Burlington County residents looking for a fantastic opportunity to adopt a new four-legged friend are in luck. Freeholder Director Kate Gibbs today announced that the Burlington County Animal Shelter will once again be participating in NBC 10 Philadelphia’s fourth annual “Clear the Shelter” drive from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, August 18, 2018. During the one day event, the County waives all adoption fees for every animal in the shelter waiting to find their forever home.
“As someone who adopted from our shelter, I can honestly say it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I am thrilled to once again host this exciting event and give our residents an opportunity to help one of our cats or dogs find their new forever home as I have,” said Director Gibbs. “This year’s Clear the Shelter drive will be bigger and better than ever before as it is the first year we will hold it in our beautiful new shelter expansion.”
Last fall, the Burlington County Animal Shelter unveiled its highly-anticipated 2,400 square-foot expansion. The new facility features user-friendly electronic displays, three new community cat rooms that hold up to 10 felines and allow them to get out of their cages and interact with one another, upgraded dog runs, and a pet drop-off office. Additionally, prospective adopters are now able to meet animals in separate "greeting rooms", meant to reduce the stress level for animals, giving visitors a more personal interaction.
Thanks to the additional capacity at the shelter, more than 100 cats and dogs of various ages and breeds will be available for adoption on August 18. All of the animals are spayed and neutered, micro-chipped, and have up-to-date vaccines. During last year’s clear the shelter event, 67 cats and 16 dogs were adopted in just five hours.
“I am so proud to be part of a community that does so much for its animals. Our shelter staff and volunteers deserve so much credit for their hard work and dedication in finding forever homes for so many local pets every year,” added Director Gibbs. “I hope to see our residents come out to support this great event and go home with a new family member.”
The Burlington County Animal Shelter has become the go-to place in Burlington County for pet adoptions. 2017 was a record-breaking year with 4,174 animals adopted, rescued or reunited with their owner.
Since 2015, NBC and Telemundo television stations nationwide have partnered with local animal shelters to host an annual Clear the Shelters campaign which has resulted in more than 150,000 pet adoptions.
The Burlington County Animal Shelter is located at 35 Academy Drive in Westampton, behind the Burlington County Library. The shelter is open noon to 4 p.m. every day except Thursday, when it is open noon to 7 p.m. For more information, residents can call the shelter at (609) 265-5073.