By Christine Harkinson/Staff
The Burlington County Commissioners have approved waiving all fees for first responders adopting from the county animal shelter, effective immediately.
The move expands on the shelter’s existing waivers for adopters 65 and older, veterans or military personnel.
“First responders always work extensively long hours,” said Ericka Haines, director of the shelter. “Twelve-hour shifts, day after day, so they’re not home with their pets as much as they would like to be. So how great is it that we have situations like this, where they can either work with their offices to bring them (their pets) into the office or have something that they’re looking forward to when they get home with?”
According to Dr. Herb Conaway, director of the Burlington County Health Department, studies have shown that interactions with pets can help lower an individual’s heart rate and blood pressure and help reduce anxiety.
“Expanding the free adoption policy to include first responders is a proactive method to help improve first responders’ health and resiliency,” Conaway explained. “The change can also help find more homes for the pets at the shelter, which is another big plus.”
Normal adoption fees are $75 for dogs and $45 for cats. The shelter is open for walk-in visits from noon to 4 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and Thursdays from noon to 7 p.m. The shelter is open for appointments only on Wednesdays. All available pets can be viewed online at www.co.burlington.nj.us/1446/Available-for-Adoption.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re rich or you’re poor, or how many hours you work, they are just so happy to be there and be with you,” Haines noted of pet ownership. “That’s the biggest thing that I always want to tell people about. Not only do they help us emotionally, but animals are a mental savior for us.
“They’re so important to really getting us out of our own way and focusing on something else.”
Ace, an 18-month-old German shepherd, was adopted from the shelter in August by state police Lt. Christopher Salvato to serve as a station canine at the agency’s Red Lion barracks in Southampton. In that role, Ace reports to the barracks with Salvato and provides support for troopers serving there. His interactions with them and other state police employees help the latter relax and reduce their anxiety and stress.
“Ace is just a ball of energy, and he never has a bad day,” Haines noted. “He’s just always going to be in a great mood when you meet him. He’s very energetic and just wants to keep everybody on their toes and going … With Ace, it was just beyond exciting, because he’s not just going to be for one specific family.
“Ace has got a whole tribe behind him now, which is phenomenal to hear.”
