Animal Shelter Facing Severe Overcrowding In Madison: How To Help

MADISON, NJ — The St. Hubert's Animal Welfare Center is at full capacity and looking for loving families to provide temporary or long-term homes through its foster program, officials have said.

St. Hubert's, which has been in operation for more than 80 years, currently houses more than 160 cats available for adoption, as well as approximately 55 dogs and 35 small animals in need of homes.

"Summer is always a busy time at our shelter, and this year it’s extremely busy. Our shelter is at capacity and could really use people to step up and adopt or foster homeless animals," Diane Ashton, director of communications said.

The shelter currently houses animals of all ages, sizes, and breeds, ranging from kittens and puppies to senior pets. Adoption counselors at St. Hubert can assist people in finding the ideal pet for their family and lifestyle, according to Ashton.

"No appointment is needed. We encourage people to take a look at our website before they come in, to see which animals are available," Ashton said.

Because there are so many large dogs in the shelter, they are now offering "pay what you wish" adoption fees for dogs 30 pounds and up until July 31. Ashton hopes that by doing so, people will be encouraged to come in and adopt a large dog.

St. Hubert's Madison location, 575 Woodland Ave., is open for adoptions daily from 1:30 to 6 p.m.

Fosters are also desperately needed at the shelter. Fostering is an excellent way to provide an animal with a temporary reprieve from the shelter until they find a permanent home. "It’s rewarding and fun too," Ashton said.

Anyone interested in adopting a shelter animal can view all available animals on St. Hubert's website.