It’s hard to believe that it’s already time for this, but your pet licenses are due for renewal again. Most towns give pet owners through the month of March to get it done, but there is some variation among the municipalities so check with your town hall to be sure of the deadline. I’m reminding you now because your pet must have a current rabies vaccine in order to get the license, and the free clinics have already begun.

The schedule is listed below in this column; cut it out and stick it to your refrigerator so that you’ll have it. Vineland’s clinics are separate from the Cumberland County Health Department. It doesn’t matter what town you live in; you can go to any clinic. The advantage of going to a clinic that is hosted in your township is that you can often get your pet licensed at the same time instead of having to make a separate trip to the municipal building.

There are a few of things you should keep in mind when you go.

• First of all, when a dog or cat gets its first rabies vaccine, it is good for a period of one year. Once they have that, they can receive a three-year vaccine, but you MUST bring written proof of the date they were last vaccinated in order to qualify.
• Secondly, clinics are typically very busy and chaotic, so the animals get very nervous. Take every precaution to have them properly restrained. Put dogs in collars that will not slip off their heads and keep them on a very short leash. They should never be more than two feet from you or closer than four feet from the dog in front or behind you while waiting in line. Absolutely no extendable leashes – they are an accident waiting to happen. If you have trouble handling your dog, take someone with you who can help. Cats should be in a carrier made for transporting animals. Before you crate your cat, check that all the screws or clamps are tightly secured and check that the door is properly locked once you put them in.
• If you have small children, leave them at home if at all possible. Kids tend to be antsy when they have to wait in line, and this can add to the anxiety of the pets in line. It’s really not safe for the child.
• Finally, regardless of whether you take advantage of the free clinics, get your pet licensed! It is legal proof of ownership in New Jersey. Should your pet get loose and picked up by animal control, you need proof of ownership and a current rabies vaccine to avoid tickets.

Here’s the schedule of upcoming rabies vaccine clinics:

• Feb. 2: Carl Arthur Center, 217 N. 3rd St., Vineland; 9 to 11 a.m. dogs only; 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. cats only.
• Feb. 16: South Vineland EMS Station, 876 E. Sherman Ave., Vineland; 9 to 11 a.m. dogs only; 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. cats only.
• March 2: Fairfield Township Hall, 70 Fairton-Gouldtown Road; 9 a.m. to noon.
• March 9: Commercial Township Fire Hall, Battle Lane, Laurel Lake; 9 a.m. to noon.
• March 9: Cedarville Fire Hall (hosting Downe Township), 30 Maple Ave., Cedarville; 1 to 3 p.m.
• March 9: Carl Arthur Center, 217 Third St., Vineland; 9 to 11 a.m. dogs only; 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. cats only.
• March 16: Leesburg Fire Hall, 550 Main St.; 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
• March 23: Deerfield Township Municipal Building, 736 Landis Ave., Rosenhayn; 9 to 11 a.m.
• March 23: Cumberland County Fairgrounds, Carmel Road, Millville; noon to 3 p.m.
• March 30: Bridgeton Fire Hall, Orange Street; 9 a.m. to noon.
• March 30: Hopewell Municipal Building, 590 Shiloh Pike, Bridgeton; 1 to 3 p.m.

Source: When are rabies vaccine clinics in Vineland, Millville, Cumberland County?