The Gloucester County Animal Shelter has had a successful year with its fundraising events and the many adoptions it has facilitated, including that of its longest resident.
Angel, a 5-year-old Dogo Argentino, was at the shelter for 189 days.
“When pets, like our longest resident Angel, finally find their forever home, we are reminded of how important it is to connect families with the right animal for them,” said Commissioner Director Robert M. Damminger.
Angel first came to the shelter on May 27 and headed to its forever home on Dec. 2.
The year also saw successful community events that helped raise funds and spread awareness of animals available for adoption, according to Deputy Director Frank J. DiMarco.
“We’ve seen how effective it is to partner with our community for events,” he explained. “In addition to county events like the senior picnic, spring festival and the family health summit, we began bringing the GCAS adoption trailer to events across the county. We partnered with local churches, municipalities and golf courses to bring the GCAS to residents directly.”
With a year that was one for the books coming to a close, affiliates of the shelter are hopeful for a new year with COVID restrictions eased and new opportunities for the adoption trailer.
“In 2022, we will continue our efforts full force,” Damminger said. “We are looking forward to adopting more animals and finding new ways to promote the shelter’s adoptions, events and services.
“We will be utilizing our adoption trailer to reach more communities and allow our residents to adopt as hassle free as possible.”
Adoption fees are $35 for dogs and cats 6 years old and younger; the fee for older animals is waived.
“We are looking at applications and ensuring that the animal will be safe and taken care of with their new family, but we’re putting a big emphasis on how the family interacts with the animal,” Commissioner Dan Christy said.
“This gets more animals adopted and also lessens the number of animals returned to the shelter.”
The shelter regularly accepts volunteer applications atgloucestercountynj.gov/233/Volunteers-Fostering
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