Responsibilities & General Operations

Animal control performs many functions. Our main function however is to protect the health and well being of both humans and animals alike. The transmission and spread of rabies is our primary function. Animal Control addresses all animal related issues in Stafford Township.

• Responds to animal related requests and complaints from residents. Many of these issues are mediated by our animal control officers prior to litigation or court action.
• Handles all domestic animal bites and exposures to wild animals.
• Responsible for the preparation and submission of rabies specimens.
• Responsible for the preparation and submission of all West Nile specimens.
• Enforce all related animal control and animal welfare municipal ordinances and State and Federal statutes.
• Provides 24 hour a day animal rescues for animals that are lost, sick, injured and deceased.
• Maintains all applicable Federal and State licenses, certifications and permits.
• Keeps and maintain public records of all animal related incidents.
• Issues and maintains dog, cat (combined over 4600 licenses) pet shop, kennel and shelter licenses.
• Investigates and enforces all reports of animal cruelty.
• Secures, transports, and facilitates the needs of all stray, sick, diseased, and injured domestic and wild animals, indigenous reptiles, exotic animals and reptiles, non game species and waterfowl.
• Initiated and participates in Stafford’s “Hooked on Fishing Not Drugs” program.
• Gives talks to schools, agencies, groups, and civic organizations.
• Conducts a dog and cat census as required by local ordinance and state statute.
• Provides wildlife nuisance and property damage advice and deterrents to residents.