The Burlington County Animal Shelter is joining in the Winter Olympics spirit by encouraging local residents to adopt pets. Throughout February, the shelter is reducing adoption fees for most animals to $25, with fees waived entirely for those who have been at the shelter for six months or longer.
“Not everyone can be an Olympic medalist, but everyone has the opportunity to be a winner by bringing home one of the wonderful dogs or cats from the animal shelter,” said Burlington County Commissioner Randy Brolo, who serves as liaison to the shelter. “Now is a great time to visit and meet some of the loveable pets that are available. They want forever homes, not medals, and the prize for those who adopt is their unconditional love and loyalty.”
Among the animals available for adoption are Cupid, an American Staffordshire Terrier mix described as affectionate; Mavis, an Alaskan husky mix previously living outdoors with other dogs; and Roger, a three-year-old Siberian Husky mix who has been at the shelter for about seven months.
“We’re rooting for Team USA to bring home more gold, silver and bronze, but we are also rooting for our residents to win gold for adopting Cupid, Mavis, Roger and many of the other deserving animals at the shelter,” said Commissioner Brolo. “Every animal we get adopted is a victory for the shelter, but especially for the individuals and families who open their homes and hearts to these deserving pets.”
The Burlington County Animal Shelter is located at 35 Academy Drive in Westampton. Information about available dogs and cats can be found online at https://www.co.burlington.nj.us/1446/Available-for-Adoption. In 2025, 1,049 cats and 325 dogs were adopted from this facility.
For those unable to adopt or foster a pet directly, there are additional ways to support animals housed at the shelter. Residents can follow its social media accounts or help spread awareness about adoptable pets. Volunteering opportunities include socializing cats, fostering animals temporarily, making treats or toys for pets, or assisting with enrichment activities such as gardening. A list of needed donation items is posted at https://www.co.burlington.nj.us/1290/Donation-Wish-List.
“Volunteering is a great way to assist the shelter and all the animals who reside there, and there are plenty of ways to help, ranging from socializing cats, fostering, making treats or pet toys or even helping with the shelter’s enrichment garden,” said Commissioner Brolo. “Every little bit of assistance makes a difference and can help us find loving homes for the pets at the shelter. Remember, for these animals, the victory is to bring home their forever home.”
Burlington County covers 827 square miles as New Jersey’s largest county by area according to its official website. The county operates under a Board of County Commissioners made up of five members serving at-large seats; Eve Cullinan currently serves as county administrator (source). The county includes 40 political subdivisions—three cities, six boroughs and 31 townships (source). Among its public amenities are Historic Smithville Park—a 312-acre site featuring forests and wetlands—and a library system focused on learning opportunities (source). The county also recognizes local women’s contributions through its Outstanding Women of Burlington County awards program (source).
