It goes without saying that volunteering is a selfless way to connect with the community and contribute time to helping lives and organizations in need. Animal shelters are always in need of volunteers who can dedicate time and effort towards helping animals and facilities. In New Jersey, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved. Read on for a list of some local animal shelters in northern New Jersey where you can volunteer and lend a paw.

Animal Welfare Association

The Animal Welfare Association (AWA) of New Jersey, located in Vorhees, offers various opportunities for volunteers of different ages. Volunteers for the association can get involved through community outreach, including fairs and third-party fundraising; on-site opportunities, including socializing with animals; and assisting with administrative duties, and large events, including AWA’s Paws and Feet, Putts for Pets, and Drag Bingo. Volunteers can learn more and apply by visiting the AWA’s website and completing an application.

Contact information:

Website: https://www.awanj.org/

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 856-424-2288

Facebook: /animalwelfareassociation

Instagram: @awa_nj

Twitter: @awanj

Read More: Animal Rescues in Northern New Jersey

Associated Humane Societies (AHS) Newark Shelter

The Newark branch of Associated Humane Societies is located at 124 Evergreen Avenue and was built in 1906 as New Jersey’s first animal shelter, per the website. There is also a Tinton Falls location and a Forked River location (which is also an animal refuge called Popcorn Park). When it comes to volunteering here, AHS Newark says that “Volunteers are the heart of AHS and without their time, talents, and resources we would not be able to save the lives of over 3,000 animals each year.” Volunteering opportunities include dog walking, cat socializing, fostering, and helping out with events, among other options. There are also junior volunteering opportunities for those up to the 17-years-old — junior volunteers will not be able to work directly with the animals, but can participate in other ways. Visit AHS’ volunteer portal here.

Contact information for the Newark shelter:

Website: https://ahscares.org/

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 973-824-7080

Facebook: /ahsnewark

Instagram: @ahsnewark

The Bergen County Animal Shelter + Adoption Center

The Bergen County Animal Shelter and Adoption Center (BCAS), located in Teterboro, New Jersey, has served Bergen and Hudson counties since 1979. The shelter is accepting volunteers for their Dog and Cat Volunteer Program during which volunteers can help socialize with, train, and assist the shelter from noon to 4:45PM every day of the week. Volunteers are not required to have prior experience and will be paired with a Buddy to receive training.

Contact information:

Website: https://www.co.bergen.nj.us/animal-shelter-adoption-center/volunteer-opportunities

Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

Phone: 201-229-4600

Facebook: /BCAnimalShelter

Instagram: @bergencountyanimal

Jersey City Animal Shelter 

Jersey City Animal Shelter took over Liberty Humane Society in January of 2024. The City of Jersey City now oversees animal care, control services, and shelter management. Animal control services now operate seven days a week, from 7AM to 7PM Monday through Saturday and 8AM to 4PM on Sundays. In addition to the expanded services, Jersey City has launched a volunteer program to support quality animal care and fostering. The volunteer program provides an opportunity for animal lovers to give back to their community by helping with fun tasks like walking the dogs, socializing the cats, and assisting at adoption events.

Contact information:

Website: jcnj.org/animals

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 201-547-4888

Montclair Township Animal Shelter 

The Montclair Township Animal Shelter is municipally run and governed by the Township of Montclair. The shelter provides control and care for abandoned, abused, neglected and unwanted animals in Montclair, Verona, and Nutley. The shelter also takes in animals from residents of those towns who are unable to properly care for their pets. MTAS is currently accepting volunteer applications for dog walking and cat care. Dog walkers must be 18 years of age and help by walking, socializing, and supervising dogs in the play area as appropriate. Cat caregivers must be 16 years of age work each morning before the shelter opens to the public, assisting in cage sterilization, dish cleaning, and other important tasks. You can apply for the dog walking position here and the cat care position here. 

Contact information: 

Website: https://www.montclairnjusa.org/Government/Departments/Animal-Shelter

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 973-744-8600

Facebook: /MontclairAnimalShelter

Instagram: @friendsofmtas

Next Chance Rescue

Next Chance Rescue kicked off as a passion project and grew into a successful rescue organization that invites volunteers to join for multiple opportunities, whether for just an hour a day or a day per month. Volunteers at Next Chance Rescue can assist with day-to-day efforts, special events, or other creative fields to show support. The organization also offers fostering opportunities and welcomes corporate sponsorship. To become a volunteer, simply visit the website below to fill out an application, and give the organization’s online store a visit as well.

Contact information:

Website: https://www.nextchancerescue.org/

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (201) 783-4662 | (917) 833-7322

Facebook: /nextchancerescue

Instagram: @nextchancerescuenj

Secaucus Animal Shelter

The Secaucus Animal Shelter located in Secaucus, New Jersey is a shelter accepting both cats and dogs. The shelter’s volunteer opportunities range from animal socialization through the Animal Care Program, to temporary housing through the Foster Program, and various openings at community fairs, events, and fundraisers throughout the year. The shelter is open daily, Monday through Friday, and those who would like to volunteer can reach out by using the contact information listed below.

Contact information:

Website: https://sasnj.org/

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 201-348-3213

Facebook: /TheSecaucusAnimalShelter

Instagram: @secaucus_animal_shelter

See More: A List of Dog-Friendly Places in Hoboken

Wise Animal Rescue

Wise Animal Rescue is based in Northern New Jersey but has fosters and volunteers throughout the Tri-State area that support its mission and cause. The organization believes that without these amazing people, the rescue could not operate as it is entirely run by volunteers and fosters. W.A.R. is dedicated to rescuing dogs of all ages and breeds from places where they are no longer wanted or are not being properly cared for. By partnering with veterinary practices that support its work, they are able to save dogs’ lives and restore them back to health. Central to the mission is to ensure that all dogs are spayed/neutered, up-to-date on shots, and microchipped. Prior to adoption, all of the dogs are placed into responsible, loving foster homes to be socialized and trained rather than put in a shelter environment. To volunteer, fill out an application on the website.

Contact information:

Website: http://wiseanimalrescue.org

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 973-850-9473

Facebook: /wiseanimalrescue

Instagram: @wiseanimalrescue