Animal Control

East Brunswick Animal Control contracts with the City of New Brunswick to provide animal control services to the Township of East Brunswick. Animal Control will take appropriate action to rectify issues or concerns and can educate residents as to their rights and possible courses of action.

Animal Control will NOT handle nuisance wildlife or pest problems. The capture of nuisance wildlife (i.e., healthy appearing raccoons not threatening humans, fox dens, wildlife in attics, groundhogs burrowing in yards, etc.) is NOT a service required for Animal Control to provide. These problems can best be solved by a local exterminator or pest control operator. Animal Control will only respond to sick or injured wildlife posing a public safety or health threat. If the wildlife is passing through or is located under your shed or porch without showing signs of injury, illness, or aggression, there is no need to call Animal Control.

If you have an animal-related issue, contact the Animal Control Office at 732-390-6960 or email AnimalControl@ebpd.net. If it is an emergency, contact the East Brunswick Police Department by dialing 9-1-1.

The following Animal Control services are provided to the Township of East Brunswick: 

  • Rescue stray animals and return them to owners if located
  • Investigate Animal Neglect and Cruelty complaints
  • Evaluate and transport sick/injured stray domestic animals to a veterinary facility and/or shelter for treatment of injuries or illnesses
  • Rescue injured, abandoned, and/or orphaned wildlife
  • Evaluate and transport sick/injured wildlife to a veterinary facility and/or wildlife rehabilitation center for treatment of injuries or illnesses
  • Capture and remove suspected rabid wild or domestic animals threatening the safety and health of residents
  • Enforce animal-related Township ordinances and State Statutes
  • Investigate animal bites and handle quarantines when/if necessary
  • Removal of DOA wildlife carcasses from Township public property (property owners are responsible for removing deceased wildlife from their property)
  • Educate the public on animal-related topics
  • Canvass the Township for unlicensed dogs and cats and take enforcement action when necessary.


Licensing Requirement

Under Township Ordinance Chapter 83 and New Jersey state law, all dogs and cats seven (7) months of age or older and kept in the Township of East Brunswick for more than ten (10) days are required to be licensed annually. Licensing your pets with the township ensures that they are up to date with their rabies vaccinations and helps prevent disease spread through our pet population. Rabies is a fatal but preventable disease that affects warm-blooded mammals, including humans. If you are in need of rabies vaccination, the township offers a free clinic in November of every year. 

For more information about licensing, please visit the Animal Licenses webpage.

Animal Cruelty

Illegal animal cruelty can include intentional abuse, such as beating or mutilating an animal, but it can also include neglect, such as failing to provide proper shelter, food, or medical care. In New Jersey, the relevant laws can be found under Title 4 of our statutes. If you suspect animal cruelty or abuse, contact your County Prosecutors Office or local police department for assistance.

To report animal cruelty or abuse involving livestock (including horses, cattle, and poultry), contact the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, Division of Animal Health by calling 609-671-6400 or via email at state.veterinarian@ag.nj.gov.

The full text of the statutes and the plain language description of the provisions and requirements are posted here: