Overview
The Office of Veterinary Public Health promotes the health and welfare of companion animals and promotes responsible pet care.
The Office of Veterinary Public Health provides assistance to municipal governments and local health departments regarding the laws and rules addressing animal control, animal facility licensing and sanitary rules, dog licensing, and the training of Animal Control Officers (ACOs). Veterinary Public Health is part of the Infectious and Zoonotic Disease Program of the New Jersey Department of Health.
For rabies information and resources, visit the CDS rabies page.
Report Animal Cruelty
Pursuant to the provisions of P.L. 2017, CHAPTER 189 b. The New Jersey Department of Health shall post the following on its website:
- The full text of R.S. 4:22-17 and 4:22-26 and a plain language description of the provisions and requirements of R.S. 4:22-17 and 4:22-26
These materials shall be distributed by the municipality to each person obtaining an annual dog license and be posted on all New Jersey municipality websites.
The full text of the statutes and the plain language description of the provisions and requirements are posted here:
- 4:22-17 Cruelty; certain acts, crime; degrees
- 4:22-26 Penalties for various acts constituting cruelty
- Guide to Prevention of Animal Cruelty Laws 2018
The New Jersey Department of Health does not have the authority to investigate animal cruelty.
IMPORTANT NOTICE - Beginning in February 1, 2019, animal cruelty investigations shall be conducted by Humane Law Enforcement Officers (HLEOs) that report to county prosecutors.
If you suspect animal cruelty or abuse after February 1, 2019, contact your County Prosecutors Office or local police for assistance.
To report animal cruelty or abuse involving livestock (including horses, cattle and poultry), contact the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, Division of Animal Health by calling 609-671-6400 or via email: state.veterinarian@ag.nj.gov.
Adopting or purchasing a pet
Filing Complaints
Additional Resources
- Staying Healthly Around Animals Infographic NEW
- Tick-borne Diseases in Dogs and Cats
- COVID-19 and Animals: Guidance for Veterinarians and Health Officers
- Animal Related FAQ During COVID-19
- New Jersey’s Pet Purchase Protection Act (“Puppy Lemon Law”)
- Rules for importing a pet into New Jersey
- It's the Law
- New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA)
- NJDA Animal Emergency Response
- U.S. Department of Agriculture APHIS Pet Travel
- 2023 Animal Contact in Public Settings Compendium
- Career Development Institute
Wildlife and Exotic Animals
- New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW)
- DFW Contact Information
- Wildlife Rehabilitators
- Wildlife Relocation Policy
- Exotic and Wildlife Permits
Dead Animal Removal
- Information regarding dead animal removal can be obtained from the municipal animal control agency where the animal carcass is located.
- Deer carcasses located on a New Jersey highway or U.S. Interstate can be reported to the New Jersey Department of Transportation via an electronic form.
Contact Us
The Office of Veterinary Public Health
Infectious and Zoonotic Disease Program
New Jersey Department of Health
Phone: 609-826-4872 or 609-826-5964
Fax: 609-826-4874
OVPH Palm Card
Reporting Requirements
Inspection Reports
The New Jersey Department of Health provides technical assistance to local health departments throughout the State and in some cases may jointly inspect facilities with local health department staff. These reports are available for review.