Animal Tree Rescue in Central New Jersey
Safe and humane animal rescue from trees in Central NJ. Bucket truck and climbing expertise to retrieve cats and other pets — fast response, minimal tree damage.
Animal Tree Rescue Across Central New Jersey
Pro-Stump Tree Service rescues 30 to 40 animals from trees every year from our Millstone Township headquarters, serving Monmouth, Ocean, Burlington, and Mercer Counties. When your cat has been stranded 50 feet up an oak tree for 24 hours and the fire department tells you they don't do that anymore, Pro-Stump Tree Service is the call to make. Our climbers are trained in safe animal handling and carry soft capture nets, heavy leather gloves, and ventilated transport carriers on every rescue call.
Most rescues are cats, but we have retrieved parrots, raccoons, a pet ferret, and even a small dog from heights up to 90 feet. We respond within 2 to 4 hours during business hours, coordinate with local animal control for strays, and — here's what matters most — there is never a charge if we cannot safely reach the animal.
“Our cat was stuck for 2 days. The fire department wouldn't come. Pro-Stump Tree Service had her down in 20 minutes — safe and calm.”
— Amy L., Pet Owner, Jackson
Why Call Us
Why the Fire Department Won't Rescue Your Cat (and What to Do Instead)
Most New Jersey fire departments stopped performing animal rescues in the 1990s. Liability concerns, equipment limitations, and priority call demands mean that when you call 911 for a cat in a tree, you'll be told to wait for it to come down on its own. The problem is that cats are excellent climbers going up — their curved claws grip bark perfectly — but terrible at descending headfirst.
After 24 hours in a tree, most cats are exhausted, dehydrated, and too frightened to attempt the climb down. That's the point where intervention prevents a veterinary emergency. Pro-Stump's climbers approach slowly, use soft capture techniques that minimize stress on the animal, and descend with the animal secured in a padded carrier — not tossed into a blanket held by people on the ground.
The Rescue Process
What to Expect During an Animal Rescue
When you call, we ask a few quick questions: What kind of animal? How high up? How long has it been there?
Is it injured or aggressive? This lets us bring the right equipment and prepare our climber. On arrival, the climber gears up with standard tree-climbing equipment — ropes, harness, spikes (if the tree species allows) — plus a soft mesh capture net, heavy gloves rated for animal bites, and a ventilated carrier.
The climber ascends to the animal's level, pauses to let the animal acclimate to their presence, then uses either a gentle hand capture or a net. The animal is placed in the carrier, clipped to the climber's harness, and lowered to the ground by rope. Total time from arrival to rescue is typically 30 to 60 minutes.
The animal is returned to you immediately, or if it's a stray, we coordinate with Monmouth County SPCA or your local animal control officer.
Next step: After animal tree rescue, most customers follow up with emergency tree service. Ask about bundling both services for a single-visit discount.
Need animal tree rescue at your property?
Free animal tree rescue estimates — written quote within 24 hours.
Why Families Trust Pro-Stump Tree Service for Animal Tree Rescue
Caring, professional service — every single time.
2–4 Hour Response During Business Hours
We know your pet is scared and you're worried. Our climbers respond the same day, typically within 2 to 4 hours of your call.
No Charge If We Can't Reach the Animal
If the tree is unsafe to climb or the animal moves to an inaccessible location, you pay nothing. We only charge for successful rescues.
Trained in Safe Animal Handling
Soft capture nets, padded carriers, and a slow approach that minimizes stress. We never chase, shake branches, or frighten the animal into jumping.
Heights Up to 90 Feet
Our climbers routinely work at 60 to 90 feet in the canopy. No ladder service can reach these heights — and you should never attempt it yourself.
After-Hours Emergency Rescue Available
Evenings and weekends are available for an emergency fee. Injured animals receive priority scheduling regardless of the time.
Coordination with Animal Control
For stray or feral animals, we coordinate directly with Monmouth County SPCA and local animal control so the animal receives proper care.
Step by Step
How We Handle Animal Tree Rescue
Phone Assessment
We ask the tree species, approximate height of the animal, how long it has been up there, and whether the animal is injured or aggressive.
Rapid Response
A climber arrives within 2 to 4 hours during business hours. After-hours rescues are available for an emergency fee.
Safe Capture
Climber ascends to the animal using standard tree-climbing gear, approaches slowly, and uses a soft net or gentle hand capture. The animal is placed in a ventilated carrier.
Return to Owner
The animal is lowered to the ground in the carrier and returned to the owner. If the animal is a stray, we coordinate with local animal control or rescue organizations.
Want to see finished results? Browse our project photo gallery for before-and-after examples.
Signs You Need Animal Tree Rescue
If any of these apply to your property, it’s time to call a professional.
Your cat has been in a tree for more than 24 hours
The animal is too high for a ladder (above 25 feet)
The fire department cannot respond to animal rescues in your municipality
The animal appears injured or is crying and unable to descend
A pet bird or exotic animal has escaped and is perched in a tree
Animal Tree Rescue Near You
Based in Central New Jersey, our arborist-led team provides animal tree rescue throughout Monmouth, Ocean, Burlington, and Mercer Counties — 136+ towns across Central New Jersey.
Monmouth County
Middletown · Howell · Marlboro · Manalapan · Freehold · Long Branch & more
Ocean County
Lakewood · Toms River · Brick · Jackson · Manchester · Berkeley & more
Burlington County
Evesham · Mount Laurel · Willingboro · Pemberton · Medford · Burlington & more
Mercer County
Hamilton · Trenton · Ewing · West Windsor · Princeton · Lawrence & more
Animal Tree Rescue — Frequently Asked Questions
Need Animal Tree Rescue? Call Pro-Stump Tree Service Today.
Free animal tree rescue estimates. Same-week scheduling. Serving all of Central NJ since 1987.
(732) 446-1104