Animal Control

The Freehold Health Department contracts with Western Monmouth Animal Control for domestic animal control services. In Freehold, animal control is responsible for picking up stray dogs and cats, responding to animal complaints and seeing that all dogs are licensed in the Township. In addition, animal control assists with the enforcement of leash and curbing laws. If you find you are in need of animal services, please contact Animal Control at 732-294-2060.

Residential Wildlife Control

The Township of Freehold is unable to provide services for healthy residential wildlife control. We advise that you call a private residential wildlife control company to assist you with problems. Telephone numbers may be found in the phone book.

If an animal is acting unusually, appears to be sick, or is threatening you in some way, please contact our animal control officer immediately at 732-294-2060. During weekends, contact the Police Department at 732-462-7500.

Injured Animals

If you encounter an injured dog or cat, please contact our animal control officer for assistance at 732-294-2060. During weekends, contact the Police Department at 732-462-7500.

If you encounter an injured wild animal, contact an appropriate wildlife rehabilitator.

Feral Cat Colonies

In New Jersey, cats are the third-highest species of animal to encounter rabies. This is largely due to the numbers of stray unvaccinated cats that are found throughout New Jersey. Trap and neuter programs promote vaccinations and the keeping of cat colonies with population control. However, newly vaccinated cats remain protected for only 1 year and eventually become susceptible again to rabies. Once a stray cat is trapped, it is extremely difficult to trap again for revaccination. As such, given the nocturnal habits, feral cats are more likely to encounter wild raccoons (the natural reservoir for rabies). Therefore, to minimize the threat of rabies to the general public, it is unlawful to feed feral cats in Freehold Township.

Please Don't Feed the Animals!

Wild animals often become a nuisance when fed.  They may lose their fear of humans and increase the risk of exposure to disease through animal bites and droppings left by the animal. You may believe that feeding them is helping them in some way, but in fact, the opposite is true. We would like to remind all residents that it is prohibited by township ordinance to feed wildlife, including but not limited to deer, waterfowl and feral cats.