Looking for the perfect gift this holiday season? Consider the gift of love and companionship that comes with adopting a dog or cat from the Burlington County Animal Shelter.
The shelter at 35 Academy Drive in Westampton has numerous pets who are looking to celebrate the holidays with a new loving family, and as an added incentive, the shelter’s adoption fee is being waived for adult cats and reduced to $15 for adult dogs.
“The love and affection of a new furry companion is the perfect gift this holiday season and our shelter has plenty of loveable dogs and cats who are waiting to find the right home,” said Burlington County Commissioner Deputy Director Dan O’Connell. “For anyone considering a pet for a gift this holiday, please arrange to visit our shelter and meet some of the animals available for adoption rather than trying to shop from a store or breeder.”
The Burlington County Animal Shelter’s dogs and cats can be viewed online at https://www.co.burlington.nj.us/1446/Available-for-Adoption.
Adoption forms are available with the profiles of each pet. Those interested in making an appointment to meet a specific dog or cat should complete an adoption application first.
All animals adopted from the shelter are spayed or neutered and receive up-to-date vaccinations. Adopting from the shelter is also the easiest way to avoid online pet scams prevalent during the holidays.
In 2021, phony pet sales made up about 35 percent of all online shopping scams reported to the Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker.
“We want our residents to know the safest and best way to find a new best friend is to adopt from our shelter,” said O’Connell. “We also want to thank the Friends of the Burlington County Animal Shelter for sponsoring the holiday adoption promotion and for helping us find appropriate homes for so many of our shelter’s dogs and cats.”
A total of 1,125 cats and 398 dogs have been adopted so far this year and 382 have been placed with rescue groups.
“Our Board is incredibly proud of the job our shelter staff and volunteers have done to take tremendous care of the animals at the shelter and to help train and find them new forever homes,” said O’Connell. “I adopted my dog, Bingo, from our county shelter and we’ve quickly become the best of friends. I would encourage anyone thinking about a new pet this holiday to visit the shelter’s website and make an appointment for an in-person visit. Your next best friend could be waiting for you.”
