It’s time. You’ve finally decided to adopt a dog, and you want to do it right. Few things are more rewarding than rescuing a pet from an uncertain fate, and we’re here to help you provide the best post-shelter life you can.
New Jersey is home to dozens of animal shelters and adoption agencies, so you’ll probably see hundreds of dogs available to you. Don’t worry. Our tips on finding, adopting, and caring for a dog in New Jersey will put you on the right path and guide you to your new best friend.
Finding a dog in New Jersey
Did you know that 68% of U.S. households have at least one pet? That’s according to data from The Humane Society of the United States. Adopting a dog not only gives you a new friend and family member, but it brings you into a large community of like-minded Americans: people who love to care for their pets.
But to join this community, you need to find your dog!
Start by looking at the available dogs in New Jersey shelters (we’ve got a handy list of them below). Look at their pictures and read their descriptions to figure out which dog will fit with your family.
If you want to increase your odds, shelters typically see higher intake numbers during the spring and summer months. You may even be able to take advantage of discounted fees during these times, as shelters may run adoption drives to free up space. They may also reduce fees during specialty holidays like National Dog Day and Adopt a Dog Month.
If looking at each shelter’s website is overwhelming, there are a few ways to simplify the process:
- Search for a specific breed. Head to the American Kennel Club website to learn the characteristics of dog breeds. While it’s hard to determine a shelter dog’s genetics without expensive testing, knowing breed traits can at least help you narrow your search.
- Find the rescue closest to your home and look only in that location.
- Search through aggregated websites like Adopt A Pet or Petfinder.
Banned breeds in New Jersey
Under New Jersey law, it is illegal for cities and townships to establish breed-specific ordinances. This means that yes, you should be able to adopt that bully breed you’ve got your eye on! If you rent, however, you should check your lease to make sure your landlord hasn’t banned certain breeds from the property.
The adoption process in New Jersey
Shelters and rescues have their own processes for adoption, but they all include similar steps.
Find a dog that interests you and fill out an adoption application. You can find your dog online or by visiting the shelter and browsing; each has its benefits. Online browsing lets you conduct your search from the comfort of your home, but looking in person allows you to meet with the dog immediately.
Regardless of which method you chose, an adoption counselor will be in touch to tell you if that pet is still available and, if so, schedule an introduction.
- Meeting the dog allows you to observe their behavior and how they interact with you and others in your home. If it’s a match, you’ll start filling out adoption paperwork. The shelter will use the information you provide to contact your veterinarian and landlord (if you rent).
- After the paperwork comes a counseling session to prepare you for dog ownership. You and a member of the shelter staff will go over proper diet, training, medical care, and more for your dog.
- Once that’s complete, you’ll pay the adoption fee and can take your pet home!
The length of this process varies from an hour to a few days, depending on the specific processes of the shelter. Staff may require a home visit to see where your new dog will sleep, eat, and play, and this process extends the timeline by a few days. Adopting from an international rescue could take a week or more, as your dog may need to be flown to New Jersey.
Licensing dogs in New Jersey
The State of New Jersey Department of Health requires all dogs 7 months and older to be registered with your municipality. Registration fees vary from $1.50 to $21 per pet.
The first vet visit
Make sure you have a complete copy of your dog’s medical history before leaving the rescue. These should be complete records of any treatment the dog received while living in the shelter and any details known or inferred about your pet’s history.
Bring this information with you to your first veterinary visit, which should take place within a week or two of adoption.
How much it costs to adopt a dog in New Jersey
Adopting a dog generally costs a few hundred dollars. That price can vary according to age, size, and rarity of the breed.
Below are rescue fees from some of the most frequented rescues in New Jersey:
Animal Alliance
- Cost: $250 for dogs eight years and older, $375 for dogs one to eight years old, $475 for puppies seven to 12 months, and $525 for puppies up to six months.
- What it covers: spay/neuter, age-appropriate vaccinations, flea/tick and parasite treatments, heartworm and other preventative tests, microchipping
Homeward Bound Pet Adoption Center
- Cost: $100 for medium and large dogs seven years and older, $200 for medium and large dogs six months to seven years old, $225 for small and toy-sized dogs of all ages, $250 for puppies up five months, and $300 for specialty breeds
- What it covers: spay/neuter, flea/tick and parasite treatments, age-appropriate vaccinations, microchipping
EASEL Animal Rescue League
- Cost: $250 for medium and large dogs six months and older, $300 for small dogs 6 months and older, $350 for puppies under six months
- What it covers: spay/neuter, age-appropriate vaccinations, de-worming treatments, heartworm test, microchipping
Where to adopt a dog in New Jersey
- Animal Alliance (Lambertville): Dedicated to affordable animal care and combating overpopulation, they founded Planned Pethood, a low-cost spay/neuter clinic.
- Animal Welfare Association of New Jersey (Voorhees): The oldest and largest no-kill shelter and low-cost spay/neuter clinic in South Jersey.
- EASEL Animal Rescue League (Ewing): Mercer County’s only no-kill shelter, EASEL also supports humane education and TNR programs.
- Eleventh Hour Rescue (Morris County): Sponsors the annual Puptoberfest featuring more than 70 adoptable dogs at one event.
- Home for Good Dog Rescue (Berkeley Heights): A foster-based rescue with a grooming center and store.
- Homeward Bound Pet Adoption Center (Blackwood): Formerly known as the Camden County Animal Shelter, its clinic offers walk-in vaccinations Tuesdays through Fridays from 9 to 10:30 a.m.
- Northstar Pet Rescue (Boonton): Features adorable videos of their fostered, adoptable dogs on their YouTube channel.
- Pawsitively Furever Dog Rescue (Hackensack): Dedicated to rescuing dogs from the southern states and across the Tri-state area.
- Puppy Love Pet Rescue (serving Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, and Union Counties): Hosts seminars and discussions to educate the public on animal health, welfare, behavior, and care.
- South Jersey Regional Animal Shelter (Vineland): Operating since 1947, SJRAS provides enrichment and playgroups to help socialize dogs and prepare them for adoption.
- Wilma’s Dog Adoption (Jackson): A one-woman operation started by a retiree with a passion for dogs.
Creating a care budget for your dog
Your adoption counseling session will likely cover the annual cost of caring for a dog. You’ll have a list of recurring expenses, plus some one-off purchases and items that should be replaced over time.
Recurring purchases include:
- Food
- Toys
- Treats
- Dog walking services
- Dental care
- Exams and vaccinations
- Boarding/pet sitting
- Waste bags
- Parasite and flea/tick preventative
- Pet insurance
One-time purchases include:
- A collar or harness and a leash (the shelter may provide one or more)
- Bedding
- Crate
- Grooming products
- Pet-friendly cleaning products
- Puppy pads
- Training sessions
A note about pet insurance
Pet insurance isn’t a requirement, but it can give you peace of mind. Some dogs are prone to more expensive health issues than others, and insurance can save you from a hefty, unexpected bill. Compare quotes to your dog’s medical history, and see if your employer offers pet insurance as part of its benefits package.
Getting ready for your new dog
Prepare your home for your pet by having as many essentials as possible ready to go. This will help your dog adjust to your home more easily. Pet-proof your home and add these items to your shopping list:
- Food, bowls, and treats
- Collar or harness and leash
- A crate that’s neither too small nor too big
- Toys
- Grooming tools
- Enzyme cleaner for accidents
And then, bring home your new pet
Congratulations! You and your new dog are sure to have lots of fun together. And should you find yourself in need of help, our qualified dog walkers and dog sitters in New Jersey are ready to assist.