Save a Life at a New Jersey Animal Shelter

As the weather gets cooler, it's important to take notice of animals wandering neighborhoods or even main roads. These could be stray animals or pets that have escaped from their owner's yard. They are often picked up by animal control and then find a temporary home in animal shelters across New Jersey.

We've uncovered some animal shelters from all over the Garden State for those looking to adopt or even volunteer! For more shelters, check out the New Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' (NJSPCA) comprehensive list.

Those of you in northern New Jersey can check out Companion Animal Placement in Hoboken. Run 100% by volunteers, this shelter takes in abandoned and helpless animals and gets them back to good health and into welcoming homes.

Jersey City's Hudson County Animal League provides similar services, along with attending local fairs and visiting schools to present about caring for animals. They welcome donations, volunteers, and — of course — adoptions!

Closer to central Jersey? Princeton's SAVE, A Friend to Homeless Animals takes in dogs and cats, providing them with medical care and homes until they're able to be adopted. Volunteers can walk dogs, socialize animals, and clean cages, among many other things!

East Brunswick's Animal Rescue Force welcomes volunteers for help at adoption centers and with walking dogs, cleaning, and helping at fundraising events while the animals await their forever homes.

If you're down the shore, stop by Ocean City's Humane Society of Ocean City, which welcomes animal-friendly adopters and volunteers.

The Jersey Shore Animal Center is always looking for volunteers, donations, and adopters, too! This shelter also visits local schools to teach children about the respect that animals deserve.

Nervous about making an adoption commitment? Become a "best friend!" Act as a sponsor for a timid feral cat, donating to their medical needs and visiting them whenever you can. You can also apply to be a "foster parent," in which a dog or cat will live in your home until a permanent situation can be secured.

Animals at these shelters are always in need of extra care and love. Stop by one of these shelters, or at a local shelter in your area, to make a difference in an animal's life!