Animal Control

We are dedicated to promoting and protecting the health, safety and welfare of all animals in our communities.  The Borough of Red Bank Animal Control provides the services below within Red Bank and for the following neighboring towns through a shared services agreement:

• Borough of Fair Haven
• Shrewsbury Township
• Borough of Shrewsbury

We are dedicated to promoting and protecting the health, safety and welfare of all animals in our communities.

Animal Licensing is done in the Office of the Municipal Clerk.  For more information on obtaining a dog or cat license, please visit Animal Licenses.
 

Response

Our officers respond to calls from the public concerning lost, stray, rabid, or injured animals (domestic or wild).

It is important that responses are handled in a timely manner. You may call the non-emergency line to report any incidents 732-530-2700.

Capture

Animal Control officers capture stray domestic animals, as well as wild animal rabies vectors (i.e., raccoons, skunks, groundhogs, foxes, and bats) threatening the safety and health of residents. Proper equipment (i.e., transportation vehicles, rabies poles, heavy gloves, a two way radio, official uniforms and badges, and humane capture animal traps) is essential to carry out the above duties.

Note: Response to and capture of nuisance wildlife that are not threatening humans (i.e., healthy appearing raccoons in garbage cans, squirrels in attics, etc.) are not considered necessary services for municipal animal control to provide. Animal control officers should be able to educate residents over the telephone on how to modify their residences (i.e., cap chimneys, secure trash firmly, etc.) so as not to attract animal nuisances and refer them to agencies that can assist them. (Pest Control Company) Patrolling - for stray cats and dogs (should be performed on a daily basis, even without complaints or reports.)

Feral Cat "Trap Neuter & Return" (TNR) Program

In an effort to help care for and control the overbreeding of our community (feral) cats the Borough of Red Bank and the Monmouth County SPCA are actively engaged in a Trap Neuter & Return Program (TNR).  This program is structured and administered through the MCSPCA and offered at no cost to the public. If you would like more information or be involved please call the MCSPCA at 732-542-0040 (Option #8) and ask for the TNR Office.

Investigation

We investigate into reports of bite incidents and vicious dogs; seizure and impoundment of dogs meeting criteria under the State vicious dog law (N.J.S.A. April 19, 2019-35.)

Confinement

Our officers sere notices for the confinement of biting or bitten animals for rabies observation and monitoring these confinements, if authorized by the Health Officer (N.J.S.A. 2 June 4, 1982 and 83).

Evaluation

It is the responsibility of our officers to perform evaluations of animals captured or picked up as to the need for veterinary emergency care.

Transportation

It is our job to provide transportation of captured animals to impoundment facility; transportation vehicles must meet state regulations. Sick or injured animals must receive immediate emergency veterinary care. If designated, provide transportation of rabies specimens to State Public Health and Environmental laboratory.

Keeping Record

We have to properly document all calls, activities, and animals picked up.

Education

Our officers provide education of the public (including schools and other groups) as to responsible pet ownership, rabies prevention, and the need for spaying and neutering of pets (pamphlets on rabies control and statewide spay/neuter programs are available free of charge from the NJDHSS and on the DHSS website).

Participation

We participate with local/county rabies task forces and other animal control related committees.

Canvas

Another responsibility of our officers is to canvas for unlicensed dogs and cats and take enforcement action when necessary.

To report any issues contact the Police Department's NON-EMERGENCY LINE: 732-530-2700.