NEWARK, NJ — The numbers speak for themselves at the Associated Humane Societies’ (AHS) animal shelter in Newark. As of Tuesday, there are about 180 spots available in its kennels at 124 Evergreen Avenue – and about 200 dogs in its care.
The shelter recently put out a call for help, saying that it doesn’t have a single kennel open for incoming dogs. The situation is urgent … and has been for quite some time, staff say.
“Unfortunately, this means that stray and lost dogs will have to stay in temporary, transient setups, and we can no longer assist families needing to surrender their pets,” the shelter reported last week.
To complicate matters, food supplies are running “dangerously low” at the AHS-Newark shelter, which serves the largest city in New Jersey and contracts to provide services for several other nearby municipalities.
This frustrating reality – a shelter operating at “critical capacity” – has unfortunately been the status quo at the AHS-Newark for the better part of two years, a spokesperson told Patch on Tuesday.
“We have been posting an urgent need for fosters, adopters and rescues for some time, but there is little that is helping the matter,” she said. “It seems that when five dogs leave the building, 15 are coming in as strays, neglected or abandoned or as surrenders, to take their place.”
Dog intakes (either strays or surrenders) at AHS-Newark have increased 48 percent since 2022. It’s a pattern that other shelters in North Jersey – and nationally – have also been seeing. See Related: Animal Shelters Are Hitting Their Breaking Point Across North Jersey
According to the AHS-Newark – which receives many larger bully breeds that would be best for homes with older kids – there is an urgent need for families, empty nesters, childless millennials and more to open their homes in an hour of need.
In particular, foster homes could help these overflow dogs “destress” from a kennel environment, teach them new skills and better set them up for a forever home. See Related: Red The Dog Finally Adopted; Hard-Luck Pooch Captured Hearts In NJ
Here are three things the community can do to give the doggos and kitties at the Newark shelter a much-needed boost, staff said:
- Adopt – Give one of our amazing dogs a forever home today. Every adoption opens up a kennel for another dog in need. Apply to adopt here: ahscares.org/adopt
- Foster – Even a short-term foster can make a huge difference. Fostering dogs 50 pounds and up allows us to free up space and care for more dogs while they await their forever homes. Apply to foster here: ahscares.org/become-a-foster
- Donate – Our food supplies are critically low. Donations of dog & cat food, treats, toys, and even financial support can help keep these pups well fed and comfortable while they wait. Donate via Amazon here: https://a.co/ggAkeOz
Need some inspiration to get things started? Look no further than Bella, an 8-year-old pittie mix who just marked her first anniversary in the shelter, having been surrendered in Oct of 2023.
According to the shelter:
“Bella (ID number 53857) is in desperate need of a forever home. She is fully house trained, knows several commands, has superb walking skills and always wants to cuddle. She tends to exude couch potato energy except for when toys come out – she gets very excited to play. She would be approved for a home with older/sturdy kids and is recommended to go to a home without other pets.”
Bella not a fit for your household? Check out the many other dogs and cats available for adoption at the AHS-Newark shelter online here, or learn about a few below:
SEAMUS – “Seamus is the definition of ‘work hard, play hard!’ He’s obsessed with his toys and is super dog friendly. At just 3 years old, this sweet boy has already spent 312 days in the shelter—almost a third of his life! No dog should live in a kennel that long, and unfortunately, Seamus is starting to feel the effects of shelter stress, like weight loss. Seamus is looking for a loving adult adopter who can give him the home he deserves. He’s friendly with both people and dogs and is absolutely begging for his way out of the shelter.”
BROCK – “At 5 years old, Brock is deliciously squishy and full of love! This chunky boy loves his walks, treats, and soaking up all the affection he can get. He’s the perfect companion for any dog-loving family! Brock is neutered, friendly with dogs, and best suited for a home with older kids or teens due to his size. He’s all set to rock ‘n’ roll right on out of the shelter!”
ROCCO – “Rocco is a 2-3 year old brindle sweetheart who loves nothing more than being wrapped up like a four legged burrito! He’s dog friendly and great with sturdy kids, making him a perfect match for a family in need of a loving, snuggly companion. Rocco is neutered and ready to kiss his kennel good bye. He has great manners, knows several commands like sit, down and paw- with a great appetite for treats the new commands he can learn are limitless.”
DUCHESS – “Coming in at 105lbs Duchess the Doberman is the goodest of girls. Found as lost dog, Duchess needs a new start. It’s a good thing she’s such a good girl then- friendly with dogs and older kids due to her size. Duchess is incredibly smart and knows all sorts of commands: sit, paw and down are all in her wheel house. Duchess is up to date on vaccines and will be spayed upon adoption.”
MEADOW – “Meadow is a 2 year old, 35lb sweetheart currently in foster care and ready to find her forever home. This little lovebug is house trained, gets along with other dogs (she’s besties with her foster fur brother), and appears to be a great fit for a family with sturdy or older kids! Meadow is gentle, sweet, and already spayed—just waiting for her perfect match! Adopt her today so she doesn’t have to go back to the shelter!”
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