Animal Control
For Animal Control Services contact Wantage Township Animal Control at 973-875-9390
Frankford Animal Control is here to promote a humane community where animals and people are treated with kindness, care, and compassion. We strive to promote this through advocacy, support, and programs. Our primary goals are not only returning lost pets but also maintaining rabies compliance. Community outreach for pets and owners in need is a priority.
To this end, Frankford Township is proud to announce a shared service with Wantage Township Animal Control for Animal Control Services with Animal Control Officer (ACO) Melanie Monastra.
What does an ACO do? The Animal Control Officer (ACO) is the Official appointed to be enforcing authority for all violations of Frankford Code Chapter 8, Animal Control. Information concerning the control of dogs can be found here: https://ecode360.com/35910818
When do I call the ACO? You must call the ACO via the Wantage Animal Control number provided above (not the Municipal Building) to report, for example:
- Lost dogs/cats/pets
- Loose domestic animal
- Injured wildlife
How do I contact the ACO? Phone 973-875-9390 or email animalcontrol@wantagetwp-nj-org. If you do not get an immediate response it is likely the ACO is out on a call. Your call/e-mail will be returned.
If it is an emergency, call the State Police at 973-383-1515.
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.
You have two (2) options for making complaints about suspect cruelty.
- Call the State Police at 973-383-1515. You will most likely have to leave a message.
- Call the Sussex County Prosecutor's office @ 973-383-1570
Shelter Hours
The Wantage Animal Shelter is located behind the Wantage Municipal Building at 888 State Highway 23, Wantage Township NJ. The entrance is on Brown Road. To make an appointment please call 973-875-9390.
Monday through Friday
9 to 11 a.m.
or by appointment
Saturday and Sunday:
by appointment only
Outside of normal working hours:
Seven days a week/24-hours a day for emergencies only including direct threats to the health and safety of the public by wild and domesticated animals or livestock, and/or time-critical welfare issues (not including responding to animal at-large issues).
Wildlife
Remember, wild animals such as raccoons, skunks, bats, foxes, and coyotes are much more likely to carry rabies; however, dogs, livestock including cows, horses, goats, or any warm-blooded animal can carry rabies and pass it to humans. People should stay away from all wild and stray animals. Contact the animal control officer—never touch or try to capture feral strays or wild animals yourself. Sussex County provides a wealth of information concerning Animal Bites and Rabies Clinics. Be sure to check out their website for more information at: https://www.sussex.nj.us/cn/webpage.cfm?TPID=8137
Social Media
Check the Wantage Shelter's Facebook page for missing/found pets and other news.