Bergen County Animal Shelter, Adoption & Pets 2026

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Verified Bergen County Shelter Guide

Bergen County Animal Shelter Guide: Adoption Hours, Lost Pets, Surrender Fees, Animal Control, Video & Map

Use this Bergen County Animal Shelter guide when you need the official Teterboro address, phone numbers, adoption hours, adoption process, lost-pet reclaim proof, owner-surrender fees, Animal Control phone, volunteer options, map, and a helpful video before visiting.

Official shelter address 100 United Lane, Teterboro, NJ 07608
Shelter phone 201-229-4600
Adoption hours shown 1 PM–5 PM daily except Monday

Quick Answer: What is Bergen County Animal Shelter and who should use it?

Bergen County Animal Shelter and Adoption Center is the county animal shelter in Teterboro, New Jersey, located at 100 United Lane. Residents and visitors use it to adopt dogs, cats and small animals, reclaim lost pets, report or ask about animals handled by Animal Control, surrender pets from contracted towns, volunteer, foster, and access community pet-owner help.

Most important first step: for adoption and shelter questions, call 201-229-4600. For Animal Control, use 201-229-4616. If your pet is missing, do not rely on photos alone — the official lost-pet page says pictures or videos are not legal proof of ownership.

Choose what you need today

Most people searching for “Bergen County Animal Shelter” need one practical answer quickly. Pick the closest route below before driving to Teterboro.

Bergen County Animal Shelter quick facts

Official nameBergen County Animal Shelter and Adoption Center
Address100 United Lane, Teterboro, NJ 07608
Shelter phone201-229-4600
Animal Control phone201-229-4616
Adoption hours1 PM–5 PM every day except Monday
Mission focusHumane treatment, lost-pet reunions, adoption, foster care, wildlife rehabilitation, TNR and education
Capacity noteOfficial site says the shelter can house up to 90 dogs and 350 cats
Source-check note: adoption hours, fees, pet availability, surrender rules, contracted-town lists, and animal-control routing can change. Confirm directly with Bergen County before driving or making a time-sensitive decision.

Video Guide: Bergen County shelter pets and adoption context

People searching for Bergen County Animal Shelter often want to see the animals and understand why some pets stay in care for a long time. This video is not a replacement for the official adoption list, but it is useful for adoption intent because it shows real shelter pets and helps visitors think about long-term residents, patience, and what to ask before adopting.

How to use this video: watch it for shelter-pet context, then use the official Bergen County adoption page for current available animals. A video can help you understand the need, but it should not be treated as live inventory or official policy.

Bergen County Animal Shelter adoption hours and process

The official adoption page says the shelter is open for adoptions from 1 PM to 5 PM every day except Monday. The page also states that people wishing to adopt are carefully screened so animals can be placed in the best-suited home. That means adoption is not just a quick pickup; expect questions, matching, and review.

Start with the official animals-for-adoption page.
Use Bergen County’s official adoption page to see available animals and current instructions. Petfinder can help, but the County page should be treated as the primary source.
Use the correct application.
The County provides separate application routes for dogs and for cats or small domestic animals. Use the correct form for the animal you want.
Expect screening.
The official page says adopters are carefully screened. Be ready to discuss your home, schedule, experience, children, other pets, landlord rules, and the animal’s needs.
Visit during adoption hours.
Adoption hours are 1 PM–5 PM daily except Monday. Arrive with enough time to meet animals, ask questions, and complete paperwork.
Ask about medical and behavior notes.
Ask about vaccines, spay/neuter, microchip, illness history, medications, bite history, fear, energy level, litter habits, leash manners, and first-week care.
Plan safe transport.
Bring a carrier for cats or small animals and a safe leash/vehicle plan for dogs. Do not transport a new pet loose in the car.

Bergen County Animal Shelter adoption fees and what to ask

The official pages retrieved for this guide confirmed adoption hours and application routes, but did not provide a single stable public adoption-fee table in the retrieved snippets. Because shelter fees and adoption specials can change, confirm the current adoption fee directly before visiting.

Question Why it matters Ask this before adopting
What is the current adoption fee? Fees may vary by animal type, age, special event, or policy update. “What is today’s adoption fee for this specific dog/cat/small animal?”
What medical care is included? Adoption value depends on vaccines, spay/neuter, microchip, testing, and follow-up needs. “What has already been done, and what will I need to schedule after adoption?”
Can the pet go home today? Some animals may need a medical hold, surgery, treatment, or paperwork before leaving. “If approved, is pickup same-day or later?”
Are there restrictions? Some pets may need no other pets, no small children, a fenced yard, experienced adopters, or special care. “What type of home is best for this animal?”
Adoption value tip: do not compare only the fee. Ask what medical work, behavior information, return support, microchip details, and follow-up recommendations come with the pet.

Before you visit Bergen County Animal Shelter for adoption

Bring photo IDBring a government-issued ID and current contact information for the application or adoption conversation.
Bring household detailsBe ready to discuss adults, children, other pets, work hours, home type, yard setup, and landlord permission if renting.
Use the right applicationDog, cat and small-animal applications may be different. Use the official application page.
Ask about best matchThe shelter screens adopters to place animals in suitable homes. Be honest about your experience and limits.
Bring safe transportUse a secure carrier for cats or small animals and a safe leash/vehicle plan for dogs.
Confirm before drivingCall first if you are coming for one specific animal, a special event, or a same-day adoption goal.

Lost dog or cat in Bergen County: what to do first

The official lost-pet page says you should come to the shelter to fill out a lost report and look to see if your pet is there. It also says you must bring identification and proof that the animal is yours. This proof can include a town license, vaccine certificate, vet records, or purchase receipt.

Important proof rule: Bergen County’s lost-pet page says pictures or videos of your pet are not considered legal proof of ownership. Bring documents when possible.
Go to the shelter and file a lost report.
The official page specifically says to come to the shelter to fill out a lost report and look for your pet.
Bring ID and legal proof.
Bring your ID plus town license, vaccine certificate, vet records, purchase receipt, or other acceptable ownership proof.
Call before visiting when time-sensitive.
Call 201-229-4600 and describe the pet, last-known location, microchip status, collar, and date missing.
Update the microchip registry.
Use the AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup and update your phone/email with the chip company.
Search physically and online.
Ask neighbors, check hiding places, post responsibly, use Petco Love Lost, and check nearby municipal shelters if your pet crossed town lines.
Check repeatedly.
Pet intake can change daily. Recheck the shelter and online listings if your pet is still missing.

Found a pet in Bergen County: safe next steps

If you found a dog, cat, or small animal in Bergen County, do not assume the pet was abandoned. Many lost animals are owned indoor pets that escaped after a door opened, a storm, fireworks, fence work, a move, or a car accident. Your goal is to help the animal get home safely and legally.

Do not risk a biteIf the animal is aggressive, sick, trapped, or injured, avoid unsafe handling and contact the proper authority.
Call the shelter or Animal ControlUse 201-229-4600 for shelter questions or 201-229-4616 for Animal Control.
Check for a microchipA shelter or veterinarian may scan for a chip. A chip can connect the animal to its registered owner.
Require proof before releaseIf someone claims the pet online, ask for documentation such as license records, vaccine records, vet records, or purchase documents.
Found-pet call script: “Hi, I found a dog/cat/small animal near [town/street]. The animal is [description], has [collar/no collar], and appears [safe/injured/scared/aggressive]. Should I bring the animal in, wait for Animal Control, or file a found report?”

Surrendering a pet to Bergen County Animal Shelter

The official assistance page says that if you are unable to personally find a new home for your pet, you may bring your dog, cat, or small animal to BCAS Monday through Friday between 1 PM and 5 PM. It also says BCAS is open-admission for residents from contracted towns and asks owners to bring veterinary records.

Surrender warning: surrender should be treated as a serious decision. Ask whether the shelter can accept your animal, what paperwork is required, whether you are in a contracted town, and what alternatives you should try first.
Owner-surrender item Official guidance What to prepare
When to bring a pet Monday–Friday, 1 PM–5 PM Call first if your situation is urgent or you are unsure about contracted-town eligibility.
Eligible residents Residents from contracted towns Bring proof of residency and ask if your municipality is covered.
Veterinary records Bring any veterinary records you have Vaccines, medications, surgery, behavior, bite, illness and microchip records help the shelter.
Dog surrender fee $50 Confirm accepted payment method before arrival.
Cat surrender fee $30 Bring carrier and medical records.
Small animal surrender fee $15 Ask what species and enclosure rules apply.

Bergen County Animal Control, non-emergency concerns and urgent danger

Bergen County’s adoption application contact page lists an Animal Control phone number of 201-229-4616. Use the shelter phone for adoption, lost/found, and shelter questions. Use Animal Control when your question involves field response, animal-control handling, or a municipality that uses Bergen County services.

Shelter questionsCall 201-229-4600 for adoption, lost/found, surrender and shelter questions.
Animal ControlCall 201-229-4616 for Animal Control questions.
Pet poisoningCall ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 1-888-426-4435. A fee may apply.
Immediate danger: call 911 for life-threatening situations, active attacks, in-progress cruelty, or urgent public-safety danger. This directory is not an emergency dispatcher.

Bergen County pet services: volunteer, foster, wildlife, TNR and community support

Bergen County’s official mission includes humane treatment, reuniting lost pets, adoption, foster care, wildlife rehabilitation, reducing animal populations through spay/neuter and TNR, and education. The shelter also lists volunteer opportunities where people may help walk dogs or socialize cats.

VolunteerThe official volunteer page says dog walking and cat socializing improve quality of life for shelter animals.
Foster careAsk the shelter which animals currently need foster placement and what training or supplies are provided.
Wildlife rehabilitationThe shelter mission includes wildlife rehabilitation. Call before bringing wildlife or injured animals.
TNR and educationThe shelter mission includes reducing animal populations through spay/neuter, TNR and public education.
Pet owner helpUse the official assistance page before surrendering a pet, especially if you need rehoming or support options.
Food supportBergen County SPCA has promoted a pet food bank at the shelter location. Confirm current dates and eligibility with the official organizer.

Call scripts for Bergen County Animal Shelter needs

A short, clear message helps staff understand your situation faster.

Adoption script: “Hi, I’m interested in adopting [dog/cat/small animal]. I saw [pet name or description] on the official Bergen County adoption page. What application should I complete, and is the pet still available?”

Lost pet script: “Hi, my [dog/cat] is missing from [town/location]. The pet is [description], has [collar/microchip/license], and I can bring legal proof such as [license/vaccine/vet record]. Should I come in to file a lost report?”

Found pet script: “Hi, I found a [dog/cat/small animal] near [town/street]. The animal appears [safe/injured/scared/aggressive]. Should I contact Animal Control, bring the pet in, or file a found report?”

Surrender script: “Hi, I live in [town] and need help rehoming or surrendering my [dog/cat/small animal]. Am I in a contracted town, what fee applies, and what records should I bring?”

Bergen County Animal Shelter map and visit planning

Bergen County Animal Shelter and Adoption Center is listed at 100 United Lane, Teterboro, NJ 07608. Use the map below for route planning, then confirm current hours and service rules before driving.

Before leaving: bring photo ID, legal proof of ownership for lost pets, vet records for surrender, the correct adoption application if possible, a secure cat/small-animal carrier, and a safe leash/vehicle plan for dogs.

Official Bergen County Animal Shelter links

Animals for adoptionOfficial adoption page
Adoption applicationsPet adoption applications
Lost & found petsLost and found page
Assistance for pet ownersPet owner assistance
Volunteer opportunitiesVolunteer page

Nearby and related animal resources

If your pet crossed municipal boundaries or someone transported the animal, check more than one official shelter or lost-pet resource. Bergen County is dense, and pets may be found in a nearby town rather than the exact town where they went missing.

Common Bergen County Animal Shelter mistakes to avoid

Using photos as proofThe official lost-pet page says pictures or videos are not legal proof of ownership.
Arriving outside adoption hoursAdoption hours are 1 PM–5 PM daily except Monday.
Not checking contracted-town rulesOwner surrender is for residents from contracted towns, so confirm eligibility before going.
Forgetting vet recordsVet records are important for reclaim, adoption questions, and surrender.
Calling the wrong numberUse 201-229-4600 for shelter questions and 201-229-4616 for Animal Control.
Treating video as live inventoryUse the video for context only. Check official adoption listings for current pets.

Bergen County Animal Shelter FAQs

The official shelter phone number is 201-229-4600. Animal Control is listed as 201-229-4616.

Bergen County Animal Shelter and Adoption Center is located at 100 United Lane, Teterboro, NJ 07608.

The official adoption page says the shelter is open for adoptions from 1 PM to 5 PM every day except Monday.

Start with the official animals-for-adoption page and complete the correct application for a dog, cat, or small domestic animal. Adopters are screened so pets can be placed in suitable homes.

The official lost-pet page says acceptable proof may include a town license, vaccine certificate, vet records, or purchase receipt. Pictures or videos are not legal proof of ownership.

Go to the shelter to fill out a lost report and look for your pet, call the shelter, update the microchip registry, bring legal proof of ownership, and check nearby shelters and lost-pet tools.

The official assistance page says residents from contracted towns may bring a dog, cat, or small animal Monday through Friday between 1 PM and 5 PM. Bring veterinary records and confirm eligibility first.

The official assistance page lists $50 to surrender a dog, $30 to surrender a cat, and $15 to surrender small animals.

Yes. The official volunteer page describes dog walking and cat socializing as important volunteer roles that improve shelter animals’ quality of life.

Bergen County lists Animal Control phone as 201-229-4616.

There are online videos featuring Bergen County Animal Shelter pets and shelter visits. Use videos for context only and verify current pet availability on the official adoption page.

No. Animal-Shelter.org is an independent animal shelter and animal control directory. The official Bergen County Animal Shelter website is on bergencountynj.gov.

USA-wide shelter helper • adoption, lost pets, found pets, surrender and animal control

Animal Shelter Action Planner: Lost Pet, Found Pet, Adoption, Reclaim & Surrender Helper

Use this free tool to create a practical next-step plan before visiting or contacting an animal shelter, humane society, rescue, or animal control agency. It does not search a live shelter database, but it helps you prepare the right documents, questions, safety steps, and official-source searches.

Lost Pet PlanSearch, microchip, shelter checks, flyers
Found Pet HelpSafety, scanning, reporting, holding
Adoption PlannerReadiness, questions, supplies, budget
Visit ChecklistDocuments, call script, official links

Build a USA-wide shelter action plan

Select your situation and location. The tool will create a general action plan, search links, call questions, and a copyable checklist.

Important: Shelter rules vary by city, county, agency, and animal type. Always confirm hours, intake rules, fees, appointment requirements, and proof-of-ownership rules with the official shelter or animal control agency before visiting.

Lost pet recovery checklist

Check the steps you have completed. This helps you stay organized during the first urgent hours and days.

0% completed

Found pet safety decision helper

Use this when you find a stray or loose pet and need a safe next step.

Safety first: Do not approach an aggressive, injured, trapped, or traffic-endangered animal if doing so could put you or others at risk. Contact animal control, emergency services, or a qualified professional when needed.

Adoption readiness checker

This helps adopters prepare before visiting a shelter or rescue. It is not a guarantee of approval.

0% readiness signals checked

Pet reclaim document checklist

If your pet may be at a shelter, prepare proof before visiting. Exact requirements and fees vary by agency.

Owner surrender preparation helper

Surrender rules vary. Many shelters require appointments, proof of residence, behavior/medical information, and may offer alternatives.

Helpful reminder: Ask the shelter about pet food pantries, low-cost vet care, behavior support, temporary foster options, and safe rehoming resources before making a final decision.

Animal control contact decision helper

Choose the situation and get a general USA-wide contact path. Local rules may differ.

Emergency warning: If there is immediate danger to a person, a serious bite, traffic hazard, or active attack, contact local emergency services or animal control according to local rules.

Adoption and first-month budget planner

This is a planning guide, not a shelter fee database. Always confirm adoption fees and included services with the shelter.

Your generated shelter plan

Your action plan, search links, call script, checklist, or budget guide will appear here.

Start with the Planner tab

Select your state, city/county/ZIP, pet type, and goal. The tool will create a practical USA-wide shelter action plan.

USA-wide Shelter user intent Official-source focused

Privacy note: this tool runs in your browser. It does not send your entries to animal-shelter.org.