The South Orange Department of Health's mission is to prevent disease and promote physical and mental well being through policy development, disease detection, prevention, education, and enforcement; ensuring the highest quality of life for our residents by providing the following services:

• Licensing and inspections of food and other establishments to ensure adherence to codes and safety of residents
• Communicable and infectious disease investigations and prevention
• Education programs and events to promote and encourage healthy behaviors
• Providing assistance to health impacted residents by connecting them to necessary resources
• Dog and cat licensing and supervision of Animal Control services

Animal Control Services can be reached directly by either calling (908) 722-1271 (M-F, 8:30am - 4pm) or emailing Main@animalcontrolsolutions.org for the following situations:

• Lost or injured domestic animals
• Dog/ cat bites or other injuries
• Dead animal pick up on public roadways
• Animal emergencies

If it is an animal emergency after hours, please call South Orange Police Department: (973) 378-7799.

If it is a question about wildlife, please refer to the NJ Fish and Wildlife website: https://dep.nj.gov/njfw/wildlife/need-help-with-wildlife/

Our email address is SOHealthDept@southorange.org

UPDATES:

UNPACKING NJ HEALTH INSURANCE FOR 2026 (Click Here)

As the year comes to a close, check out our Health Department’s quick overview on the upcoming changes to health insurance coverage in 2026 and how it will impact residents.

For more information and resources, make sure to visit Get Covered NJ’s website here.

The Health Department's Community Resource Guide provides information on local community organizations and social services for individuals and families. Help is available for common concerns related to physical, mental or emotional setbacks due to illness, unemployment, housing or food instability, or a lack of transportation. Don't hesitate to contact us with specific questions regarding social services. 

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As we monitor the measles outbreak, here is guidance on vaccination, including those born between 1963-1967 that may have received an inactivated vaccine and are unsure of their vaccination status: Ask The Experts About Vaccines: MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) | Vaccine Recommendations | Immunize.org”

Monthly Board Reports:

PET LICENSES
Find information and applications for pet licenses here.

COVID Vaccine Rollout Q&A (2023)

FOOD ESTABLISHMENT LICENSES
Retail Food Establishments can apply for a yearly permit here.

Temporary Food Permits Applications can be found here.

HEALTH LICENSES (Vape Shops)
Vape Shop Establishments can apply for a yearly permit here.

COVID Vaccine Rollout Q&A (2023)