Saving a life feels good. But honestly, the process of Burlington County animal shelter adoption is about a lot more than just picking out a cute face and heading home. It is a commitment that starts in a cinderblock building in Westampton and ends—hopefully—fifteen years later on your living room rug. If you have ever driven past Academy Drive and wondered what it is really like inside, you aren't alone. It’s loud. It is emotional. And it is one of the most direct ways you can help the local community in New Jersey.
People get nervous about shelters. They worry the dogs are "broken" or the cats are unfriendly. That is usually just noise. Most of these animals are there because of "people problems"—divorces, moves, or owners passing away—not because of "animal problems."
The Reality of Burlington County Animal Shelter Adoption Right Now
The shelter, located at 35 Academy Drive, is the only open-admission shelter in the county. This means they cannot say no. When a stray is found in Mount Holly or a family in Evesham can no longer keep their pet, this is where they go. Because of that, the population fluctuates wildly. Some weeks the kennels are at a manageable level; other weeks, the staff is scrambling to find space.
If you are looking for a specific breed, you might be surprised. While you will see plenty of Pit Bull mixes and domestic shorthair cats, the shelter frequently sees Huskies, German Shepherds, and even the occasional "designer" poodle mix. The trick is timing. You have to be ready to move because the "highly adoptable" puppies and small breeds often have applications submitted within hours of appearing on the website.
How the Process Actually Works
It isn't like buying a toaster. You don't just walk in, point, and pay. The staff and volunteers at Burlington County Animal Shelter (BCAS) are protective. They should be. They have seen these animals at their lowest points, and they don't want to see them come back in a week because "he barks too much."
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First, you’ll likely browse online or walk through the kennels. It’s loud in there. Don't judge a dog by how it acts in the kennel. A dog lunging at the gate or barking its head off might be the calmest soul on a couch; they are just stressed by the environment. Once you find a match, you fill out an application. They will check your vet references. This is where people get tripped up. If your current pets aren't up to date on vaccines, your Burlington County animal shelter adoption journey might hit a snag. They want to see responsible pet ownership.
If you rent, they will call your landlord. It sounds invasive, but it saves everyone the heartbreak of a forced return when a landlord says "no pets allowed" two days later.
The Cost Factor and What You Get
Let’s talk money. Adopting is a massive bargain compared to buying from a breeder, but it isn't "free." The fees usually cover the basics that would cost you hundreds at a private vet:
- Spaying or neutering (New Jersey law is pretty strict about this for shelter pets).
- Initial vaccinations like rabies and distemper.
- Microchipping.
- Heartworm testing for dogs or FeLV/FIV testing for cats.
Sometimes the county runs specials. You might see "Clear the Shelters" events where fees are waived or reduced to 20 dollars. While that is great for your wallet, remember that the animal still needs food, flea prevention, and annual checkups. Those costs add up fast. Honestly, if the adoption fee is the part that worries you, the long-term costs of a senior dog's dental surgery might be a shock.
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Why the "Friends of BCAS" Matter
You cannot talk about this shelter without mentioning the volunteers. The "Friends of the Burlington County Animal Shelter" is a non-profit group that basically keeps the "extra" stuff running. They fund specialized surgeries that the county budget doesn't cover. They run the foster programs.
Fostering is the "secret menu" of adoption. If you are unsure about a 15-year commitment, fostering a dog or cat for a few weeks gets them out of the stressful shelter environment. It also gives the shelter vital info on how the pet behaves in a real home. Does the cat like kids? Does the dog chase the vacuum? A foster parent knows. Often, these fosters become "foster fails"—a cute term for when the foster family decides to just keep the pet forever.
Addressing the Pit Bull Discussion
We have to be real here. Like almost every municipal shelter in America, Burlington County has a lot of "blocky-headed" dogs. Some people are hesitant. But the volunteers spend hours doing "playgroups" to assess these dogs' temperaments. They aren't just guessing. They see which dogs are "helper dogs" and which ones prefer to be the only pet. If you have an open mind, you might find that the "scary" looking dog in kennel 4 is actually a 60-pound lapdog who just wants to watch Netflix with you.
Preparation is Half the Battle
Before you drive down to Westampton, do your homework.
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- Check the website first. The inventory changes daily.
- Bring the whole family. Most adoptions require all household members to meet the animal.
- If you have a dog, bring them too. A "dog-to-dog" intro is usually mandatory to make sure they don't hate each other.
- Bring a collar and leash. You'd be surprised how many people forget they need a way to get the dog to the car.
The shelter environment is tough. It’s loud, it smells like industrial cleaner, and the animals are stressed. But when you walk through those doors for a Burlington County animal shelter adoption, you are looking at hundreds of "second chances" waiting to happen.
Common Misconceptions About Shelter Pets
- They are all sick: No. They get vet checks. But "kennel cough" is like a cold at a daycare; it happens. It's usually easily treated with a round of antibiotics.
- You don't know their history: Sometimes true, sometimes not. Surrender forms often give a goldmine of info.
- They aren't purebreds: You’d be surprised. Beagles, Boxers, and Siamese cats show up more often than you'd think in Burlington County.
Taking the Next Steps
If you are ready to move forward, don't just wait for the "perfect" time. Shelters are always in need. Even if you aren't ready to adopt today, the shelter always needs old towels, blankets, and high-quality canned food.
Actionable Steps for Your Adoption Journey:
- Visit the Official Portal: Go to the Burlington County website to view the current "Available Pets" list. This is updated more frequently than third-party sites.
- Get Your Paperwork Ready: Have your vet’s phone number and your landlord’s contact info (if applicable) written down before you go.
- Schedule a "Meet and Greet": Call ahead or check their current hours, as some viewing times are by appointment to ensure staff can help you one-on-one.
- Consider a Senior: Puppies go fast, but the 8-year-old cat who just wants to nap is often the best companion for a busy professional.
- Look Into Fostering: If you want to help but can't commit to a decade, ask about becoming a temporary foster parent to help clear space in the kennels.
Adoption isn't just a transaction; it's a community effort. Every animal that leaves Academy Drive creates a spot for the next one found shivering in a Burlington County park. It’s a cycle of rescue that only works if people show up.