Thinking of adopting a new pet? There are plenty of pet adoption shelters in New Jersey that it might be hard to choose where you go first. We recommend trying a few before you decide on which pet you want, and we’ve sourced some of the ones that have a reputation for being highly recommended by those who have been there before.
Here are 6 of the most recommended pet shelters in New Jersey. Read on till the end if you want some great tips on what to do before and during the adoption process. But before we get into each one, here’s a quick comparison of each to give you an overview of what they offer:
Animal Welfare Association (AWA) | Voorhees, South Jersey
The Animal Welfare Association (AWA) in Voorhees, South Jersey, has been around for decades. It’s one of the oldest and largest pet shelters in NJ, and prides itself on its no-kill policy. They also have a veterinary clinic on-site and provide low-cost care to animals of various kinds.
St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center | Madison, Northern NJ
There’s nothing worse than finding the pet you want and then having to wait a long time to take them home. The St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center in Madison, Northern NJ, understands this frustration and aims to get your pet home by the same day you decide to adopt them. The staff here are intimately involved in the community and want to see their animals go to good homes.
Tabby’s Place | Ringoes (Cats Only)
Another New Jersey animal shelter that has a no-kill policy is Tabby’s Place in Ringoes. This is a cat-only sanctuary that encourages cat adoption for those who have a love for cats that need a second chance. Ask them about their cats with medical or behavioural issues if you’re interested in adopting a cat that others might pass on.
Home for Good Dog Rescue | Berkeley Heights (Foster-Based, Statewide)
The Home for Good Dog Rescue in Berkeley Heights allows you to foster a dog for a period of time. They rescue dogs from other shelters where the dogs are on their last few days before being euthanized. In the past 14 years, Home for Good Dog Rescue has rescued over 12,000 dogs, and it’s people like you that have helped them reach this impressive number.
NJ Humane Society | West New York, Hudson County
The NJ Humane Society in West New York, Hudson County, has a deep love for animals. They will investigate cruelty allegations and have an on-site clinic for cats and dogs who need medical attention. They’ve performed countless rescues over the years, and their clinic offers relatively cheap services for pet owners who can’t pay high prices.
Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter | East Hanover, NJ
If you want to deal with staff who know their animals well, then take a trip to Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter in East Hanover, NJ. They offer sterilization of cats and dogs, as well as a full range of vaccinations as part of their adoption process.
Tips for Adopting a New Pet in New Jersey
Before you adopt your next pet, it’s a good idea to factor in the costs involved. Here are some things to consider:
- The breed and type of pet you want to adopt can significantly affect the cost. Larger dogs, or pets with special needs, might fetch a higher adoption fee.
- Pet insurance is a must when taking on a new pet. Ask yourself, “How much is pet insurance in NJ?” and factor this into the other costs.
- Good grooming, toys, and comfortable beds can cost a fair amount. Factor these into your budget before committing to a new pet.
- If you’re adopting a new puppy, make the effort to take them for training and socialization classes. This strengthens the bond between you and your new dog and also provides them with mental stimulation.
Wrapping Up
You now have a list of seven different pet shelters in NJ to choose from. All of them have good reputations and have proven over the years that they take animal well-being seriously. Remember to contact them before you visit, since some have opening hours that don’t always conform to normal business hours. If you can, volunteer at one of them to get a full appreciation of what it means to be a dog or cat lover.
