The Burlington County Commissioners celebrated the Burlington County Animal Shelter’s first adoptions of 2025.
Regina, a 4 ½-year-old German Shepherd, was adopted on Thursday, Jan. 2, by Joshua Lambert and Emma Pruitt, of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. Regina had been cared for at the shelter since October when she was brought in as a stray from Bass River.
“Regina is a sweetheart with lots of love to share, and we are super excited she is starting off the new year with this wonderful family who also adopted another dog from the shelter earlier this summer,” said Ericka Haines, the animal shelter’s director.
The couple adopted Bon, a 2 ½-year-old German Shepherd/Border Collie mix in August. Bon came to the shelter as a surrender.
Also on Thursday, the shelter completed its first cat adoption of 2025. Kalani, a 2-month-old domestic shorthair who came to the shelter in November as a stray, was adopted by Darry Voss, of Moorestown.
“Our most sincere thanks and best wishes go out to these families for providing a loving home for both these pets,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson. “It marks a great start to 2025, and we hope more families will follow their examples and consider adopting or fostering from our shelter. We have plenty of wonderful dogs and cats who would make great companions.”
The Burlington County Animal Shelter is located at 35 Academy Drive in Westampton. Walk-in visits to the shelter are welcome on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 3:30 PM, and on Thursdays from noon to 6:30 PM. Visits on Wednesdays are by appointment only.
Information and photos of the shelter’s available dogs and cats can also be found online at https://www.co.burlington.nj.us/1446/Available-for-Adoption.
Adoption fees are typically $75 for dogs and $45 for cats. However, the fees are waived for any seniors over 65, military veterans and active-duty or reserve service members, and also for any first responders.
The free adoptions policy for first responders was approved by the Commissioners last year because of the mental health benefits associated with pet ownership.
“1,344 cats and 453 dogs were adopted from the animal shelter last year thanks to the kindness of loving families and the devoted care provided by the shelter’s staff and volunteers,” said Hopson. “We want 2025 to be even more successful, so please, if you’re thinking about adding a new pet to your family, please visit our shelter.”