Animal Control in Bergen County NJ: Who to Call & What to Do
If you’re dealing with a stray dog, an injured cat, or an animal-related safety issue, figuring out who handles animal control in Bergen County NJ can be confusing.
That confusion usually comes from one thing: animal control in New Jersey is handled at the local level, but some Bergen County towns also contract with the Bergen County Animal Shelter and Adoption Center for animal control services. The New Jersey Department of Health says animal control is provided locally by Animal Control Officers (ACOs), and residents can typically reach those services through municipal police departments or local health departments.
For Bergen County residents, that means the right contact can depend on which town the animal is in. Bergen County’s own animal control page lists contracted service-area towns and says that if a stray is found in any other town, residents should contact the local police to reach the correct animal control agency.
What to Know About Animal Control in Bergen County NJ
Animal control is not just about picking up stray dogs. Under New Jersey guidance, local animal control covers issues involving stray animals and animals that appear ill, injured, or threatening to public health. The state also requires impounded stray animals to be held for seven days at a licensed pound before adoption or euthanasia.
Bergen County’s Department of Health says its contracted animal control services include 24/7 staffed coverage, impoundment of stray domestic animals, wildlife rescue for injured animals and orphaned juveniles, feral and dangerous animal trapping, cruelty-call investigations, and removal of dead animals from municipal public areas.
Who Handles Animal Control in Bergen County?
There is no one answer for every town.
The New Jersey Department of Health says animal control is administered locally and that Animal Control Officers can be contacted through municipal police departments and local health departments.
At the same time, Bergen County’s official animal control policy page says the county provides service to a long list of contracted towns and can be reached 24/7 at 201-229-4616, or through the Bergen County Public Safety Dispatch Center at 201-785-8505.
Bergen County also states that if the animal is found in a town that does not contract with the county shelter, residents should call the local police to find the appropriate animal control agency.
What Animal Control Can Help With
Based on New Jersey and Bergen County guidance, animal control may help with the following:
Stray dogs and cats
New Jersey requires the impoundment of stray dogs and animals observed by an ACO to be ill, injured, or a threat to public health.
Injured domestic animals
Bergen County lists emergency veterinarian services for sick or injured domestic stray animals among its state-mandated services.
Bite-related confinement and rabies-related public health issues
Bergen County includes confinement services for stray and owned animals involved in bite cases among its services, while the New Jersey Department of Health’s Veterinary Public Health program oversees animal-control-related laws and rabies resources.
Dead animal removal in public areas
Bergen County says its contracted services include dead-on-arrival carcass removal from municipal public areas and deer carcass removal from public and private property.
Some wildlife situations
This is where people often misunderstand the service. The New Jersey Department of Health says ACOs do not generally address wildlife nuisance problems unless the wildlife shows signs of rabies, and NJDEP Fish & Wildlife is the place to look for nuisance-wildlife guidance. Bergen County separately says animal control is not a pest control service and will not remove healthy wildlife from property, though an ACO may remove wildlife from living quarters for a fee.
Bergen County Animal Control Contact Information
For towns that contract with Bergen County Animal Shelter and Adoption Center, the county says animal control can be reached:
- Animal Control: 201-229-4616
- Bergen County Public Safety Dispatch Center: 201-785-8505
- Animal Shelter & Adoption Center: 201-229-4600
- Address: 100 United Lane, Teterboro, NJ 07608
A Real Example of How This Works
The City of Englewood’s official website says that, as of July 1, 2023, all animal control services there are provided by the Bergen County Department of Health, using the same 24/7 contact numbers listed above. Englewood also notes that animal control is not a pest control service and will not remove healthy wildlife from property. (City of Englewood)
That example matters because it shows how Bergen County animal control functions in practice for at least some municipalities, while other towns may use different arrangements.
What to Do if You Find a Stray Animal
If you find a stray animal in Bergen County, the correct next step depends on the town.
Bergen County says that if the stray is found in one of its contracted towns, residents may bring the animal to the shelter between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. or call for pickup from animal control. If the stray is found in a town that does not contract with the county shelter, the county says to call local police to reach the proper animal control agency.
For more local resources, see our guide on animal shelters in Bergen County NJ.
When to Call Animal Control vs Other Services
| Situation | Best First Contact |
| Stray dog or cat in a Bergen County contract town | Bergen County Animal Control |
| Stray animal in a non-contracted town | Local police department |
| Animal bite / rabies-related concern | Local health department, animal control, or appropriate public health contact |
| Healthy nuisance wildlife on property | NJDEP Fish & Wildlife guidance or wildlife specialist |
| Injured domestic stray animal | Animal control |
Related Local Resources
For additional local information and animal-related services, you may also find this helpful:
If you’re also considering living in the area, you can explore:
- Homes for sale in Bergen County
- Featured listings
- Contact our real estate team for personalized assistance
FAQs
Who handles animal control in Bergen County NJ?
Animal control is handled locally in New Jersey, but Bergen County also provides animal control services to towns that contract with the county shelter. Residents in non-contracted towns should contact the local police for the appropriate animal control agency.
Is there a Bergen County animal control phone number?
Yes. Bergen County says its animal control line is 201-229-4616, and the Bergen County Public Safety Dispatch Center can also be reached at 201-785-8505.
What should I do if I find a stray dog in Bergen County?
If the dog is in a town that contracts with Bergen County Animal Shelter and Adoption Center, you can call for pickup or bring the animal to the shelter during listed intake hours. If the town does not contract with Bergen County, call local police for the correct animal control contact.
Does animal control remove raccoons, squirrels, or other wildlife?
Not usually for standard nuisance issues. New Jersey says ACOs generally do not handle wildlife nuisance problems unless the wildlife appears rabid, and Bergen County says animal control is not a pest control service and will not remove healthy wildlife from property.
Disclaimer
Animal control coverage can vary by municipality and by contract arrangement. Always confirm the correct contact information through your town, local police department, or the Bergen County Department of Health before relying on any page or guide.
