Foster Families Step Up After Calamity At New Jersey Animal Shelter

NEWARK, NJ — There’s a silver lining in some calamities if you dig deep enough – and that’s seemingly the case at a busy animal shelter in New Jersey’s largest city.

Just three days before the New Year holiday, the Associated Humane Societies-Newark (AHS) experienced an urgent emergency when heavy snow accumulation on a neighboring business fell and crushed the roof of its rear kennels, displacing more than 30 dogs.

>> READ MORE: Snowfall Crushes Kennel Roof At NJ Animal Shelter

The shelter is one of the busiest facilities in the Garden State. It contracts with several nearby towns and cities to provide shelter space and/or animal control services.

“With the shelter already full, the sudden loss of this critical kennel space is devastating,” the shelter said, reporting that it was already caring for nearly 300 animals – including over 135 dogs.

“We urgently need temporary foster homes for dogs, particularly dogs 40 pounds and over,” staff pleaded.

In the wake of their plea, the shelter saw an “incredible response” from potential fosters – but only two dogs were actually fostered. Meanwhile, new pooches continued to arrive, including six stray dogs in one day.

Since then, things apparently turned around for the better. On Monday, the shelter reported that 41 dogs have left the premises for new foster homes.

AHS-Newark has been sharing a flood of updates that show its dogs in their new foster homes, adding that they are available for adoption to a permanent forever family. The excitement and happiness of being out of the shelter is palpable on their faces (see photos below).

As per AHS-Newark:

DEUCE- "After a year in the shelter, one of our longest residents is finally getting to enjoy home life—and her experienced fosters are calling her 'one of our easiest houseguests.' Deuce has been absolutely amazing. She’s quiet, house-trained, on a great routine, and very playful. She loves zooming around the yard and is super sweet. She can be a little jumpy and mouthy when excited, so older kids would be best. Deuce doesn’t seem to mind other dogs barking at her and may have more potential to meet dogs. Seeing Deuce thrive like this is everything—and she’s ready to keep this life going with a forever family."

VEGA - "Seeing the stress and anxiety melt away just 48 hours into Vega’s foster stay has been magical. Vega is an 8-month-old boy discovering the world — his reflection, fetch in the house, and even 'oral hygiene.' He’s a total cuddle bug, enjoys meeting other dogs, is house and crate trained, and super smart. His foster mom can’t stop raving about what a good boy he is. His life has totally changed in his foster home!"

BERNADETTE- "10-year-old senior Bernadette couldn’t catch a break in the shelter, but look at her now — comfy, cozy, and finally getting the home life she’s been waiting for since arriving over the summer. This sweet senior is absolutely thriving in foster care and has fully embraced her role as a professional couch ornament. Don’t miss your chance to adopt this gem!"

PEANUT- "Peanut the big bully mix is a happy foster boy thanks to an amazing family who stepped up while we repair our roof! So far, his foster report is all good news: Peanut is getting along great with the dogs in the home, goes potty outside with no accidents, and is just an all-around good boy."

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Learn more about adopting animals at the AHS-Newark here. Learn more about fostering animals here. See a list of available dogs and cats here.

FOSTERING PETS

Many experts say that providing a dog or cat with a temporary home until a permanent family is found can be a lifesaver – literally.

According to nonprofit advocacy group PAWS, overcrowding is a significant challenge for animal shelters, especially in areas with high pet overpopulation. Fostering helps to alleviate this pressure by freeing up valuable space – and helping to head off potential euthanasia scenarios.

More than 660 dogs and 2,600 cats were euthanized in New Jersey during 2024, the state health department says.

• See Related: NJ Shelter Puts Out ‘Hail Mary’ Plea For 3 Dogs Ahead Of Deadline

Fostering also gives animals a quieter, more comforting environment to live in, reducing stress and improving adoptability.

“Many foster cats and dogs, especially those rescued from tough circumstances, need time to acclimate to a home environment,” the group says. “Fostering provides this transitional space, allowing them to learn socialization, trust and basic skills.”

Foster families often serve as some of the best “publicists” for the pets under their care, especially when they get a good look at their individual personalities and needs, the ASPCA reports.

Fosters can also save the lives of vulnerable animals such as neonatal and “pee-wee” kittens, who often can’t survive without round-the-clock care.

“Simply put, fostering saves lives,” the ASPCA says. “The animals in your care can go on to loving homes and the shelters will have more space and resources to help even more animals in need. It’s a win, win!”

Shelter Animals Count (SAC) says that the demand for creative foster solutions is growing, especially as shelters face another critical trend: increasing length of stay for dogs across all sizes.

According to SAC’s 2024 year-end report, dogs are staying in shelters longer than they did five years ago, with large dogs now taking a median of 20 days to be adopted, up from 11 days in 2019. Medium dogs are up to 18 days (from 10), and even small dogs are staying longer, at 14 days compared to nine.

“This trend reinforces what many shelters are already feeling on the ground: space is limited, outcomes are slower, and animals – particularly larger dogs – need more time and support to find homes,” the SAC adds. “Foster programs are no longer just a bonus: they’re essential infrastructure.”

• See Related: Red The Dog Adopted: Hard-Luck Pooch Finds Home After Nearly 3 Years
• See Related: Titan Finds A Family: Dog Thriving After 1,000 Days In NJ Shelter

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