CNBNews

PRESS RELEASE (JANUARY 12, 2024

The Burlington County Commissioners celebrated the Burlington County Animal Shelter’s first adoption of 2024.

Mecca was adopted Friday, Jan. 5 by Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst resident Ebony Toney and his daughter. The 4 ½-year-old bulldog mix has been cared for at the shelter since being surrendered in August by his former owners.

“Mecca is a goofy boy who lives for making people smile,” said Ericka Haines, the shelter’s director. “He’s really playful and we’re thrilled he is starting off the year in a wonderful new home.”

Burlington County Commissioner Deputy Director Dan O’Connell said happy stories like Mecca’s adoption are heartwarming but there are still more loving pets waiting to find their forever homes. 

“Our most sincere thanks and best wishes go out to the Toney family for opening their hearts and home to Mecca. It’s a great way to start 2024 and we’re hopeful many more residents will follow their example and adopt or foster some of the other wonderful dogs and cats at the shelter still waiting to find a new family,” said O’Connell, the liaison to the Burlington County Department of Health and the animal shelter. “I encourage anyone thinking about adopting a new companion to visit the shelter. Your next best friend could be waiting for you.”

The Burlington County Animal Shelter is located at 35 Academy Drive in Westampton. Walk-in visits to the shelter are available 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 photographs of the shelter’s available dogs and cats can also be found online at https://www.co.burlington.nj.us/1446/Available-for-Adoption

More than 1,300 cats and 550 dogs were adopted from the shelter last year.

Residents who are unable to adopt or foster can still help the shelter and the animals housed there by following the shelter’s social media and spreading the word about the amazing dogs and cats living there.

Residents can also volunteer their time to help with shelter tasks, make financial donations or give the shelter needed supplies. For more information, including a wish list of needed items, visit https://www.co.burlington.nj.us/168/Animal-Shelter .

“The Burlington County Animal Shelter is a special place that has helped thousands of orphaned and stray animals,” said O’Connell. “It’s a credit to the shelter staff and volunteers who love and care for every animal brought to the shelter. There’s plenty of ways for our residents to become involved, so those willing should contact the shelter about the opportunities to assist.”