Animal Control

Animal Control Services
Animal control services are now provided by Animal Control Solutions (ACS). Please call South Orange Police dispatch at (973) 763-3000 and they will arrange for service. In addition you can contact ACS directly by calling (908) 722-1271 or emailing Main@animalcontrolsolutions.org.

Animal Control responsibilities include:

  • Animal bite, quarantine and impoundment services
  • Humane Law Enforcement Officer services to prevent animal cruelty
  • Rabies control
  • Transporting sick or injured animals and rabies specimens
  • Humane destruction and proper disposal of animals in accordance with applicable laws
  • Addressing wild animals that pose an imminent threat to public health

Nuisance Wildlife
Under state law, Animal Control is NOT responsible for squirrels, skunks, raccoons, groundhogs, or other healthy animals outdoors considered to be "Nuisance Wildlife."

For additional information on Nuisance Wildlife, including contact information for pest control and extermination companies, see the Nuisance Wildlife page.

Bear Sighting Information: 

Due to recent bear sightings in South Orange and the surrounding area here is some information for what to do if you spot a bear or have property damaged by a bear. 

NJDEP wildlife experts emphasize that a black bear passing through an area and not causing a specific problem, such as breaking into trash or otherwise trying to access food sources on people's properties or posing a safety threat, should be left alone.

 "People should leave the area and allow the bear to continue on its way," officials said. "When frightened, bears may seek refuge by climbing trees. If the bear does go up a tree, clear the area and give the bear time to climb down and escape."

 Residents can report bear damage, nuisance behavior or aggressive bears to the Wildlife Control Unit of the DEP's Division of Fish and Wildlife at (908) 735-8793. During evenings and weekends, residents should call their local police department which can be reached at (973) 378-7799 or the DEP Hotline at 1-877-WARN-DEP (1-877-927-6337). 

Dead Animals
To report a dead animal on municipal property email: sohealthdepartment@southorange.org during regular business hours (9am-4:30pm , M-F). Please contact South Orange Police with any concerns after-hours. 

For removal from residential property ACS offers a discounted rate to South Orange residents through ACS Pest Control service. For removal, call (908) 722-1271 for assistance.

Animal Control is NOT responsible for dead deer on residents' property.
  • Deer must be moved to the street for municipal pick up (ACS can assist with this).
  • For removal from private property residents must report to the Health Department or call South Orange Police.

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. 

People for Animals in Hillside offers low cost spay/neutering as well as Trap and Release workshops. These are workshops which help you learn to capture feral or outside cats so that they are able to be spayed/neutered. For more information on this program please email tnr@pfaonline.org. 

If there is a specific complaint regarding stray cats ACS will investigate, and will work with the Health Department in situations involving cat colonies.

Rodent Problem? 

Seal up! Trap up! Clean up! If you suspect that you may have a rodent problem there are a few ways to work towards stopping the invasion. The first recommended way is sealing up holes and burrows that rats may use to live in or infiltrate your home. After this it is recommended that you set up traps around where the rats most commonly frequent. The last thing to do is clean up. Rats are attracted to food sources and by cleaning up the rats will have less available food and therefore move on from your property. For more information look at this packet on preventing rodent infiltration in your home. 

Animal Surrender
To surrender an animal residents must make their own arrangements with a private shelter. A partial list of Essex County shelters includes:

Tips on how to be a Good Pet Owner and Neighbor  

  • Make sure your dog cannot leave your property.
  • Use a leash under 6 feet and have your dog under control when not on your property.
  • Limit barking times to less than 15 minutes during the day and not at all at night.
  • Always pick up after your pet.
  • Do not allow your dog or cat on the neighbor's property. 
  • Have your pets vaccinated against rabies.

Find information and applications for pet licenses here.