State of New Jersey
Department of Health
Governor Phil Murphy · Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver
Improving Health Through Leadership and Innovation
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) and Animal Cruelty Investigators (ACIs). Veterinary Public Health is part of the Infectious and Zoonotic Disease Program of the New Jersey Department of Health.
Pursuant to the provisions of P.L. 2017, CHAPTER 189 b. The New Jersey Department of Health shall post the following on its website:
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:
The New Jersey Department of Health does not have the authority to investigate animal cruelty.
IMPORTANT NOTICE - Certified Animal Cruelty Investigators (ACIs) can continue to investigate animal cruelty until February 1, 2019. 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 or state.veterinarian@ag.state.nj.us.
Wildlife and Exotic Animals
Dead Animal Removal
Domestic Animal Reportable Diseases
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
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.
Shereef Elnahal, M.D., M.B.A.
Commissioner
P.O. Box 360
Trenton, NJ 08625
New Jersey is home to over 2,000 licensed hospitals, nursing homes, and medical care facilities. The New Jersey Department of Health works to ensure that citizens receive appropriate levels of care in every regulated facility.
New Jersey's local and county health departments are community-based public health service and a first point of contact for questions about public health services or health conditions.
