'Clear The Shelters' In Ocean County This Month

OCEAN COUNTY, NJ — Looking to meet your new furry friend? Make sure you check out Ocean County's animal shelters. Throughout August, Ocean County Animal Facilities will be participating in the annual "Clear the Shelters" national pet adoption event.

“The Clear the Shelter event is our biggest adoption event of the year and it just keeps getting more popular,” Ocean County Commissioner Gary Quinn, liaison to the Ocean County Board of Health, said in a release. “Every summer we appreciate all the residents and visitors from all around the area that make it a point to visit our facilities and search for the perfect pet for their home and family.”

Ocean County shelters had a great year in 2021, despite the pandemic, the Ocean County Health Department said. Last year, 114 cats and dogs were able to find loving homes, OCHD said. There's even more to choose from this year, especially kittens, as summer is always kitten season in animal facilities.

“There are just too many wonderful companion animals that find themselves in shelters all across the country – more than 6 million every year in the United States,” says Daniel Regenye, Ocean County Health Department (OCHD) Public Health Coordinator. “This events main goal is to help animals find homes but to also spread awareness regarding all the important facets involved with responsible pet ownership.”

From Aug. 27 through Aug. 31, the Ocean County Animal Facilities will reduce adoption fees to half off on all pets. Plus, every person that adopts a pet will also receive a free goodie bag filled with treats and toys.

Every cat and dog eligible for adoption receives a veterinary exam, age appropriate vaccinations, is spayed/neutered and microchipped, OCHD said.

“There is absolutely no reason to find a new pet anywhere else than a shelter,” said Brian Lippai, OCHD public information coordinator. “Shelter pets are great and come in all ages, breeds and sizes. If you are serious and have done your homework, I urge you to visit us this August to find one of our irresistible cats, kittens or dogs and provide them with all your love and care for a lifetime.”

The Clear the Shelter event will be hosted by the two Ocean County Animal Facilities, operated under the care of the Ocean County Health Department: the Southern Ocean County Animal Facility located at 360 Haywood Road in Manahawkin and the Northern Ocean County Animal Facility located at 615 Freemont Avenue in Jackson.

For more information on “Clear the Shelters” or the Ocean County Animal Facilities, call 732-657-8086 or 609-978-0127, or check out the Ocean County Health Department website at www.ochd.org.