Animal Control Division provides animal control related services and operates the Woodbridge Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center.

Woodbridge Animal Shelter And Pet Adoption Center

If you are interested in adopting a cat or dog please visit the Shelter located at:

195 Woodbridge Avenue

Sewaren, NJ 07077

Our dedicated staff will help you find a pet that best matches your wants and needs. Because we are an Animal Shelter, we bring in and adopt a variety of animals almost daily. Please see the Woodbridge Animal Shelter and Adoption Center page or view us on Petfinder for more information on our Shelter and animals.

Animal Control Services & Programs

Animal Control Services are provided 7 days a week, 24 hours a day

• Animal Nuisance Complaints
• Control of Running-at-Large animals
• Cruelty to Animals Complaint Investigation
• Enforce pet licensing ordinances
• Investigation of Animal Bites
• Maintenance of all records relative to Animal control
• Manage Animal Adoption clinics
• Micro-chipping Clinics
• Removal of deceased animals from township property
• Removal of deceased deer from township and private property 
• Picking up of stray animals
• Picking up of injured domestic or wild animals from public and private property. Any wildlife in the interior of the home or structure on the property, the home owner is responsible to call a licensed pest control service for removal. The only exception is bats in any living quarters
• Respond to wild animals acting aggressive or showing signs of rabies (i.e. stumbling, unable to climb, eat or drink, excessive drooling, no fear of humans or acting overly friendly). WE DO NOT TRAP OR REMOVE HEALTHY WILDLIFE. If you trap a wild animal it is your responsibility to release the animal
• Quarantining and Releasing of Animals involved in bites
• Rabies Clinic
• Rabies Control
• Redemption of stray animals
• Respond to all inquiries from residents regarding animal control
• Transportation of owned sick or injured domestic pets to animal hospital (fees apply) Owner MUST be present and vet must be within Woodbridge Township

Helpful information to deter wildlife

• To deter wildlife in Woodbridge Township, focus on making your property less attractive by removing food and water sources, sealing entry points, and using deterrents like motion-activated lights and noise devices

Remove Attractants:

• Food: Secure trash cans, store pet food indoors, and pick up fallen fruit or compost piles
• Water: Remove standing water sources like birdbaths or puddles, especially during dry periods
• Bird Feeders: Bring bird feeders in at night to avoid attracting rodents and other coyote prey

Seal Entry Points:

• Exclusion: Seal cracks and holes in your home's foundation, walls, and roof to prevent wildlife from entering
• Barriers: Install barriers around trees or roofs to prevent wildlife from accessing them

Habitat Modification:

• Clear Brush: Remove dense vegetation and brush around your property to reduce hiding places for wildlife
• Maintain Lawns: Keep lawns and gardens well-maintained to discourage wildlife from using your property as a habitat

Deterrents:

• Motion-Activated Lights: Install motion-sensitive lights around your property to deter wildlife
• Loud Noises: Use noisemakers like air horns or canned air sirens to scare away wildlife
• Fencing: Install fencing to deter deer and other large animals

Finding Injured or Young Wildlife

If you see injured or abandoned baby animals, do not touch them. Please see the New Jersey Fish and Wildlife website.

It is illegal in the state of NJ to posses any wildlife for any reason with the proper permits or licensing 

For more information regarding found wildlife you may contact the Division of Fish and Wildlife at 609-292-2965.

For help with injured or orphaned birds please contact  The Raptor Trust

Pet Abandonment Is Illegal

4:22-20. Abandoning disabled animal to die in public place; disorderly persons offense

4:22-20. a. A person who shall abandon a maimed, sick, infirm or disabled animal or creature to die in a public place, shall be guilty of a disorderly persons offense.

b. A person who shall abandon a domesticated animal shall be guilty of a disorderly persons offense. The violator shall be subject to the maximum $1,000 penalty.

Amended 1977,c.229,s.1; 1986,c.176; 1991,c.108,s.1.

If you are a resident and are unable to keep your pet please call the Woodbridge Animal Shelter for information and assistance at 732-855-0600, ext. 2034. 

Woodbridge Township Animal Control Ordinances