Adopting animals from shelters has never been more critical than it is today. Many pets adopted in 2019-2020 have now returned to shelters. These animals are in dire need of a forever family and home.
Behind the fluffy ears, the paws, the whiskers, and the cute little tummy are much more than just a pet. They have feelings and deserve a family to take care of them. If you consider adopting a pet, you should realize that it is a huge commitment and responsibility. But right now is the best time to adopt if you embrace your role as a pet parent and want to welcome a pet into your family and home.
Adopted animals have a different look; do you know why? Because they have lived through the worst, and they know how lucky it is to be in a warm, loving home with a plate of food. Your future adopted pet will give you its eternal gratitude, and you will be able to feel it every day.
We’ve compiled a list of the best animal shelters in New Jersey.
Top 3 Animal Shelters in New Jeresy
Adoption is an alternative that benefits everyone when it comes to acquiring a pet: the family, animal protection entities, and, of course, the animal itself
Shelters across the country house approximately eight million companion animals each year. Yet, nearly 50% of them are euthanized due to the shelter’s lack of resources.

1) Animal Welfare Association
Animal Welfare Association (AWA), a private, non-profit, 501(c)3 animal welfare organization, operates the oldest and largest low-cost spay/neuter clinic, adoption center and no-kill animal shelter in South Jersey. We do not receive funds from the government or national groups. We rely upon local donations to fund our life-saving programs.
Through a variety of innovative programs including adoptions, veterinary services, pet therapy, trap-neuter-return and humane education, we strive to ensure that animal companionship is accessible to all.
No animal is euthanized due to space, length of stay, or for treatable/manageable conditions.
Animal Welfare Association Information and Details:
- Mailing Address: 509 Centennial Blvd, Voorhees Township, NJ 08043, United States
- Website: http://www.awanj.org/
- Phone: +18564242288

2) Mt Pleasant Animal Shelter
For almost 50 years, Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter has been providing exceptional care for homeless animals, working tirelessly to find a permanent, loving home for every cat and dog we serve.
Our priority is to save abandoned animals within our community; however, our efforts don’t end there. We also partner with shelters around the country to save at risk animals from being euthanized. Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter never euthanizes any animal for time or space reasons. Adoptable animals reside with us until they find their forever home. We become their loving family until they become a part of yours.
Mt. Pleasant animal shelter is a registered 501(c)(3) organization that is solely funded by contributions, grants and bequests.
Mt Pleasant Animal Shelter Information and Details:
- Address: 194 NJ-10, East Hanover, NJ 07936, United States
- Website: https://njshelter.org/
- Phone: +19733860590

3) Homeward Bound Pet Adoption Center
Homeward Bound is the leading animal welfare agency in the region with the highest intake and the highest save rate, achieving a 90% save rate in 2018. Our animal welfare and community service programs are supported by contributions, grants and bequests for program continuation and operational expansion.
Homeward Bound cares for any animal regardless of the reason which may include a pet surrendered by their owners due to medical issues or financial limitations, a stray animal that has been abandoned as well as any animal that has suffered extreme neglect from starvation and medical treatment. Every day we provide quality medical care and housing for our animals as we strive to find them new loving homes or reunite lost pets with their owners.
As the animal shelter exclusively responsible for service to the City of Camden, as well as one of the top treatment providers in the County, we intake approximately 5,000 animals per year from 18 municipalities in Camden County. City of Camden intake amounts to nearly 50% of the County’s total animal population. With the exception of Homeward Bound, there are very few pet services available to the residents of the City of Camden.
Homeward Bound Pet Adoption Center Information and Details:
- Address: 125 County House Rd, Blackwood, NJ 08012, United States
- Website: https://homewardboundnj.org/
- Phone: +18564011300

Animal Rescue & Shelter Online
We hope that one of the shelters listed above can help you find your future pet, but if for some reason that doesn’t happen you can always opt for different alternatives.
For this reason, we’ve added these alternative platforms. These platforms will help you connect with people who have pets for sale or adoption near you. It can be a great alternative in looking for your future pet within the comfort of your home.
Pet Finder
Petfinder is an online, searchable database of animals who need homes. It is also a directory of nearly 11,000 animal shelters and adoption organizations across the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Organizations maintain their own home pages and available-pet databases.
Adopt A Pet
If you want to give an abandoned puppy a second chance, a shelter is definitely the place to find a pet.
Adopt a pet is North America’s largest non-profit pet adoption website. They help over 21,000 animal shelters, humane societies, SPCAs, pet rescue groups, and pet adoption agencies advertise their homeless pets to millions of adopters a month, for free.

How much does it cost to adopt an animal from the shelter ?
Generally, An administrative fee ranges between $6 and $25 — sales tax depending on the state apply to all adoptions. This fee covers some of the costs associated with processing adoptions and provides revenue that supports the animal Shelter.
Standard adoption fees
- Dogs and puppies:
$115‒$660 - Cats and kittens:
$35‒$280 - Birds, rabbits, and other small mammals:
$15‒$180
The adoption fee includes:
- Spay/neuter surgery for dogs, cats and rabbits.
- Recommended vaccinations.
- Microchip and registration.
- Initial worming.

Final Thoughts
Remember, it can take a long time for a pet to adjust to a new home. You and your family will need time to adjust. You may notice that your new pet has behavioral problems, fears, phobias, or lacks training. If the adaptation period is long and complex, it’s a good idea to seek the assistance from a vet or a behaviorist.
Share this article with friends and family who are considering getting a dog. Maybe you could inspire her to be a hero and save a pet instead! Adoption is crucial to stop animal abuse and neglect. If you’re thinking of adding a furry member to your family, adopt, don’t buy.