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7 Essential Facts About The Northern Ocean County Animal Facility (NOCAF) You Need To Know In 2025

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The Northern Ocean County Animal Facility (NOCAF) stands as a critical lifeline for thousands of homeless, stray, and surrendered pets in Central New Jersey. As of December 24, 2025, this essential public resource, operated by the Ocean County Health Department (OCHD), continues its mission to provide comprehensive care, animal control services, and ultimately, find loving forever homes for dogs and cats across the region.

Located in Jackson, New Jersey, NOCAF is more than just a temporary shelter; it is a center for community health, responsible pet ownership, and animal welfare. The facility's operations are constantly evolving, and understanding its current procedures, from its same-day adoption policy to its extensive medical services, is crucial for anyone looking to adopt, volunteer, or report a stray animal in Northern Ocean County.

Northern Ocean County Animal Facility: Quick Profile and Location

The Northern Ocean County Animal Facility serves as the primary municipal shelter for the upper half of Ocean County, New Jersey. It works in tandem with the Southern Ocean County Animal Facility in Manahawkin to cover the entire county's animal control needs.

  • Official Name: Northern Ocean County Animal Facility (NOCAF)
  • Operator: Ocean County Health Department (OCHD)
  • Location: 615 Freemont Avenue, Jackson, N.J. 08527
  • Key Services: Animal Control, Stray Receiving (24-hour service), Pet Adoption, Veterinary Services
  • Visitor Hours: 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. daily
  • Contact Phone: (732) 657-8086
  • Service Area: Northern Ocean County municipalities, including Jackson Township, Toms River, Manchester Township, Brick Township, and surrounding communities.

The facility is designed to be fully equipped with indoor and outdoor kennels, ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for the animals under its care. Its location in Jackson, NJ, makes it a central hub for residents of the most populous parts of the county.

1. The Adoption Process is Strictly "Same-Day" and First-Come, First-Serve

For prospective adopters, understanding the adoption procedure at NOCAF is the most important step. Unlike some shelters that require pre-scheduled appointments or hold periods, the Northern Ocean County Animal Facility operates on a direct, "same-day" adoption model.

Key Adoption Requirements:

  • No Holds: The facility is unable to place a hold on any animal, meaning if you see a pet you love, you must be prepared to adopt it on the spot.
  • Household Meet-and-Greet: Everyone in the household must meet the pet prior to adoption. This is a crucial step to ensure the animal is a good fit for the entire family.
  • Dog-to-Dog Introduction: For dog adoptions, any existing dogs in the home must also meet the potential new family member at the facility. This policy helps prevent behavioral issues and ensures a smooth transition for all pets.

This streamlined process is designed to move pets into loving homes quickly, which is vital for maintaining space and resources for the continuous intake of stray and surrendered animals.

2. Adoptees Receive Comprehensive Veterinary Care and Microchipping

One of the most significant benefits of adopting from a county facility like NOCAF is the comprehensive medical package each animal receives. The facility is committed to promoting responsible pet ownership through essential veterinary services.

Every adopted dog and cat is sent home with:

  • A Full Veterinary Exam: A thorough check-up by a veterinarian to ensure the animal is healthy.
  • Age-Appropriate Vaccinations: Protection against common diseases, critical for young animals and those whose history is unknown.
  • Spay/Neuter Surgery: All pets are spayed or neutered prior to adoption, which is the cornerstone of the county's animal population control efforts.
  • Microchipping: A permanent form of identification that dramatically increases the chances of a lost pet being reunited with its owner.

This all-inclusive approach ensures that new pet owners are starting their journey with a healthy, sterile, and identifiable companion, reducing the burden of immediate veterinary costs.

3. NOCAF is a Crucial Hub for Ocean County Animal Control

The facility plays a central role in public safety and animal welfare by operating 24 hours a day to receive stray animals brought in by Municipal Animal Control Officers. This round-the-clock service is a critical public safety net for the numerous townships it serves, including Toms River, Jackson, and Brick.

The distinction between the county facility and private rescues is important for residents. If you find a stray animal, you should first contact your local municipal animal control, which will then transport the animal to the appropriate county facility (North or South). This system ensures that all stray animals are logged into a central county system, making it easier for owners to find lost pets.

4. The Facility's Impact is Measured by Recent 2024 Statistics

The sheer volume of work handled by NOCAF is evident in the annual statistics reported to the New Jersey Department of Health. For example, in 2024, the Northern Ocean County facility reported a significant intake of animals, demonstrating its constant need for community support.

The facility's disposition data reflects its commitment to lifesaving outcomes, including adoptions, transfers to rescue organizations, and returns to owners. The constant flow of animals—from intake to disposition—highlights the non-stop effort of the staff and the critical need for a high adoption rate to keep the system functioning efficiently.

5. Volunteer and Donation Support is Constantly Needed

To sustain its high level of care, the Northern Ocean County Animal Facility relies heavily on the generosity of the public. The need for volunteer help and donations is an ongoing priority.

Ways to Get Involved:

  • Volunteering: Volunteers are essential for tasks like walking dogs, socializing cats and kittens, cleaning, and assisting with adoption events.
  • Donations: The shelter frequently requires supplies such as high-quality dog and cat food, blankets, towels, cleaning supplies, and enrichment toys. Monetary donations help cover unexpected medical expenses and facility upkeep.
  • Off-Site Adoption Centers: The Volunteer Auxiliary often runs off-site cat adoption centers, such as the one at the PetSmart on Hooper Ave in Toms River, providing more visibility for adoptable pets. Supporting these local efforts directly aids the shelter’s mission.

6. NOCAF Works Closely with Local Rescue Organizations

The facility is part of a larger network of animal welfare organizations in the Jersey Shore area. While NOCAF handles municipal animal control, it frequently partners with local rescue groups to transfer animals that may require specialized care, long-term fostering, or specific breed placement. This collaborative approach, often highlighted in local news and adoption promotion stories, helps maximize the save rate for animals that may not thrive in a traditional shelter environment.

7. The Facility is Committed to Public Health and Safety

Beyond pet adoption, the Ocean County Health Department's operation of NOCAF emphasizes public health. Animal control services manage rabies prevention, investigate animal bites, and enforce local ordinances related to pet licensing and animal cruelty. By maintaining a 24-hour receiving service for stray animals, the facility helps to quickly isolate and assess potential public health risks, ensuring the safety of both the human and animal populations in Ocean County.

If you are considering adding a new pet to your family in 2025, or if you simply want to support a vital community service, the Northern Ocean County Animal Facility in Jackson, NJ, offers a clear and direct path to making a difference. From adopting a microchipped and spayed/neutered pet to volunteering your time, your involvement directly contributes to the welfare of animals across the region.

7 Essential Facts About the Northern Ocean County Animal Facility (NOCAF) You Need to Know in 2025
northern ocean county animal facility
northern ocean county animal facility

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