Animal Control

Animal Control Services
Animal control services are temporarily being provided by Bloomfield Township. They can be reached via South Orange Police dispatch at (973) 763-3000. Animal Control responsibilities include:

  • Animal to human bites/quarantine and impoundment services
  • HLEO services for animal welfare
  • Certified Animal Cruelty Investigator 
  • Rabies control/Rabies Clinics
  • Transport sick or injured animals and rabies specimens
  • Humane destruction and proper disposal of animals in accordance with applicable laws
  • Address wild animals that pose and imminent threat to public health

Under state law, Animal Control is NOT responsible for squirrels, skunks, raccoons, groundhogs, or other healthy animals outdoors considered to be "Nuisance Wildlife." Please see below for useful references.

Nuisance Wildlife

  • Under state law, Animal Control is NOT responsible for Nuisance Wildlife
  • For additional information on Nuisance Wildlife, including contact information for pest control and extermination companies, see the Nuisance Wildlife page.
  • For questions regarding pet licensing or dead wildlife (including deer) please contact the health department at 973-378-7715 x2012
Dead Deer: Animal Control is NOT responsible for dead deer on residents' property

  • Deer must be moved to the street for municipal pick up
  • Call 973.378.7715 x2012 for removal from the street
  • For removal from private property residents must schedule a private pick up

Spaying/Neutering 

ASSOCIATED HUMANE SOCIETIES - Provides free spaying or neutering of community/feral cats from Essex County by appointment.

Contact is Pam Parisio at pparisio@ahsppz.org or 973-824-7080 ext. 118 to get paperwork and make an appointment.

•  The cat must be in a covered numbered trap (not a carrier)

•  The cat must be trapped in Essex County and returned to the location of trapping

•   The trapper must be experienced in trapping and have a recovery spot post spay/neuter

•    All forms must be completed prior to or at time of drop off.

Animal Surrender

To surrender an animal residents must contract with a private shelter. A partial list of Essex County shelters includes:

Tips on how to be a Good Pet Owner and Neighbor  

  • Make sure your dog cannot leave your property.
  • Use a leash under 6 feet and have your dog under control when not on your property.
  • Limit barking times to less than 15 minutes during the day and not at all at night.
  • Always pick up after your pet.
  • Do not allow your dog or cat on the neighbor's property. 
  • Have your pets vaccinated against rabies.


Find information and applications for pet licenses here.