The Winter Olympics is generating excitement across the globe, including at the Burlington County Animal Shelter, where our furry friends are donning red, white and blue and rooting for members of Team USA to bring home gold medals.

Animal lovers can become winners too by visiting the shelter and bringing home one of the available pets. In honor of the Winter Olympics, the Burlington County Commissioners authorized the shelter to reduce its adoption fees. Throughout February, adoption fees for most animals will be $25, and fees will be waived completely for adoptions of animals that have been at the shelter for 6 months or longer.

“Not everyone can be an Olympic medalist, but everyone has the opportunity to be a winner by bringing home one of the wonderful dogs or cats from the animal shelter,” said Burlington County Commissioner Randy Brolo, the liaison to the shelter. “Now is a great time to visit and meet some of the loveable pets that are available. They want forever homes, not medals, and the prize for those who adopt is their unconditional love and loyalty.”

Among the available pets are Cupid, an American Staffordshire Terrier mix who came to the shelter as a stray shortly before Christmas. He’s super affectionate lover of people and treats.

Another available dog is Mavis, a beautiful Alaskan husky mix who was surrendered to the shelter. She’s a happy girl who formerly lived in an outdoor shelter with other dogs.

There’s also Roger, a 3-year-old Siberian Husky mix who came to the shelter as a stray about seven months ago. Shelter staff and volunteers say he’s super fun and clever, and he is an affectionate people pleaser.

“We’re rooting for Team USA to bring home more gold, silver and bronze, but we are also rooting for our residents to win gold for adopting Cupid, Mavis, Roger and many of the other deserving animals at the shelter,” said Commissioner Brolo. “Every animal we get adopted is a victory for the shelter, but especially for the individuals and families who open their homes and hearts to these deserving pets.”

The Burlington County Animal Shelter is located at 35 Academy Drive, Westampton. Information and photographs of all the shelter’s available dogs and cats can be found online at https://www.co.burlington.nj.us/1446/Available-for-Adoption .  Last year, 1,049 cats and 325 dogs were adopted from the shelter.

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

Residents can also volunteer at the shelter or collect needed items. A full list of needed items is available at https://www.co.burlington.nj.us/1290/Donation-Wish-List . 

“Volunteering is a great way to assist the shelter and all the animals who reside there, and there are plenty of ways to help, ranging from socializing cats, fostering, making treats or pet toys or even helping with the shelter’s enrichment garden,” said Commissioner Brolo. “Every little bit of assistance makes a difference and can help us find loving homes for the pets at the shelter. Remember, for these animals, the victory is to bring home their forever home.”