Animal Control
Town of Phillipsburg – Animal Control
The Town of Phillipsburg Animal Control Department is committed to promoting responsible pet ownership, protecting the health and safety of residents and animals, and addressing animal-related concerns throughout our community.
Our goal is to educate residents, encourage compliance with local ordinances, assist with animal-related concerns, and promote the humane treatment of animals.
Animal Control Officer: Michelle Santini
Phone: 908-329-8801
Email: animalcontrol@phillipsburgnj.org
Responsible Pet Ownership
Keeping our pets safe is a shared responsibility. The Town encourages all pet owners to take the following precautions to help protect their animals and neighbors.
1. Keep Cats on Your Property
Under Phillipsburg Code § 172-41, cats are not permitted to roam freely off their owner’s property.
Allowing cats to roam increases the risk of injury, traffic accidents, exposure to disease, and conflicts with other animals.
Keeping cats safely contained helps protect both your pets and the community.
2. Keep Dogs Properly Secured
Under Phillipsburg Code § 172-31, dogs are prohibited from running at large.
Residents should:
- Keep dogs secured within their property.
- Use a leash when walking dogs.
- Regularly inspect fences, gates, and latches.
- Make sure children and visitors know to secure doors and gates when entering or leaving.
These simple precautions can prevent lost pets, injuries, and unnecessary enforcement actions.
3. License Your Dogs and Cats
The Town requires dogs and cats to be properly licensed in accordance with:
- § 172-14 – Dog Licensing
- § 172-38 – Cat Licensing
Licensing helps identify pets and reunite lost animals with their owners. Residents should ensure their pets have current licenses and identification.
4. Spay and Neuter Your Pets
Spaying and neutering can help prevent unwanted litters, reduce certain roaming behaviors, and address animal overpopulation.
Residents are encouraged to speak with their veterinarian about the appropriate options for their pets.
🐾 Lost or Found an Animal?
If You Have Lost a Pet:
Contact Animal Control with a description of your pet, the location where it was last seen, and your contact information.
Residents are also encouraged to check local shelters and community lost-and-found pet resources.
If You Find a Stray Animal:
Contact Animal Control to report the animal and its location.
For everyone’s safety, do not attempt to handle an unfamiliar animal that appears aggressive, injured, or sick.
🐾 Animal-Related Concerns
Residents may contact Animal Control regarding:
- Stray or roaming dogs and cats.
- Lost or found domestic animals.
- Injured or potentially dangerous domestic animals.
- Animal-related public safety concerns.
- Suspected violations of local animal ordinances.
- Questions regarding responsible pet ownership.
For an immediate emergency or threat to public safety, call 911.
🐾 Animal Resources for Residents
NEW – Animal Resource Packet
The Town of Phillipsburg has compiled an Animal Resource Packet to help residents locate services and assistance for their pets.
The packet includes information about veterinary services, emergency animal hospitals, low-cost spay/neuter programs, vaccination clinics, pet food assistance, animal rescues, grooming, boarding, and other resources.
Coming Soon!
Disclaimer: This resource packet is provided for informational purposes only. While the information is believed to be accurate at the time of publication, the Town of Phillipsburg does not endorse, recommend, or represent the organizations, businesses, or services listed. Residents should contact providers directly to verify information, availability, and fees.