Burlington County Looks To 'Clear The Shelter' Aug. 18

The Burlington County Animal Shelter will participate in NBC 10’s fourth annual “Clear the Shelter” drive from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 18, county officials announced on Friday. The county will waive adoption fees for all animals in the shelter on that day.

“As someone who adopted from our shelter, I can honestly say it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I am thrilled to once again host this exciting event and give our residents an opportunity to help one of our cats or dogs find their new forever home as I have,” Burlington County Freeholder Director Kate Gibbs said. “This year’s Clear the Shelter drive will be bigger and better than ever before as it is the first year we will hold it in our beautiful new shelter expansion.”

In the fall, the animal shelter introduced its highly-anticipated 2,400 square-foot expansion.The new facility features user-friendly electronic displays, three new community cat rooms that hold up to 10 felines and allow them to get out of their cages and interact with one another, upgraded dog runs, and a pet drop-off office. Additionally, prospective adopters are now able to meet animals in separate “greeting rooms,” meant to reduce the stress level for animals, giving visitors a more personal interaction.

Because of the expansion, more than 100 cats and dogs of various ages and breeds will be available for adoption during the “Clear the Shelter” event, according to officials. All the animals are spayed and neutered, micro chipped, and have up-to-date vaccines. During last year’s clear the shelter event, 67 cats and 16 dogs were adopted in just five hours.

“I am so proud to be part of a community that does so much for its animals. Our shelter staff and volunteers deserve so much credit for their hard work and dedication in finding forever homes for so many local pets every year,” Gibbs said. “I hope to see our residents come out to support this great event and go home with a new family member.”

Last year, the shelter set a record with 4,174 animals adopted, rescued or reunited with their owner. Since 2015, NBC and Telemundo television stations nationwide have partnered with local animal shelters to host an annual Clear the Shelters campaign which has resulted in more than 150,000 pet adoptions.

The Burlington County Animal Shelter is located at 35 Academy Drive in Westampton, behind the Burlington County Library. The shelter is open noon to 4 p.m. every day except Thursday, when it is open noon to 7 p.m. For more information, residents can call the shelter at 609-265-5073.

Photo: Friends of the Burlington County Animal Shelter