Animal Control

Effective July 1st, Animal Control Solutions will serve as the Township’s new animal control provider.

Residents requiring the following animal control services can contact Animal Control Solutions via phone at 908-722-1271 or email at animalcontrolsolutionsmain@gmail.com:

• Deceased animal pickup
• Stray domestic animal apprehension and impoundment, when possible
• Rabies quarantine
• Wildlife that has bitten any human or companion animal within the municipality
• Sick/Injured wildlife that has entered and is occupying the immediate living space of a residence
• Stray livestock
• Intake of animal cruelty complaints
• Rescue referrals for pet surrender

For more information on Animal Control Solutions, please visit: https://www.animalcontrolsolutions.org .

Animals for Adoption

The Township of Millburn will periodically post pictures of those animals we are trying hard to find a home. Some animals have been picked up in other towns serviced by our Animal Control.  For more information on current pets open for adoption, please visit the Animal Adoption page.

Animal Licensing Information

Cat Licensing

Annual License and License Tag Required; Placing Tag on Cat - Any owner of a cat of licensing age shall annually, in the month of December, apply for and procure from the Millburn Health Officer a license and official license tag with license number, for each cat so owned, kept or harbored, and shall place upon such cat a collar, or other device with the license number securely fastened thereto. Acceptable methods of displaying license number shall include, but are not limited to, break-away or elastic collars. License tags are not transferable. Licenses shall be effective for the period commencing January 1 and ending December 31 annually.

Vaccination and License Requirements - No person shall own, keep, harbor or maintain any cat of licensing age within the Township unless such cat is vaccinated and licensed.

The provisions of this section do not apply to cats which are confined in a room, cage or pen and kept or displayed for sale, or those held by a state or federal licensed research facility, or a veterinary establishment where cats are received or kept for diagnostic, medical, surgical, or other treatments, or licensed animal shelters, pounds, kennels or pet shops.

Dog Licensing

Any person who shall own, keep or harbor a dog of licensing age, which means a dog of 7 months or which possesses a set of permanent teeth, shall in the month of January, annually apply for and procure from the Health Officer a license and license tag for each such dog, so owned, kept or harbored, and shall place upon each such dog a collar with the license tag securely fastened thereto.

Feral Cats

What Is the TNR Program?

The Trap-Neuter-Return Program consists of 3 parts:

• Trap: Humanely trap the cats
• Neuter: Bring cats in traps to a veterinarian or spray/neuter clinic to be sterilized and vaccinated
• Return: Return cats to original colony sites following post-surgery instructions and care

Why TNR?

• Help stabilize populations, benefiting cats and community
• Allows public health officials and caregivers to monitor colonies

Don't Feral Cats Spread Disease?

• Infectious disease can only spread from direct contact with the cat or its feces
• Feral cats tend to avoid humans and contact that does occur is commonly initiated by humans

Why Not Remove Feral Cat Colonies?

• Removal of a feral cat colony will only create a vacuum effect, leaving an open space for other feral cats or wildlife. As long as a food source is available new cats will find their way into the empty space.

Community Cat vs. Feral Cat

• Difference rooted in the lack of human contact receives as a kitten tends to make them naturally fearful and aggressive towards humans
• Feral cats may be a threat to you and your family if not handled in the proper way
• The choice of their owner to allow domesticated cat to roam community

Talk to your neighbors to determine whether the cat is a pet, stray, or feral cat, and if they have been neutered and vaccinated.

Additional Information

For additional information regarding TNR and feral cats, please visit the Alley Cat website.

Deer Management Tips - What Residents Can Do

Drive Slowly: Particularly in the early morning and at dusk when deer are near roadways.

Install Fences: Fencing is the most reliable deer control solution for keeping deer off of your property. If you are unable to install a fence, consider installing fishing line around your plant beds. This invisible barrier can confuse deer and possibly redirect them.

Plant Hedges: Large hedges of boxwoods or short needle spruces can act as a large barrier to keep deer away. Also consider planting fuzzy or thorny plants, near the plants you want to protect. Deer are not fond of certain textures.

Use Repellants: Repellants have been successful in reducing deer foraging but their effectiveness is limited. Commercial products are available at garden centers, can be effective but some have to be reapplied frequently, particularly after rain. Homemade techniques include the use of deodorant soap and ammonia-soaked rags as odor repellants. Dogs can be used to help scare deer away. Also devices such as radios and other noisemakers may work for a brief time. 

Use Motion Activated Sprinklers or Lights: Deer will get startled from the motion activated sprinklers or lights. The sudden movement of the moisture or light will cause them to retreat.

Consider Deer Food Preferences: While deer will eat almost anything, they prefer some plants to others. Residents should consult with local nurseries about plant varieties not favored by deer. Some of these include: Arborvitae, Boxwood, Clematis, Daffodil, Jonquil, English Ivy, Fir, Iris, Juniper, Lilac, and Spruce.