Burlington Review

The Burlington County Animal Shelter will transform into a tropical “Pawradise” next weekend for a special end-of-summer open house aimed at finding forever homes for some of the shelter’s dogs and cats.

This year’s Clear the Shelter Open House is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 7, from noon to 4 PM at the Burlington County Animal Shelter, located at 35 Academy Drive, Westampton. During the event, visitors can meet and interact with the animals and learn more about them from the shelter’s staff and volunteers.

Kona Ice will be available for visitors, along with “pup-aritas” for the dogs. The event will also feature kids' activities, information tables, music, and more. All animal adoption fees will be waived during this time.

“Burlington County families have opened their hearts and provided homes for hundreds of dogs and cats in need, but for every animal adopted out, there’s more coming in,” said Burlington County Commissioner Deputy Director Dan O’Connell. “We want to help all adoptable animals to find their forever homes and events like the Clear the Shelter Open House have proven to be a great way to connect families to a loving dog or cat. This is a great event and we want to thank our shelter staff and Friends of the Burlington County Animal Shelter for organizing it.”

The open house is organized by the County in partnership with Friends of the Burlington County Animal Shelter to raise awareness about the shelter’s mission and connect adoptable pets with new families.

Among the animals that visitors can meet at the open house is Rebel, a pit bull terrier mix surrendered last year after his previous owner experienced life changes at home. According to shelter staff and volunteers, he walks well on a leash, knows basic commands, and loves to cuddle.

The shelter’s cats include Rayan, a 5-year-old domestic shorthair surrendered after his owner became ill. He has behaved well with other felines in the shelter's cat room but is still waiting for his own family.

Residents can learn more about Rebel, Rayan, and other available pets online at https://www.co.burlington.nj.us/1446/Available-for-Adoption.

Fosters are also needed; fostering offers an option for individuals or families unsure if they are ready to adopt. More information about fostering programs and volunteer opportunities will be available at the open house.

Animal lovers can volunteer their time for shelter tasks or make financial donations or gift needed supplies. For more information including a wish list of items visit https://www.co.burlington.nj.us/1290/Donation-Wish-List.

“Thanks to the shelter staff and volunteers, more than 1,125 dogs and cats have been adopted from the shelter so far this year,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson. “Each adoption is a victory but we want to do everything we can to help them all find forever homes.”