Freeholders approve plan to expand county animal shelter

The Camden County Freeholder Board has approved a two-year plan to reconfigure and expand the Camden County Animal Shelter in Gloucester Township.

“Camden County is a very animal friendly place. According to the last census, as many as 70 percent of Camden County households include a dog or a cat,” said Freeholder Carmen Rodriguez, liaison to the Camden County Animal Shelter. “The Camden County Freeholder Board has made a commitment to treat homeless animals in a humane manner because we believe it is the right thing to do.”

The Freeholder Board has approved an investment of $3.5 million over the next two years. This year’s budget includes $2 million for the renovation and expansion of the animal shelter, which is already underway. An additional $1.5 million is projected for the next year’s budget for the construction of a new adoption center expected to open in 2014.

Next year, the board plans to open a new Animal Adoption Center in a high-visibility location to provide easier access for prospective adopting families. The center will have a “retail feel” with glass-walled acquaintance rooms instead of a traditional shelter setting with animals in cages, to encourage shorter shelter stays for adoptable stray animals.

The Camden County Animal Shelter is located at 125 County House Road in Blackwood.