As temperatures continue to drop and the weather becomes more and more appropriate for cuddling up on the couch with a blanket, the Voorhees Animal Orphanage hopes Camden County residents stop in to find a companion.
In honor of Adopt a Shelter Dog Month and National Pit Bull Awareness Month this October, the Voorhees Animal Orphanage is reducing the adoption fee to $50 for any adult dog breed commonly referred to as a “bully breed.”
“I encourage anyone who is interested in adding a new furry family member to visit the VAO before they look anywhere else,” Voorhees Animal Orphanage Marketing Director Jennifer Bailey said. “We have many amazing dogs who are in desperate need of a home. All they are asking for is a chance – they deserve to have one.”
Serving 22 municipalities in South Jersey, including 16 in Camden County such as Voorhees Township and Berlin Borough, the VAO takes in lost or stray dogs as well as surrenders from the municipalities it serves.
At the time of this article, the VAO is at capacity, according to Bailey. However that doesn’t stop the shelter from accepting new animals into its doors. Bailey says that pit bulls and other “bully breeds” often have the longest stay in shelters such as the VAO, despite having fewer bite incidents when compared to smaller dogs, such as Chihuahuas.
“Bully breeds are sometimes feared because of their ‘bad’ reputation and the scary stories about dog attacks you hear on the news,” Bailey said. “What is often overlooked is that these dogs may have become aggressive because they were neglected, abused or trained to be. It’s not the breed, it’s the human at the other end of the leash that is the cause of any behavioral issues more often than not. As with any dog, with the proper care, bully breeds are normally gentle, loving dogs. We have many here at VAO that would make an excellent companion.”
Therefore, the VAO is hosting its current adoption fee reduction throughout the end of the month. While some larger dogs can end up staying at the VAO for more than a calendar year, Bailey hopes the reduction encourages those thinking about adopting a larger dog to visit the shelter and take a look at those in need of a home this winter.
Still ongoing is the construction of the VAO’s new 8,900-square foot facility, with phase II currently underway. Donations to the shelter’s $1.6 million capital campaign, “Building for Pawsitive Future,” are still encouraged to help make the project possible. The VAO anticipates a new building opening by the end of 2019.
To view adoptable dogs or to learn more about the adoption process, visit http://www.vaonj.org/adoptabledogs or email info@vaonj.org.
