3. In order to be eligible to participate in the program, an owner of a dog or cat shall be eligible for, and participate in, at least one of the following:

a. The Food Stamp Program authorized by Title XIII of the Food and Agriculture Act of 1977, Pub.L.95-113 (7 U.S.C. § 2011 et seq.);

b. The Supplemental Security Income Program established pursuant to Title XVI of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. § 1381 et seq.;

c. The program for aid to families with dependent children, pursuant to P.L.1959, c.86 (C. 44:10-1 et seq.);

d. The program for general public assistance, pursuant to the provisions of the “General Public Assistance Law,” P.L.1947, c.156 (C. 44:8-107 et seq.);

e. The program of medical assistance pursuant to P.L.1968, c.413 (C. 30:4D-1 et seq.);

f. The program of “Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled,” established pursuant to P.L.1975, c.194 (C. 30:4D-20 et seq.);

g. The rental assistance program authorized pursuant to section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 as added by the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, Pub.L.93-383 (42 U.S.C. § 1437(f));

h. The “Lifeline Credit Program” established pursuant to P.L.1979, c.197 (C. 48:2-29.15 et seq.); or

i. The “Tenants’ Lifeline Assistance Program” established pursuant to P.L.1981, c.210 (C. 48:2-29.30 et seq.).

A resident of New Jersey who owns a dog or cat shall also be eligible to participate in the program if the owner: (1) submits to a veterinarian participating in the program proof, in the form of a certificate of adoption, that the dog or cat was adopted from a New Jersey licensed animal shelter, a New Jersey municipal, county, or regional pound, or a New Jersey holding and impoundment facility that contracts with New Jersey municipalities, or proof that the dog or cat was adopted through a non-profit corporation operating an animal adoption referral service in New Jersey and whose holding facility is licensed in accordance with State and municipal law; or proof that the dog or cat was adopted through a non-profit corporation operating an animal adoption referral service in New Jersey that does not operate a holding facility; and, in the case of a dog, proof that the dog is duly licensed pursuant to State and municipal law; and (2) pays a $20 fee, to be deposited in the fund. The Department of Health may adopt, pursuant to the “Administrative Procedure Act,” P.L.1968, c.410 (C. 52:14B-1 et seq.), such rules and regulations as may be necessary to implement this amendatory act.

L.1983,c.172,s.3; amended 1986,c.192; 1989,c.238; 1991,c.405,s.1.