OCEAN COUNTY, NJ — Looking to add a furry friend to your family? Ocean County residents have several opportunities to adopt dogs and cats, reunite with missing pets, and take advantage of free rabies vaccination clinics through the Ocean County Animal Facilities.

The Ocean County Health Department operates two animal facilities, one in Jackson and another in Manahawkin, offering shelter services, pet adoptions, and resources for local pet owners.

Both locations are open to the public seven days a week from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., except holidays. You can also find pets through Pets for Adoption.

Affordable Pet Adoptions in Ocean County

Residents interested in adopting a pet can visit either facility to meet dogs, puppies, cats, and kittens looking for loving homes.

The adoption fees are:

• Dogs and puppies: $60
• Cats and kittens: $55

The adoption fees include several important veterinary services. Every adopted animal is spayed or neutered, microchipped, up to date on age-appropriate vaccinations, and given a general health examination by the facility veterinarian.

Adoptions are handled on a first-come, first-served basis, and the facilities do not accept holds on animals.

Potential adopters should also be aware that everyone in the household must meet the animal before adoption. For dog adoptions, any dogs already living in the home must also meet the prospective new family member.

Applicants must provide proof of residence, valid identification, and an approved adoption questionnaire. Payment must be made by exact cash or check.

Two Ocean County Animal Shelters

Residents can visit either of the county’s two facilities:

Northern Ocean County Animal Facility
615 Freemont Avenue, Jackson, NJ 08527
Phone: 732-657-8086

Southern Ocean County Animal Facility
360 Haywood Road, Manahawkin, NJ 08050
Phone: 609-978-0127

Both facilities provide temporary housing for dogs and cats, along with indoor and outdoor dog runs, cat rooms, isolation areas, and surgical facilities. You can also visit here to learn about pets for adoption.

Free Rabies Vaccinations for Dogs and Cats

The Ocean County Health Department also offers free rabies vaccination clinics for dogs and cats at both animal facilities.

The clinics are scheduled as follows:

• Jackson: First and third Wednesday of each month.
• Manahawkin: Second and fourth Wednesday of each month.

Clinics run from 10:30 a.m. until noon, with a maximum of 60 appointments available per clinic.

Appointments are required, and residents can bring up to four pets per person.

Cats must be secured in carriers, while dogs must be restrained with a properly fitting collar or harness and leash. Kittens must weigh at least three pounds, and puppies must be at least 12 weeks old.

Pet owners should bring proof of any previous rabies vaccination to qualify for a three-year vaccination certificate. Without previous vaccination records, the new vaccination is valid for one year.

Residents should call the appropriate facility to schedule an appointment.

Lost Your Pet? Ocean County Offers Help

The county facilities also serve as an important resource for residents searching for missing dogs and cats.

If your pet goes missing, the Ocean County Health Department recommends filing a Lost Pet Report and emailing a photograph of the animal to the appropriate facility.

Residents should also contact their local municipal Animal Control office and follow up directly with the Jackson or Manahawkin facility.

Because new stray animals arrive every day, residents are encouraged to continue checking with the facilities while searching for their missing pets.

Surrendering a Pet

Ocean County residents who can no longer care for their dogs or cats may also surrender their animals to the county facilities. Proof of residency is required.

The surrender fees are:

• Cats: $45 per cat
• Dogs: $65 per dog

Payment is accepted by cash or check. Residents are encouraged to call ahead to discuss the process and complete the appropriate paperwork before arriving.

Helping Ocean County’s Animals Find Loving Homes

Whether you’re considering adopting a new pet, looking for a missing dog or cat, or making sure your current pets are protected against rabies, the Ocean County Animal Facilities offer several services to help local families and animals.

For adoption listings, appointment information, lost pet reports, and additional details, visit the Ocean County Health Department’s Animal Shelters and Pet Services webpage.