DIVISION OF ANIMAL CARE & CONTROL

two shelter dogs photo

Our Mission is to enforce state laws and city ordinances as they pertain to animal care and control in Jersey City, Hoboken and Guttenberg, New Jersey, and keep the public safe from animal-related nuisances.

We respond to animal requests, investigate complaints about animal nuisances, dangerous and viscous dogs, investigate dog bites, and impound stray and dangerous animals.

We provide compassionate care for impounded animals at the shelter, as well as adoption, fostering and lost animal services to the community. For both stray and owned animals, we provide low cost spay and neuter programs.

    

THE SHELTER BY THE NUMBERS

ANIMAL CARE - THE JERSEY CITY SHELTER

ADOPT A PET

Dog photoLooking for a furry, four-legged friend? Or one with feathers or scales? You can find the next addition to your family through the Jersey City Division of Animal Care and Control. Please scroll though PetFinder in order to view animals available for adoption or fostering. 

 All animals will be fully vaccinated, spayed/neutered and microchipped prior to adoption and fostering 

Please submit your animal adoption application with a copy ofDog photo your lease and/or formal permission from building owner that you are able to house a pet.

You can see our wonderful animals that are available to adopt at Petfinder - Adoption | Petfinder then use the application button to apply to be a pet parent.

We are currently able to only accept checks or cash for fees.

FOSTER A PET

Dog photoIf you are not in a position to commit to adopting an animal, we hope you will consider fostering. Giving a the gift of a temporary home to a stray animal raises the chances of its finding a forever home!

LOST OR FOUND A PET?

If your pet is lost, or if you find a stray animal, please see the Lost & Found information below, then click on Paw Boost to report or find a lost pet.

WANT TO VOLUNTEER?

Volunteers are essential in ensuring that our animals receive the kind of one-on-one attention they need during their stay at the Jersey City Division of Animal Care and Control.
We rely on volunteers to contribute their time and talents across a wide range of chosen activities, from walking dogs and socializing kittens to greeting visitors, entering data and assisting at special events.

We are currently processing over 200 dedicated volunteers interested in lending support to our animals. 

APPLY TO VOLUNTEER

ANIMAL CONTROL

Dog photoThe Jersey City Animal Shelter provides humane care for stray and abandoned animals and helps them find a permanent home. The Shelter is located at 235 Jersey City Blvd. (across from Liberty Science Center). We are closed to the public on City Holidays.

Appointments are strongly encourage to ensure that our staff can be best prepared to meet your needs. Animal Control and the Animal Shelter work together to help our residents solve animal-related problems.

Shelter dog cuddle photoAnimal Control responds to calls in the community: found or lost pets, dogs running at large without an owner, sick or injured animals where the owner is not known, and animal safety and nuisance issues generally. Animal Control is staffed 24x7. From 10pm-7am and on City holidays, only emergency calls are dispatched.

Dog Licensing

lab photo

NJ law requires a license for all dogs 6 months or older. Dogs must wear their license tag when in public. You can license your Jersey City dog at the Shelter during public hours or online. To apply online or download the application in either English or Spanish, please go to the Dog License page.

Licensing your dog and keeping it on them at all times has a range of benefits. Most importantly, it allows you to be reunited with your dog in the event that they become lost, and also helps protect you and your dog from rabies. Additionally, it provides a better understanding of our dog population which helps to inform future investment in public amenities such as dog runs and parks, and allows us to contact you in the event of an emergency or for special events.

Link to Healthier JC page
dog and manThe New Jersey State Department of Health requires all local health departments to post the following animal cruelty information online:

Contact Info

  • phone201-547-4888
  • 235 Jersey City Blvd.
    Jersey City NJ 07305

    Public Hours of Operation 
    Monday: Closed 
    Tuesday-Sunday: 12PM-5PM

    Facility is Open Seven Days a Week 8AM-5PM by Appointment Only. 

    W. Mark Byrnes, Division Director 

    Website: jcnj.org/animals

  • Directions