If you missed the free adoption weekend at the Bergen County Animal Shelter and Adoption Center, fee discounts are continuing until Sept. 10.
The center, located at 100 United Lane, Teterboro, New Jersey, waived all adoption fees last weekend as part of its annual month-long “Clear the Shelters” adoption event. This is the 10th year for the campaign, which started Aug. 10. During the no-fee weekend, 42 cats and 17 dogs were adopted, the shelter said.
Part of a nationwide initiative, the pet adoption and fundraising campaign is led by NBCUniversal Local, in partnership with Telemundo stations and local animal shelters and rescues. The goal is to promote pet adoptions, thereby reducing overcrowding, which is particularly bad during the summer months.
The campaign also works to raise money and offers children a chance to cuddle, pet, and play with the animals, regardless of whether they are adopting.
The no-fee weekend kicked off on Saturday, Aug. 24 with Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco, Bergen County Commissioner Tracy Zur, and WNBC news anchor Pat Battle in attendance at the shelter.
Adoption fees regularly run $200 for puppies under 6 months, $150 for dogs under 6 years and $100 for dogs older than 6 years.
The Shelter is open for adoptions from 1-5 p.m. every day except Monday. Those wishing to adopt a pet are carefully screened to ensure the animals will be placed in the best-suited home.
Adopters must meet the following criteria:
- Must be at least 21 years of age
- Must present photo identification
- Must show proof of current address
- Proof of home ownership or for renters, copy of the lease allowing pets
- The entire family must be present
- If you already have a dog(s), a meet and greet is required. Dog meet and greets are not done on the same day as the initial meeting with the shelter dog.
- Current pet owners must provide a veterinary reference
Adoption fees are based on the age of the pet and include the following for cats and dogs:
- Vet exam
- Spay or Neuter
- Age-appropriate vaccines
- Microchip
The application for adopting a dog can be downloaded here. The application for adopting a cat or a small domestic is here.
Call 201-229-4600 for more information or email Interim Director Thomas Longo, tlongo@co.bergen.nj.us or Animal Shelter Manager Robert Bergamini, rbergamini@co.bergen.nj.us.
The 2023 campaign resulted in over 158,000 adoptions across the country and more than $575,000 raised.