Frequently Asked Questions
What to doWelcome!
❤️ PLEASE READ BEFORE MESSAGING US
We respond as quickly as possible, but we are not an emergency dispatch service.
For urgent situations, always contact:
* Local Police
* Animal Control
* Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitators
Your quick action can save a life.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐾 FOUND AN ANIMAL? – NEW JERSEY HELP GUIDE
We receive messages from Howell and surrounding towns including Freehold, Jackson, Brick, Lakewood, Toms River, Manalapan, Marlboro, Colts Neck, Wall, Neptune, Old Bridge, East Brunswick and throughout **Monmouth, Ocean, and Middlesex Counties**.
This guide will help you get the right assistance quickly.
If you are outside these counties, scroll to the bottom for statewide instructions.
🐶 FOUND A STRAY DOG
In New Jersey, stray dogs must legally go through Animal Control to be scanned and held for owners.
### 📍 What To Do (ANY NJ TOWN):
Call your **local police department (non-emergency)** and request Animal Control dispatch.
If the dog is aggressive, injured in traffic, or a public safety risk:
📞 Call 911
### County Animal Control Contacts:
**Monmouth County SPCA (Animal Control Division)**
📞 732-542-0040
**Ocean County Animal Facilities**
📞 732-657-8086
**Middlesex County Animal Control**
Call your local municipality police department for dispatch.
🐱 FOUND A CAT OR KITTENS
## Step 1: Determine if the cat is owned or community (feral)
* Collar?
* Friendly and approaches people?
* Ear-tipped? (Ear tip = already spayed/neutered through TNR)
## If Friendly:
1. Post in local lost & found groups.
2. Have the cat scanned for a microchip (any vet or shelter).
3. Contact local Animal Control.
## If Feral / Outdoor Colony:
Do NOT relocate.
Look into **Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR)** programs in your county.
### County Resources:
**Monmouth County SPCA**
📞 732-542-0040
**Ocean County Animal Facilities**
📞 732-657-8086
For additional TNR help, search:
“[Your County] NJ TNR program”
🐰 FOUND AN INJURED WILD ANIMAL
(Bunny, Bird, Raccoon, Squirrel, Deer, Opossum, Fox, etc.)
⚠️ New Jersey law requires wildlife to be treated by licensed wildlife rehabilitators. It is illegal to possess wildlife without proper permits.
## Step 1:
Do NOT feed or give water.
Place the animal in a ventilated box with a towel.
Keep in a dark, quiet space.
## Step 2: Call a Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator
**Garden State Wildlife Center (Howell, NJ)**
📞 732-908-2345
You may also search:
“NJ Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitators List” (NJDEP website)
## If the animal is:
* In traffic
* Aggressive
* Severely injured
* A public safety concern
📞 Call your local police department immediately.
🦌 FOUND A FAWN OR BABY ANIMAL ALONE
In most cases, the mother is nearby.
Do NOT remove unless:
* The animal is visibly injured
* Covered in flies
* Crying nonstop for hours
* Found next to a deceased mother
When unsure, call a licensed wildlife rehabilitator before intervening.
—
# 🏡 NEED TO REHOME A PET?
We are a sanctuary with limited capacity and cannot guarantee intake.
Before contacting us, please:
* Contact local rescues in your county
* Contact breed-specific rescues
* Reach out to friends and family
* Ensure the animal is spayed/neutered and vaccinated
If contacting us, include:
* Your town & county
* Animal age & breed
* Temperament
* Medical history
* Clear photos
* Timeline for rehoming
Incomplete inquiries may not receive a response due to high volume.
🐾 ANIMAL NEGLECT OR ABUSE
If you suspect cruelty or neglect:
**Monmouth County SPCA Humane Law Enforcement**
📞 877-898-7297
Or call your local police department.
If the animal is in immediate danger:
📞 Call 911
🌎 OUTSIDE MONMOUTH, OCEAN, OR MIDDLESEX COUNTY?
If you are elsewhere in New Jersey:
👉 Call your local police department and request Animal Control.
👉 Search: “[Your County] NJ Animal Control”
👉 For wildlife: Search “NJ Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator near me”
If you are OUT OF STATE:
👉 Call your local police department (non-emergency) and ask for Animal Control.
👉 Search your state’s Fish & Wildlife website for licensed rehabilitators.
Wildlife laws vary by state — do not keep wildlife without permits.