Wantage Township Animal Control
The Wantage Animal Shelter is located behind the Municipal Building; the entrance is on Brown Road. The Wantage Animal Control officer is out on calls quite often so please leave a message and you will be called back as soon as possible.
Contact Info
Melanie Monastra, ACO
Phone Number: 973-875-9390
email: animalcontrol@wantagetwp-nj.org
Shelter hours:
To make an appointment please call 973-875-9390.
Monday through Friday:
9 to 11 a.m.
or by appointment
Tuesday and Thursday Evenings
5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday:
by appointment only
Shelter Fees
- Animal Pick-Up — $15
- Surrender Fee — $50
- Redemption Fee — $50
Kennel Fees
- Dogs or Cats — $4 per day
Adoption Fees
- Dog of Licensing Age — $100
- Puppy, Mixed Breed — $130
- Puppy, Pure Breed — $130
- Domestic Cat, any age — $85
Pre-Adoption
Download the Pre-Adoption Form
Please fill out and submit our pre-adoption form.
The form can be filled out online, then submit to us by one of these two ways:
- print and mail (or hand deliver) to the Wantage Animal Shelter, 888 Rt 23, Wantage NJ 07461
- save as (or print as) a PDF and email to us
Donations...are ALWAYS welcome
- canned or dry dog food
- canned or dry cat food
- puppy and kitten food
- litter
- bleach, laundry detergent
- dishwasher soap
- blankets and towels
- pet toys
Rabies Clinics
Free rabies clinics are held annually. The next scheduled clinic will be held on November 8, 2024, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the municipal garage. Bring proof of prior rabies shot. Dogs must be leashed, cats in a carrier. Animals must be accompanied by an adult.
How long will my pet's rabies shot be good for?
Dog Licenses
Licenses are required for all dogs six months old and older that reside in the Township. Owners of new dogs must obtain a license for their dog within ten days of when their dog reaches licensing age. Dog licence forms are are due in January. Owners of a dog found to be unlicensed after February 1 shall be required to pay a late fee. Additionally, the person harboring the dog may be subject to a fine for failure to obtain a dog license. If a dog has a valid license from another NJ municipality, a Wantage Dog License may be obtained at no cost. License renewals are mailed to dog owners in early January. Forms for new dogs may be picked up in the municipal office or download a dog license form here.
Completed forms should be mailed with:
- the appropriate fee
- a stamped, self-addressed envelope
- proof of rabies vaccination
- proof of spay/neuter
Dog License
Wantage Township Municipal Building
888 State Highway 23
Wantage, NJ 07461
Helpful Links from the NJ Department of Health
View It's the Law at nj.gov/health/vph/animal-control/its-the-law/
View information about rabies at nj.gov/health/cd/topics/rabies.shtml
Cruelty Complaints
Animal cruelty complaints are not investigated by the Animal Control Officer (ACO). The ACO may already be aware of an investigation, but they are not the point of contact for initiating a complaint.
Every municipality has an assigned HLEO (Humane Law Enforcement Officer) within their police department. You have two (2) options for making complaints about suspect cruelty.
- Call the police department of the municipality where the animal resides.*
- Call the Sussex County Prosecutor office @ 973-383-1570
*Call the State Police at 973-383-1515. You will most likely have to leave a message. The prosecutor can then determine which municipality to direct the complaint to. This option may take longer to get immediate results.
Complaints About an ACO or Animal Facility
ACO or animal facility complaints, those violating NJDOH regulations, the complainant should call the NJDOH main #: 609-826-4872 and state their reason for the call.
Adoption Days
Adoption days are held thoroughout the year at locations within our coverage.