Adopt a Dog, Rescue a Kitty in New Jersey

Recently, I adopted a dog from the Human Society in Newark. It has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Please, if you are thinking about getting a dog, don’t overlook adoption. Why spend hundreds, maybe even thousands, when there are animals being destroyed everyday. It’s easy to do and you’ll be surprised to find the variety of beautiful animals out there, just looking for a good home. Petfinder.com is the biggest and the best as far as national resources go, but sometimes you need more specific help in finding the right pet. I’ve created a list of some of the best, and easiest to use, pet adoption websites in New Jersey, here it isâÂ?¦

Njsap.org – New Jersey Save A Pet Rescue (Bernardsville, NJ)
New Jersey Save A Pet Rescue, Inc. is a nonprofit (tax exempt) animal rescue organization based in northern-central New Jersey. Their goal is to provide New Jersey’s lost and abandoned cats and dogs with quality housing, veterinary care, and socialization until a permanent home can be found for them. They also provide the public with important education about animal welfare issues such as the importance of spaying or neutering your pet, choosing the right pet for your household, proper training techniques for your pet, etc. In addition to foster and education programs, NJSAP networks with local municipal shelters to provide them with necessary services such as veterinary care and public exposure to facilitate adoptions for impounded animals. Their base is in my home town and their site works through the national pages of petfinder.com. There is in easy application that you can download from their site, and after viewing pets online, they will help you finish the adoption process.

Palpets.org – Pet Adoption League of North Jersey (Hackettstown, NJ)

The Pet Adoption League is a non-profit, completely volunteer animal rescue organization that was established December 1937 and incorporated January 1958. PAL services Northwest NJ area and beyond. They are not a shelter, but a no-kill rescue group. They always have a variety of dogs and cats in our care, most of which were rescued from pounds. They also assist pet owners in finding homes for pets they can no longer keep. PALS holds weekly pet adoptions at local establishments and always find homes for all their animals. Their site is great. They have updated pictures (huge, clear pictures) of all the animals in their care. This is definitely one of the best resources that I’ve come across.

AnimalAdoption.com – The Animal Adoption Center (Lindenwold, NJ)

The Animal Adoption Center formed in 1990 to try to do something about the animal problem in Camden County. When the old SPCA shelter in Lindenwold became available, they pooled our resources and opened the Animal Adoption Center in July, 1991. Their facilities are fairly expansive and there is always a good mix of potential pets to go and see. They’ve taken in and adopted out thousands of animals. They make sure that every animal gets food and medical care, love and attention. If you aren’t interested in adoption but would like to support this cause, making a donation to this establishment would be a great idea. Since they have so many animals on site, it is a very expensive venture. Their aggressive adoption policy makes every effort to find loving families for all their pets and all applications are carefully screened. They have a great (and extensive) selection of dogs and kittens, puppies and cats. For those in Southern Jersey, this is the place to go to adopt a pet.

Muttcats.com – A National Directory of Adoption Resources
If the three sites above aren’t in your immediate area (I tried to cover the north, central and south). Then try Muttcats. They are a great resource that allows you to find a specific adoption center that is right for you, wherever you may be.

Please don’t purchase a dog from a pet store or breeder. There are too many potential companions who need your help (and are far less expensive!). Save an animal, you’ll feel great if you do.