Animal Control and Regulations

The Township of Nutley contracts with the Township of Bloomfield for Animal Control Services and shelter services.

For animal control issues please call the following numbers during hours indicated: 
Monday - Friday | 8:00am - 4:00pm

  • Nutley Health Department: (973) 284-4976

For emergencies, weekends, holidays and after office hours please call the Police Department at (973) 284-4950. 

The Department of Public Affairs and the Animal Control Officer handle complaints ranging from barking dogs to animal cruelty. State and local animal control rules and regulations are enforced, such as: number of pets, illegal animals, licensing of pets and running at large.

If there is an animal issue you may call our Office and we will take the appropriate action to rectify a problem or counsel the complaining party as to their rights and possible course of action.

Animal to human bites and animal-to-animal bites are to be reported to the Health Department for implementation of rabies protocol.

Free Rabies Vaccinations are offered to all dogs and cats annually.

  • Cat or Dog first rabies vaccinations are good for one year; subsequent shots are for three-year duration.
  • Dogs and cats may be licensed once they have a current rabies vaccination that does not expire before April 30th of each licensing year.

Lost family pets can be reported to our office by contacting (973) 284-4951 x2420, or via  e-mail  . Identifying information about the pet and a digital photo, if available, will be compiled into a bulletin that will be immediately sent to various town agencies and organizations, including Neighborhood Watch. The bulletin will also be posted on the Township website and forwarded to local shelters.

For additional information or questions e-mail us here  .