Fees Waived As Burlington County Attempts To 'Clear The Shelter'

BURLINGTON COUNTY, NJ — The Burlington County Animal Shelter is waiving all adoption fees for dogs and cats for the next 30 days as part of the annual “Clear the Shelter” event that helps pets find loving homes and alleviate a space crunch at the shelter, county officials announced.

As an open intake shelter in New Jersey’s largest county, the Burlington County Animal Shelter does not refuse any strays or surrenders. So far this year, the shelter has taken in more than 2,000 animals, including over 556 surrenders and more than 1,389 strays, according to officials. In 2021, more than 870 animals have been adopted from the shelter and over 285 have been placed in foster care or with supportive rescue groups from across the east coast.

However, due to the normal seasonal lag in adoptions and influx of strays and surrenders, the shelter now finds itself at capacity, according to officials.

Typically, the shelter, at 35 Academy Drive in Westampton, charges between $75 and $100 for dog and puppy adoptions and $45 to $60 for cats and kittens. Those fees are being waived for all animals to help spur interest and encourage visits. All animals are spayed and neutered, vaccinated and microchipped.

The shelter is also offering walk-in visiting hours during normal operating hours on Saturdays and Sundays to help encourage adoptions and fosters. Visitors can continue to schedule appointments between noon and 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, to view and interact with available pets.

“Even though we have adopted out nearly 1,000 pets so far this year, our shelter is at capacity now with an abundance of adorable dogs and cats who are looking for good homes,” Burlington County Commissioner Dan O’Connell, liaison to the Animal Shelter, said. “What we need are more loving individuals and families who are willing and capable to adopt or foster them. If anyone is looking for or considering a new pet, now is the perfect time. We decided to waive fees for all the pets as a way to open up adoptions to more families.”

All visitors to the shelter must wear a mask or face covering and comply with social distancing guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Visitors are also encouraged to complete an adoption application in advance. Adoption forms are available online with profiles of the pets at www.petango.com/Shelters/Burlington-County-Animal-Shelter-5405.

“Throughout the pandemic, our animal shelter has continued to operate and care for hundreds of orphaned and stray animals. While some operations have needed to be adjusted due to the outbreak, the shelter’s dedicated staff and volunteers have continued to provide these animals with the love and care they need and deserve,” O’Connell said. “Fostering a dog or cat is a great way to ease into being a pet parent. Both the animal and its loving human can get used to each other and form a bond. I started off fostering my dog Bingo in August and we both quickly discovered that we were a perfect match. I encourage anyone thinking about adopting a new companion to visit the website or come in person. Your next best friend could be waiting for you.”