprisonment for a period up to six months, or both.


? 90-18. - Rabies testing.

Whenever it has been reported that a dog has bitten or mutilated any person, the dog shall be confined at a place selected by the Division of Health and placed under the observation of a veterinarian, at the expense of the owner, for a period of 10 days, to determine whether the dog has rabies. The veterinarian shall make at least two examinations of said dog, the first at the time the dog is placed under the veterinarian's care and the next 10 days thereafter. The owner of such dog, at the end of the observation period, shall present to the Division of Health, upon a form furnished by it, the findings of the veterinarian, the form to be signed by the veterinarian. If the dog is found to be suffering from rabies, it shall be destroyed forthwith. If the owner of a dog which has bitten or mutilated any person refuses to surrender it, the Division of Health, or any person or persons authorized by it, may lawfully enter upon any premises where the dog is found and may seize and impound the dog for the purpose set forth in this section.

? 90-19. - Noisy dogs.

No dog shall be allowed to unnecessarily disturb the peace or rest of persons residing in the neighborhood wherein it is kept or harbored or otherwise become a nuisance.

? 90-20. - Removal and disposal of animal feces; animals not permitted access nor permitted to urinate or defecate within designated pet-free zone(s) within public parks. [Amended 1-2-1980 by Ord. No. 5-123; 10-25-2000 by Ord. No. 00-150]

A.

It shall be unlawful for any person having control or custody of any animal within a city park to permit the animal to be present within any designated pet-free zone(s) or to permit the animal to urinate or defecate within any such zone(s); however, nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prohibit the presence of animals on pedestrian pathways adjacent to or within any pet-free zone(s) or to prohibit urination or defecation on such pedestrian pathways, provided that the person having custody or control of any animal complies with Subsection C of this section.

B.

It shall be unlawful for any person owning or having control or custody of any animal to permit the animal to defecate or urinate upon the public property of the city or upon the private property of another unless the person immediately removes the feces and properly disposes of it; provided, however, nothing herein contained authorizes such person to enter upon the property of another without permission.

C.

It shall be unlawful for any person to walk any animal on public property of the city or upon the private property of another without carrying at all times a suitable container or other suitable instrument for the removal and disposal of animal feces.

D.

Handicapped persons who use Seeing Eye dogs are exempt from this section. Persons whose dogs are participating in dog shows or direct command obedience classes are also exempt from this section while their animals are actually participating in such shows or classes, but all feces must be removed and disposed of immediately upon the conclusion of the show or class.

E.

The Director of Public Works shall have the authority, to designate any pet-free zone(s) within city parks; provided, however, that not more than 50% of the area of any city park shall be designated as pet-free without prior approval of the Municipal Council via resolution.

F.

Prior to designating any pet-free zone(s) within any city park, the Director of Public Works shall hold a public meeting to solicit the comments of residents on the proposed location of such zone(s). The Director of Public Works shall provide written notice of the meeting to the City Clerk and two newspapers of general circulation within Jersey City of the time and place of said meeting at least 14 days prior to its occurrence.

G.

Areas within parks where pets are permitted and pet-free zones may be designated by appropriate signs, fences, and other devices consistent with the design and aesthetics of the park and the use and enjoyment of the park by all members of the public.

? 90-21. - Enforcement. [Amended 6-14-1995 by Ord. No. 95-050]

A.

The Division of Health or any person or persons authorized by it or any person authorized by this Code shall be charged with enforcing the provisions of this article.

B.

The Division of Health shall appoint dog wardens with full power to enforce the provisions of this article. In addition, such dog wardens shall take into custody and impound or cause to be taken into custody and impounded and thereafter destroyed or offered for adoption as provided in this section:

(1)

Any dog off the premises of the owner or of the person keeping or harboring said dog which said warden has reason to believe is a stray dog;

(2)

Any dog off the premises of the owner or of the person keeping or harboring said dog without a current registration tag on the dog's collar; and

(3)

Any female dog in season off the premises of the owner or of the person keeping or harboring said dog.

C.

If any dog so seized wears a collar or harness having inscribed thereon or attached thereto the name and address of any person or a registration tag or the owner or the person keeping or harboring said dog is known, said warden shall forthwith serve on the person whose address is given on the collar, or on the owner or the person keeping or harboring said dog, if known, a notice in writing stating that the dog has been seized and will be liable to be offered for adoption or destroyed if not claimed within seven days after service of the notice.

D.

A notice under this section may be served either by delivering it to the person on whom it is to be served or by leaving it at the person's usual or last known place of abode or at the address given on the collar or by forwarding it by post in a prepaid letter addressed to that person at that person's usual or last known place of abode or to the address given on the collar.

E.

When any dog so seized has been detained for seven days after notice, when notice can be given as above set forth, or has been detained for seven days after seizure, when no notice has been given as above set forth and if the owner or person keeping or harboring said dog has not claimed said dog and paid all expenses incurred by reason of its detention, including maintenance, and if the dog shall be unlicensed at the time of the seizure and the owner or person keeping or harboring said dog has not produced a license and registration tag for said dog, said warden may cause the dog to be destroyed in a manner causing as little pain as possible. (See N.J.S.A. 4:19-15.16).

? 90-22. - Violations and penalties. [Amended 11-21-1984 by Ord. No. MC-733; 2-27-1986 by Ord. No. C-184; 6-14-1995 by Ord. No. 95-050]

A.

Any person, firm or corporation who or which shall fail to procure a license shall be punishable as provided in N.J.S.A. 4:10-15.19.

B.

Any person, firm or corporation who or which shall violate any other provision of this article shall be punishable as provided in Chapter 1, General Provisions, ? 1-25

C.

Penalties for violations of this article shall be enforced and recovered pursuant to the Penalty Enforcement Law. (See N.J.S.A. 2A:58-1 et seq.)

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Wrong. A noise violation is handled by the local police.

Animal Control does not enforce local ordinances unless it pertains to unlicensed animals (which is something the original poster mentioned that has absolutely nothing to do with his noise problem).

A rabid animal is handled by animal control. A barking dog is handled by the police.

A loose zebra is handled by animal control. A loud stereo is handled by the police.

A dog that bites is handled by animal control. A party in your neighbor's backyard at 3am is handled by the police.

Get the pattern here?

A police officer will often escort an animal control officer on a call, but an animal control officer does not have to respond to a a noise complaint -- even if that noise is generated by an animal.

NJ State Law

4:19-15.8 Licensing of kennel, pet shop, shelter, pound.

Any person who keeps or operates or proposes to establish a kennel, a pet shop, a shelter or a pound shall apply to the clerk or other official designated to license dogs in the municipality where such establishment is located, for a license entitling him to keep or operate such establishment.

This also includes "doggie day care and boarding"

4:19-15.2 Dogs; license and metal registration tag required; placing tag on dog

Any person who shall own, keep or harbor a dog of licensing age shall annually or every third year, in accordance with a 3-year dog license or renewal thereof issued under subsection b. of section 12 of this act (C. 4:19-15.12b), apply for and procure from the clerk of the municipality or other official designated by the governing body thereof to license dogs in the municipality in which he resides, a license and official metal registration tag for each such dog so owned, kept or harbored, and shall place upon each such dog a collar or harness with the registration tag securely fastened thereto.

This also means that the person who owns the property that an unlicensed dog is residing at can receive a summons.


You can also see our municipal laws HERE and to the left you will see Chapter 90 Animals. Click on that and go to: ARTICLE III - Dogs.

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Animal Control can cite dog owners for noise violations and unlicensed pets.

The info about licensing is just an FYI.
Apologies for any lack of clarity.

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Are you complaining about a barking dog or an unlicensed dog? A dog with a licence doesn't bark less than an unlicensed dog. What is the relation between the two that you're trying to point out? I'm confused.

A noise complaint is handled by the police. A malnourished animal is handled by Animal Control. Neither are likely to bust down your neighbor's door while they're on vacation because the dog is barking.

Neighbors...

When you go out of town, please use licensed facilities like Boca's to board your canine friends. (My girlfriend and I use Boca's and like them a ton ? does anyone have other recommendations for good local kennels?)

If you leave your dog with a "dog sitter" in a private home, you're most likely creating a nuisance for that dog sitter's neighbors. Your dog is going to miss you, and it's going to bark, particularly if your dog sitter stashes your dog in a spare room all day. (Which is happening, or I wouldn't be posting this. PM me if you want details.)

If Animal Control comes to investigate a barking complaint at your dog sitter's house and your dog isn't licensed, I do think your dog can be seized ? I'm sure the forum will correct me if I'm wrong on that point.

FYI: It's NJ state law that our dogs be licensed after 7 months. A lot of people I've met in the VV and HP dog runs don't know this.