Summer is here and Burlington County officials say it’s the “purr-fect” time to look for a new best friend from the county animal shelter.
Throughout the month of July, the shelter will have reduced adoption fees of $25 for an adult dog and $15 for adult cats to help encourage residents and families to bring home a shelter pet, according to a Burlington County press release.
The “Clear the Shelter” promotion is being held in partnership with the Friends of the Burlington County Animal Shelter, which is assisting with financial support to reduce the fees. The promotion also coincides with the Best Friends Network National Adoption Weekend on July 22-24, when participating shelters across the nation will reduce their rates.
More than 4,500 dogs and cats were adopted nationwide during the network’s last adoption weekend promotion in May, according to the press release.
“Summer is a busy season with numerous dogs and cats finding their way into our animal shelter. We want them all settled with loving families,” said Commissioner Felicia Hopson, liaison to the County Animal Shelter. “With so many wonderful animals that would make perfect companions, reducing the rates for the entire month should help these fur friends discover forever homes that much faster, so we want to thank the Friends of the Burlington County Animal Shelter for their support.”
So far, the shelter has adopted out more than 700 dogs and cats. Another 244 lost pets have been reunited with their families, according to the press release.
Hopson said they have had “some great success stories this year, including the adoption of Dash, our shelter’s longest resident.”
The Burlington County Animal Shelter is located at 35 Academy Drive in Westampton and is open for visits and tours on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. and Thursdays from noon to 7 p.m. It is closed for walk-in visits on Wednesdays. Visitors are encouraged to call 609-265-5073 to schedule an appointment.
“I’ve seen how dedicated the animal shelter staff and volunteers are to ensuring the shelter pets receive the best possible care, but what they want most is for every animal to leave with a new loving family,” said Commissioner Allison Eckel, who toured the shelter in May during the Lenape High School JROTC (Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corp) “Help Cadets Help Pets” event.
“For anyone thinking about adding a new pet, please visit the shelter to meet some of the wonderful dogs and cats that are available.”
Available dogs and cats can also be viewed online at https://www.co.burlington.nj.us/1446/Available-for-Adoption.
