Overwhelmed nj shelter pleads for rescues as dog surrenders surge
courtesy of Friends of Northern Ocean County Animal Facility

Overwhelmed NJ shelter pleads for rescues as dog surrenders surge

A surge in abandoned dogs has pushed a Jersey Shore shelter to the brink as staff seek urgent rescue support.

TOMS RIVER, N.J. — An urgent call for help is coming out of the Northern Ocean County Animal Facility, where staff say the number of surrendered and abandoned dogs is rising daily and available resources are stretched thin.


Key Points

  • Northern Ocean County shelter is seeking help from 501(c)(3) rescues
  • Shelter reports a surge in dog surrenders and intakes
  • Public urged to consider fostering or sharing rescue appeal

Dogs arriving daily as space and support run low

The Friends of Northern Ocean County Animal Facility issued a public appeal this week, asking for assistance from approved nonprofit rescues to take in dogs who require extra care or are struggling in the shelter environment. The shelter reports that new dogs arrive each day, with more surrendered or dumped than they can manage.

Overwhelmed nj shelter pleads for rescues as dog surrenders surge
Photo: overwhelmed nj shelter pleads for rescues as dog surrenders surge

The shelter emphasized that all rescues must be 501(c)(3) organizations and asked them to contact shelter representative Kathleen Frett directly by email.


Staff says they’re out of room and time

In their appeal, the organization acknowledged that many rescues are already operating at or over capacity, but stated they are hoping space can be made for at least a few of the “deserving dogs” currently waiting in kennels. They also encouraged community members to consider fostering through a rescue group as another way to help.

Local News Report

Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

As a member of the Shore News Network editorial team, Quigley works closely with public officials, community leaders, first responders, and local organizations to provide factual coverage of breaking news, municipal government, public policy, and events affecting New Jersey residents. Her work highlights both major developments and the local stories that shape communities across the state.

Quigley is committed to responsible journalism, emphasizing accuracy, source verification, and transparency in every story she reports. She strives to present information in a clear and accessible manner, helping readers better understand the issues, decisions, and events that impact their daily lives.

Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

Experience and interests: Criminal Justice, Business, Animal Care, Entertainment, Lottery News, Local News