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.
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 unusual, 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.
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 .
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 one 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.