About Us
For more than 80 years, St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center has been dedicated to helping animals in need, regardless of species, size, or temperament. With a people-focused, community-based approach, we treat every animal as an individual and emphasize specialized care for both animals and their families.
St. Hubert’s supports New Jersey communities with programs that help animals stay with their families, such as pet food banks, vaccine clinics and emergency pet boarding.
Through our merger with the Humane Rescue Alliance in Washington, D.C., we are the largest provider of animal services in our region, touching the lives of tens of thousands of animals each year.
Our WayStation program is the nation’s preeminent transport program and has moved over 20,000 pets from areas of need to places of opportunity through a network of more than 90 sheltering organizations. Through our Give Back program, we have invested more than $350,000 back into our source shelter partners whose communities are often struggling under the weight of pet overpopulation so that they can address the root causes in their own community, based on their unique needs.
OUR COMMITMENT
As an Alliance organization, we are committed to:
A highly skilled workforce that welcomes the unique contributions our team and community members make based on their diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences
Personalized adoption counseling and services
Increased access to discounted veterinary services, such as low-cost vaccines and spay/neuter surgeries, and pet food support for pet guardians who are experiencing financial insecurity
Community support programs that help pets stay with their families
Advocacy work that prevents suffering and strengthens the human animal bond
Customized behavior and training programs
Targeted programs that create future generations of animal advocates
Outreach and education to inspire peaceful coexistence with the wildlife
Together, we support families and advocate for positive change to create a world where all animals can thrive.
OUR HISTORY
In 1870, the Humane Rescue Alliance (then operating as Washington Humane Society) was charged by a congressional charter to protect the children and animals of the District of Columbia, creating the foundation for the organization’s law enforcement work and its pursuit of preventing animal cruelty in the District. HRA remains the only congressionally-chartered animal welfare organization in the country.
HRA has over 150 years of experience serving our communities, including conducting cruelty investigations, providing animal control services, and advocating for federal, state and local legislation and policies that protect animals.
HRA serves as a national leader and local champion for animals. We assist our communities by helping them search for new companions, secure financial assistance for veterinary care or pet food, provide guidance with behavioral problems, and increase access to services to keep families together with their pets.
The Humane Rescue Alliance leverages the unique strengths of its legacy organizations, the Washington Humane Society, The Washington Animal Rescue League and St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center, to grow families through adoption, protect animals from harm, and provide programs and resources so people and pets can stay together. Our collective expands our reach and allows us to accomplish more for the animals we care for and the communities we serve. Together, we support families and advocate for positive change to create a world where all animals can thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of animals does St. Hubert’s have?
St. Hubert’s always has a large variety of beautiful dogs and cats of all types, sizes and ages available for adoption. In addition, we offer small and furry pets like hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, rabbits and the like who are in need of new homes. Small birds are sometimes available. Visit our adopt section to see our current pets.
How do I adopt an animal at St. Hubert’s?
Our adoption process is an open, friendly one. You can read more about our adoption process here.
Our adoption counselors will help you select the best match for you and your family. All dogs and cats, puppies and kittens are fully vaccinated, dewormed, microchipped and spayed/neutered prior to placement.
Where do the animals come from?
St. Hubert’s offers rescue and safe refuge for homeless pets that come from across New Jersey and from our shelter partners around the country. Our lifesaving, four-tiered outreach program enables us expand our local, regional and national reach, working in collaboration with other organizations at all levels. We participate in organized programs which invest in the source communities toward solutions to the overpopulation of dogs and cats in their areas. Any animals transported from other areas of the country to St. Hubert’s have been fully vetted and vaccinated prior to arrival and no local animals in our care are displaced to accommodate them.
Is St. Hubert’s A “No Kill” Shelter?
St. Hubert’s does not like the use of the term “no kill” when referring to a shelter or rescue. We find it to be divisive among animal welfare professionals and often misconstrued by the public because people define “no kill” in different ways. While St. Hubert’s meets the definition when applied to shelters that do not euthanize for space, we prefer to explain what we do and how we do it in clear terms rather than apply a label. St. Hubert's meets the "no kill" organization definition as defined by Maddie's Fund, but we do not use the term "no kill." For more information on the Maddie's Fund definition of "no kill," please click here. We do not limit our intake to falsely post favorable statistics. Our certified behavior counselors are able to address and properly modify a variety of behaviors and only animals whose level of aggression makes them too dangerous to offer for placement or those so badly injured or ill that management affording a comfortable quality of life cannot be achieved are humanely euthanized. Our staff provides tender loving care to every animal regardless of age, health or behavior.
If I find an animal can I bring it to St. Hubert’s?
Lost animals need to be relinquished to the agency that provides animal control service to the municipality in which they were found in order to optimize the chances for reuniting them with their guardians. No matter the circumstances in which you find an animal you can never be absolutely certain that it has been abandoned, so it is important to follow procedure for a lost pet before taking any further action. Local police and health departments can direct you to the proper agency. Personnel at our shelter can offer guidance as well.
If I have an animal I can’t keep can I bring it to St. Hubert’s?
Unfortunately situations arise that make it necessary for guardians to seek new homes for pets. At other times there is an issue that can be resolved with a little help, allowing the pet to remain in its home. If you have a pet in need of a new home, please call your local shelter or St. Hubert’s for information and advice regarding your particular situation and needs.
How is St. Hubert’s supported?
St. Hubert’s does not receive government funding and is not, as many people assume due to our shared founder, funded by The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation. We rely on the generosity of private donors, foundations and grantors who share our compassion and commitment to the mission. A small endowment provides limited income to supplement operating expenses.
