Animal control performs many functions. Our main function however is to protect the health and well being of both humans and animals alike. The transmission and spread of rabies is our primary function. Animal Control addresses all animal related issues in Stafford Township.

• Responds to animal related requests and complaints from residents. Many of these issues are mediated by our animal control officers prior to litigation or court action.
• Handles all domestic animal bites and exposures to wild animals.
• Responsible for the preparation and submission of rabies specimens.
• Responsible for the preparation and submission of all West Nile specimens.
• Enforce all related animal control and animal welfare municipal ordinances and State and Federal statutes.
• Provides 24 hour a day animal rescues for animals that are lost, sick, injured and deceased.
• Maintains all applicable Federal and State licenses, certifications and permits.
• Keeps and maintain public records of all animal related incidents.
• Issues and maintains dog, cat (combined over 4600 licenses) pet shop, kennel and shelter licenses.
• Investigates and enforces all reports of animal cruelty.
• Secures, transports, and facilitates the needs of all stray, sick, diseased, and injured domestic and wild animals, indigenous reptiles, exotic animals and reptiles, non game species and waterfowl.
• Initiated and participates in Stafford’s “Hooked on Fishing Not Drugs” program.
• Gives talks to schools, agencies, groups, and civic organizations.
• Conducts a dog and cat census as required by local ordinance and state statute.
• Provides wildlife nuisance and property damage advice and deterrents to residents.

If it walks, crawls, swims, or fly’s animal control handles it. However cats and wildlife are responsible for the majority of our responses.

You can come down to our office in the Town Hall Building at 260 East Bay Ave. Manahawkin 08050. Or if you provide the proper documentation for your pet you can send it by mail.

All dogs and cats reaching the age of 7 months must be properly licensed in Stafford Twp. You must provide documentation that states your dog or cat has a current rabies vaccination that expires after November 1^st of each licensing year.

Also if your dog or cat has been spayed or neutered you must present that certificate at time of licensing and you will receive a reduction of $3.00 from the cost.

During business hours call (609) 597-1000 ext. 8525

After hours nights, weekend, holidays call Stafford Police (609) 597-8581

Yes. Sick, injured or diseased animals are a primary concern of this department. We will respond 24 hours a day regardless of the animal’s location.

If a wild animal is in the living portion of the home we will respond 24 hours a day.

Nuisance healthy wild life outside, or wildlife in a non living portion of the home, (attic, between the walls etc;) does not necessitate an immediate response.

Call and we will advise you of the proper deterrents.

Yes, we encourage you to call our department 597-1000 ext. 8525 or call Stafford PD at 597- 8581.

We do not have animal limit ordinances here in Stafford. However you must abide by our other ordinances such as the restriction of location for animal enclosures. Sounds, odors and insect infestation associated with animals can not affect neighboring premises.

In most area’s of the Twp. you are allowed to own livestock. When you are speaking about horses, cows, goats etc it is best to call Stafford Animal Control or the Zoning Dept. before acquiring a horse. Remember all other ordinances pertaining to animals must be adhered to as well.

Apparently the stigma of the once unpopular and “less than compassionate” “dog catcher” still exists in the minds of those who haven’t or are not aware that times are changing.

Those “dog collectors” as the first title posed on this governmentally required profession, was often uneducated, not trained, and operated under antiquated policies and procedures.

Many of the policies and procedures followed in the 1940’s and 1950’s no longer exist. In fact in today’s regulation are illegal!

Today, NJ animal control officers are statutorily required to be trained in a New Jersey college or university.

NJ animal cruelty investigators, an ascending level of statutory authorization, is required to be training in a school or police academy approved by the Police Training Commission (PTC).

Euthanasia is now performed by duly licensed veterinarians or State licensed technician working under the supervision of a veterinarian.

Animal Control is the government service for animal rescue. Animal Control Officers and Animal Cruelty Investigators      handle and see many animals that the average citizen doesn’t. Unfortunately many are already suffering from disease, injury, or exposure.

Today’s Animal Control Officer and Animal Cruelty Investigator spend a large part of their time rescuing animals and assuring their comfort or reuniting with their original owner.