Somerset Regional Animal Shelter
100 Commons Way
Bridgewater, NJ 08807
Phone: 908-725-0308
Fax: 908-725-5043

E-Mail: somersetregionalanimalshelter@aol.com
Website: http://srasnj.org/

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Shelter Hours:

Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday: Noon – 4PM
Wednesday: Noon – 7PM

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The Animal Control Officer (ACO) of the Somerset Regional Animal Shelter serves the Township of Bridgewater. The ACO will respond to incidents as loose dogs in the neighborhood (during day time hours), household pets struck by a motor vehicle, residents attacked by a household pet, wild animals inside the living areas of a residence (NOT attics, basements, chimney’s or garages) as well as wildlife that has been injured or is sick and any household pet that is found that appears to have run away. If you are unable to reach the ACO, contact your local police department to have them dispatched. In some cases the ACO may need to speak with you directly to gather more information.

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The ACO will NOT respond to any wildlife animals that are NOT inside the residence or to nuisance wildlife issues. For further assistance contact a Wildlife agency.

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Black Bears

Black bears are natural to our area and you may see one from time to time wandering around during the spring and summer months, this is normal. Unless they are acting aggressive or are causing a nuisance please do NOT call 9-1-1, please call your local police on the non-emergency number or the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife at the DEP’s 24-hour, toll-free hotline at 1-877-WARN DEP (1-877-927-6337) to report black bear damage or nuisance behavior.

For information on black bears in New Jersey: Be Bear Aware.

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Coyotes

Also natural to our area are coyotes. Unless the coyote is acting aggressive or has for some rare reason attacked a human please do NOT call 9-1-1. If you observe coyotes in the daytime that show no fear of humans or if a coyote attacks a person, immediately contact your local police and the Division of Fish and Wildlife at 908-735-8793; outside of normal business hours call the DEP Hotline at 877-WARN-DEP.

For more information click here.

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Foxes

Foxes, especially red foxes, commonly live in close association with human residences and communities. They frequently inhabit yards, parks, and golf courses, especially areas that adjoin suitable, undeveloped habitat. Healthy foxes pose virtually no danger to humans. Foxes can grow accustomed to human activity but are seldom aggressive toward people. Expanding housing development, particularly in historically rural areas, increases the chances of interactions between humans and foxes, as well as other wildlife.

The police or the Division of Fish and Wildlife should be contacted if assistance is needed with a diseased animal. Call the DEP Hotline (877-WARN-DEP) or your local police department’s non-emergency number.

For more information click here.

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Deer

If you find a young fawn laying alone, leave it there. The mother comes back several times each day to nurse the fawn. If you’ve already picked the fawn up and brought it home – put it back. Even one or two days after removal from the wild, fawns have been successfully reunited with their mothers, by returning them to the place where they were found. Adult deer spend much of the day feeding and loafing. Fawns that are not strong enough on their legs to keep up with the adults are left behind. Usually young fawns are quite safe because their color pattern and lack of scent help them to remain undetected until their mother’s return.

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