Top Dog Rescues in New Jersey

In this article, we’ve featured 8 top dog rescues in New Jersey. Continue reading to learn who they are.

1. Montclair Animal Shelter (Montclair)

The Montclair Animal Shelter is an animal rescue facility run by the local government in Montclair, New Jersey. They offer animal services, care, and control for the Montclair, Nutley, and Verona townships. They specialize in the intake of stray animals and pets who need to be re-homed. These animals are lovingly cared for and nursed back to health if necessary, before being listed for adoption.

The team at Montclair Animal Shelter works hard to rehabilitate the pets in their services through training and behavior modification. Many dogs have experienced trauma, which can affect their behavior and take some time to overcome, but it can be done if they’re in a loving, caring environment with a patient owner. If you’re interested in adopting from the Montclair Animal Shelter, you can view their available dogs here. Alternatively, click here to donate.

2. Liberty Humane Society (Jersey City)

Liberty Humane Society is a dog rescue and animal shelter based in Jersey City, NJ. They specialize in caring for abandoned or homeless dogs and preparing these pooches for a new life with a loving family. They have a low-cost clinic to make sterilization procedures more affordable and surrender prevention services to reduce the number of dogs that are abandoned each year.

You can view dogs available for adoption here, or you can visit the shelter in person to see recent additions that may not be online yet. Adoption forms can be filled out online or in person, and if your application is chosen, you will meet with an adoption counselor who can evaluate and potentially approve your application. If you’re interested in donating to the Liberty Humane Society, click here.

3. Humane Society of Bergen County (Clifton)

Based in the greater Clifton area, the Humane Society of Bergen County has been offering dog rescue and adoption services since 1972. This is a volunteer-led, donation-reliant organization that receives no government funding and relies on community support to continue to deliver services to animals in need.

As well as providing adoption services to stray and unwanted animals, the Humane Society of Bergen County offers affordable spay/neuter services and can direct pet owners to budget-friendly veterinary care. You can contact the shelter with any inquiries you may have or visit in person to see the dogs that are available for adoption.

4. Wilma’s Orphans (Jackson)

Wilma’s Orphans is a dog adoption facility based in Jackson, New Jersey. This small, non-profit organization is run by a single woman with a giant heart, Wilma herself, who works tirelessly to re-home dogs who have been abandoned or surrendered for adoption.

Every dog that passes through Wilma’s door is given shots against rabies and distemper. They are also wormed and undergo bloodwork to ensure they are healthy. Medical conditions are addressed before adoption, and all dogs are spayed/neutered. View dogs available for adoption here, or contact Wilma’s Orphans if you would like to donate.

5. Shake a Paw Rescue (Newark)

Shake a Paw Rescue is a licensed animal shelter that accepts dogs being surrendered from the public or strays found on the street. They are a no-kill shelter, a registered New Jersey 501c3 non-profit organization, and since being founded three years ago, they have helped re-home over 600 dogs.

You can view available dogs, and note that there will soon be a second location featuring puppies – when they are ready for adoption, you can find them. If you would like to contribute to Shake a Paw Rescue, you can donate by scrolling to the bottom of this page.

6. PAWS Montclair (Montclair)

PAWS is an acronym for Pound Animal Welfare Society, and PAWS Montclair has been operating for over four decades. They rescue and rehabilitate unwanted, abandoned, or at-risk dogs and cats throughout Montclair and the surrounding areas and place them in loving foster homes until they are ready for adoption.

PAWS Montclair offers quality veterinary care (including affordable spay/neuter services), and resources for families unable to keep their pets. Click here to view their adoptable dogs or click here to donate to PAWS Montclair to contribute to animal care, vaccinations, surgeries, and more.

7. Clifton Friends of the Shelter (Clifton)

Clifton Friends of the Shelter is located in Clifton, NJ, and is an animal shelter for at-risk animals throughout the area. They bring in cats and dogs, provide a veterinary assessment and address any medical issues, then house them until these animals are ready for adoption.

Click here to view the dogs available for adoption through Clifton Friends of the Shelter. Alternatively, you can make an appointment to view animals in person by visiting Clifton Friends of the Shelter. While you’re there – consider making a donation to their worthy cause.

8. START (Paterson)

START is an animal rescue facility that has been operating in Paterson, NJ, and the surrounding areas since 1991. The team of dedicated animal lovers at START is committed to reducing overcrowding and overpopulation in shelters by providing affordable spay and neuter services. They partner with many local and statewide programs to offer these services for all pets prior to adoption.

If you’re interested in adopting a dog from START, you will first need to complete an application. You can then view their list of available dogs here, or help START pay vet bills by making a donation here.

“Emily is an avid writer and dog lover who usually prefers the company of pets over people. Based in Los Angeles, when not stuck in traffic she spends her days reading in the sunshine, relaxing at the beach, or planning her next adventure.”