Animal Services

NECCOG Animal Control

The NECCOG Animal Services Program is a service of the Northeastern Connecticut Council of Governments. Visit the NECCOG Animal Services website for information on how to report complaints on domestic animals, animal bites, rabies, animal cruelty, licensing enforcement, and surrendering of animals.

Please remember to report animal bites, and threatening animals. Action cannot be taken if reports are not made.

NECCOG Animal Services are available after hours and weekends on an emergency basis only. The following are classified as an emergency:

Domestic Animals hit by Vehicles and Still Alive
People bitten by domestic animals and wildlife
Domestic Animals bitten by Wildlife on other domestic animals
If you have captured a stray dog
Stray Domestic Animals showing signs of illness.

Please Note: NECCOG does not deal with wildlife unless it fits into one of the above categories. For wildlife problems, please call 860-424-3333. See given for more information on nuisance wildlife.

Avian Influenza

Posted February 3, 2025

Avian Influenza has been found in several backyard flocks in CT. For information on reporting Avian flu in your backyard flock, or reporting dead birds, and for more information on Avian Influenza, visit: Avian Flu Info: Reporting Case and More

Dog Licensing

Licensing is done at the Voluntown Town Hall Clerk's office, Dog License (PDF)
Licenses required for all dogs six months of age or over.
Rabies inoculation certificate is required.
State-imposed $60 penalty for unlicensed dogs.
All dogs are licensed yearly during June.
Fees: $8 spayed/neutered dogs - $19 male or female dogs - $51 kennel license. $1 per month late fee applied after July 1st.

Nuisance Wildlife

There have been several calls to Town Hall from residents asking about suspicious acting wildlife. We have inquired with the DEEP EnConn office, the DEEP Wildlife Division, NECCOG Animal Control, and the health department as to what to inform residents to do. Here is the consensus:

Just because a wild animal is acting in a way that we don't think is normal, it does not mean that it has rabies. There are other reasons it could be acting that way, like poisoning, or it could have another illness, like distemper.
A suspicious acting wild animal is not seen as a threat unless it has bitten or scratched a human, or has bitten or scratched a pet or livestock.
Make sure that all of your pets and livestock are up to date on all vaccines.
Stay away from suspicious acting wild animals and teach your kids to do so also.
If a human is exposed to a suspected rabid animal, you should thoroughly wash wounds and immediately contact their doctor. Follow the doctor's instructions or seek emergency medical treatment.
If a pet or livestock is exposed to a possible rabid animal, you should report to your veterinarian and NECCOG Animal Services, 860-774-1253.
If you suspect that a wild animal is a rabies carrier, you may contact the following agencies given in the order listed. Our Animal Services, NECCOG, does not respond to wild animal calls as they are not trained in this area. Again, it is a typical answer that the state police and DEEP won't respond unless the wild animal poses an immediate threat to humans, pets, or livestock.
- State Police, Troop E, Montville 860-848-6500
- DEEP Emergency Dispatch 860-424-3333
- Visit the Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator Page. An NWCO conducts private business, which includes a fee that can range from $100-$500+.
This information and more can be found in the CT DEEP Bureau of Natural Resources Wildlife Division Information for Connecticut's Home and Business Owners: Nuisance Wildlife Control Program, Rabies and Client Notification flyer.
Nuisance Wildlife Control and Rabies Brochure (PDF)

Feral Cat Policy

NECCOG does not impound cats unless they are sick, injured or under quarantine observation. If you are having an issue with feral cats, please contact the first selectman. If the issue is a problem, the first selectman will contact NECCOG and they can work together to resolve the issue through the Trap, Neuter, Return (TNR) program.

Visit the Northeastern Connecticut Council of Governments Website