FORKED RIVER – With construction plans moving forward, a local animal shelter is working against the clock to place its remaining animals into permanent homes before closing for renovations later this month.
The Associated Humane Societies’ Forked River Animal Shelter said it expects to suspend operations in roughly 30 days as it prepares for a major rebuild of its facility. Shelter officials said community support has already led to many successful adoptions, but several animals are still waiting.
The shelter reported that three dogs, eight cats and one rabbit remain available for adoption.
The Forked River shelter previously announced plans to demolish the existing structure and construct a new, modern building. The organization has said the redesigned shelter will improve animal care, accessibility and the overall experience for visitors.
Officials hope to place all remaining animals by January 31.
If adoptions are not completed by then, the animals will be relocated to other Associated Humane Societies shelters in Tinton Falls, Newark or Vineland. Those facilities, however, are currently near or at capacity.
Because construction could take a year or longer, shelter staff said permanent adoptions are preferred over temporary fostering arrangements.
Adoption applications are available online at ahscares.org/adopt.
