Animal Control

Animal Control can help with sick or injured wildlife, dogs running at large, potentially rabid animals, capturing a runaway pet who is eluding its owner, and other urgent situations. If you need Animal Control, you can call the Maplewood Health Department at (973) 762-8120, x2002 during office hours. You can also always call the Maplewood Police Department's non-emergency number at (973) 762-3400. Either department can take the information and will then contact Animal Control as needed.

Animal Control does not handle dead deer on private property. They must be moved to the street, and the Maplewood Department of Public Works can then handle pick up. DPW can be reached at (973) 762-1175. If you prefer not to move the deer yourself, here is a list of organizations you can call. 

Under state law, Animal Control is NOT responsible for squirrels, skunks, raccoons, groundhogs, live and uninjured deer, or other healthy animals outdoors considered to be "Nuisance Wildlife." Please see our Animals and Wildlife page for useful references.

The Health Department's Pet Ownership and Animal Control brochure provides a detailed overview of our animal related regulations and services.

Feeding a Stray? Neuter or Spay!

Left unaltered, free-roaming cats continue to reproduce creating more homeless kittens. Once spayed/neutered and eartipped, these community cats can remain where they are and live out their lives as healthy cats without adding to the homeless cat population. Please see our list of Trap-Neuter-Release locations for more information.

Surrendering an Animal

Residents who want to surrender an animal, including a stray, are asked to contact local shelters directly. These include the Associated Humane Society of Newark, the Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter, and St. Hubert's. Please note that we provide those names for information purposes only.

Pet Support

St. Hubert’s continues to provide Pet Support Services for low-income residents and those in crisis situations. This includes a pet food bank, medical assistance, temporary crisis shelter, and safe haven, among other programs. For more information email pethelp@sthuberts.org or call 973-377-2295.

Pet Vaccines 

If you are in need of free or low cost vaccinations for your pet, Associated Humane Societies in Newark or People for Animals may be able to help.

NJ Health Department Information

The State of NJ provides information and resources regarding Animal Population Control. Please call before visiting any of the locations as details are subject to change.