Animal Control & Licensing

Strays

Strays are picked up by the Animal Control Officer and taken to shelters, a veterinarian (if injured), or disposed of if they have died. Rabies testing is available due to exposure to suspect rabid wildlife.

Missing Animals

Pets Without Tags

Middletown Township Animal Control is committed to returning dogs and cats to their owners. Animals picked up that do not have license tags identifying them, or those with missing collars, are taken to the Monmouth County SPCA shelter, located in Eatontown.

Injured Animals

Injured animals are taken to local vets for basic treatment. Any dog or cat found should be reported to animal control so we can attempt to return the animal to its owner. Any animal not claimed or returned by 2 p.m. daily will be taken to the shelter.

Cat & Dog Licenses

Middletown Township's Animal Control Clerk issues cat and dog licenses. Municipal Ordinance 137-2 requires that all cats & dogs must be licensed in the Middletown Township. Failure to comply with this ordinance will result in a summons being issued.

• Citizen Portal- Online Pet Licensing Services
• Pet License Application (PDF)

Requirements

The owner of any newly acquired cat or dog of licensing age (6 months) must apply for and procure a license within 10 days after acquisition or age attainment.

• For Cats: All cat licenses expire on August 31^st of each year and are renewable by September 30^th of each year.
• For Dogs: All dog licenses expire on December 31^st of each year and are renewable by January 31^st of each year.

Click on the graphic to view it larger. (PDF)

Fees

Spayed or Neutered

The fee for spayed or neutered cats/dogs is $20. Unaltered pets are $25. Must provide proof for neutered animals.

Late Fees

A late fee will be charged for each cat or dog license that is not renewed by the corresponding renewal date of the licensing year. Late fees will be progressive with a specific fine for first month late; thereafter an additional charge will be assessed per month for dog/cat licenses.

Rules & Tips

Leaving food and water out for animals can attract unwanted wildlife and insects. If a cat or dog is being fed, it's considered owned by whoever is feeding it. Dogs are not allowed to run at large.

Report Cruelty to Animals

If you would like to report suspected cruelty to animals, please call the Monmouth County SPCA at 732-542-0040. Abuse may include a dog left outside on a very short chain or exposed to bad weather or animals that look sickly or injured. If you suspect abuse, please call the SPCA.