LATEST NEWS
How to keep your animals safe and secure this Fourth of July
Fireworks can be awesome but not every member of the family is in on the fun. Adrienne Carson, vice president of Training and Behavior at St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center offers the following suggestions for pet owners and guardians to help keep animals safe and secure this summer.
How to keep your pet safe this Fourth of July?
On the Fourth of July many pets become frightened and overwhelmed by the loud noise and flashes of fireworks. Fireworks can be terrifying for cats and dogs and cause them to flee or try to escape and become lost.
Keep pets indoors.
The safest place for your pet is at home, not in a crowded, unfamiliar, and noisy place. The combination of too many people and loud fireworks could make your pet panic and desperately seek shelter. Another reason to keep your pets at home is hot summer temperatures. Leaving your pet in the car is never an option and can become deadly quickly. Act immediately if you notice signs of heatstroke and follow our tips for keeping your dog safe in extreme heat.
Create a safe place in your home.
Keep pets indoors with window shades and curtains closed. Turn on a television, radio, white noise machine, or play calming music for your pets and create a safe place in your home for your cat or dog to hide. For example, open a closet door and put in a pet bed, creating an enclosed space with no windows. Giving your pet a safe haven like a covered crate with the door open in the innermost part of your house can help them get away from external noises and commotion.
Ensure ID tags are up-to-date.
Make sure your animals are wearing ID tags on their collars with up-to-date contact information. If your pet is micro chipped, double check that your information is current. If your animal does escape, file a lost report with your local animal care and control.
Shut all doors and windows.
Panicked animals can easily break through screens. Dogs can often open doors by jumping when scared, especially doors with lever-type handles. Secure doors with a bolt lock or chain latch.
Consult your veterinarian.
If your animal is fearful of thunderstorms it is likely they will be fearful of fireworks. Consult your veterinarian in advance for medication that may help ease your pet's anxiety.
Keeping Your Dog Safe in Extreme Heat
10 Important Tips in Dealing with Extreme Heat
ST. HUBERT’S ADVISES PET OWNERS TO BE AWARE OF THE FOLLOWING:
Keep your pets indoors when temperatures are extreme and in the shade when they are outdoors.
Walk your pets early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the hottest part of the day.
Give pets plenty of water to avoid dehydration. When you walk your pet or take your pet outside, carry water with you.
Never leave your animals alone in a parked vehicle. Temperatures in cars can increase rapidly and become lethal.
Animals with short noses such as Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers and Persian cats, are especially vulnerable in the heat. Dogs and cats cool themselves by breathing through their mouths, but those with flat faces cannot cool as quickly and need extra attention.
If your pet is panting excessively, drooling, struggling to walk, is lethargic, or has bloody diarrhea or vomiting, know that that these are potentially signs of overheating.Windows in the home that are open should have screens. Pets can fall out of open, unsecured windows.
Be careful with dogs on asphalt in the heat. Not only are their paws sensitive but because their bodies are closer to the asphalt, they can overheat more easily.
As always, if you think your pet is in distress due to the heat, call your veterinarian as soon as possible.
If you are hot, your pet is too!
Mosaic Animal Health Center at St. Hubert's is now open
Grand Opening of Mosaic Animal Health Center at St. Hubert's Brings Next-Level Care to Pet Owners in Madison and Chatham
Pet owners in Madison, Chatham and surrounding communities now have access to a new kind of veterinary care with the opening of Mosaic Animal Health Center at St. Hubert's. Located on our Madison campus, Mosaic Animal Health Center at St. Hubert’s is set to become a leading resource for pet wellness in the community.
Mosaic Animal Health Center at St. Hubert’s is now seeing appointments Monday through Saturday with some evening appointments during the week. With its grand opening celebration scheduled for Spring 2024, Mosaic Animal Health Center promises to deliver exceptional veterinary care in a compassionate and welcoming environment that tends to the unique needs of pets. Mosaic Animal Health Center shares a commitment to the well-being of animals with St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center and will support our mission through medical assistance prior to adoption, donations, and discounts.
Mosaic Animal Health Center boasts a team of highly skilled veterinarians and staff dedicated to providing comprehensive medical services for dogs and cats. From routine check-ups and vaccinations to advanced diagnostics and surgical procedures, the Center offers a wide range of services to meet the diverse needs of its furry patients. Dr. Michael Brown, Board Certified Veterinary Ophthalmologist, will also be seeing patients one day a week at the Center.
"We are thrilled to announce the grand opening of Mosaic Animal Health Center at St. Hubert's," said Dr. Monica Ilardi, Medical Director and Partner at Mosaic Animal Health Center. "Our goal is to not only provide top-notch medical care for pets but also to serve as a trusted resource for pet owners in promoting the health and happiness of their beloved companions. We are building a unique culture at Mosaic and look forward to attracting new team members who share our mission, vision, and values."
Tiffany Cotton, Executive Director of St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center, added, "We welcome Mosaic Animal Health Center to the St. Hubert's Animal Welfare Center Campus. Mosaic will deliver great care to all pets in our surrounding communities while also furthering St Hubert's mission by providing care to our pets prior to adoption."
In addition to its commitment to clinical excellence, Mosaic Animal Health Center at St. Hubert’s places a strong emphasis on pet-parent education and communication. The team believes informed pet owners are better equipped to make decisions regarding their pets' health and well-being. As such, they strive to empower clients with the knowledge and resources needed to ensure their pets lead long, healthy lives.
For more information about Mosaic Animal Health Center at St. Hubert's or to schedule an appointment, please visit mosaicatsthuberts.com or call 973-954-5919.
2023: A Year in Review
A Message from Lisa LaFontaine, President and CEO
The year 2023 marked a year of innovation, growth, and expansion.
Our commitment to honoring and celebrating the human-animal bond is at the core of our work. We know that when we help animals, and their people, we are enhancing the communities we serve. This year, we cared for more animals and people than ever before, kept more pets in their homes with the families who already love them, and worked with partner organizations to create stronger safety nets so more animals can thrive.
Here are just a few of our achievements:
We continued to support partner shelters throughout the country and in New Jersey through our WayStation transport program, as animal shelters nationwide were overwhelmed with a surge in dog intake.
We provided exceptional care to the 4,056 animals who came through our doors in need of support. And, we offered financial assistance, medical care, food, and supplies to ensure 1,736 pets and their families remained healthy – and together.
Our foster program was expanded significantly, and 53% of the animals who came through our doors were living with foster families on any given day.
Adoptions increased by 5.4% as compared to 2022. We did this by removing barriers and broadening accessibility beyond our Madison campus through adoption events at the Ledgewood location and PetSmart stores.
Our team advocated for the passage of two landmark animal welfare bills, ushering in a powerful new chapter in animal protection.
Woven into these accomplishments is an abundance of gratitude – for the animals and people who touched our lives; for our community of supporters – like you – who generously contributed their resources and enabled us to fulfill our mission; and for our dedicated staff and volunteers who, day in and day out, stand ready to undertake the essential work of protecting animals and supporting families.
These successes were made possible because of your generous support and partnership with St. Hubert’s. We are proud to have a great deal of good news to share from this past year. As you read through this report and see our impact, I hope you realize that there are thousands of animals living better lives because of you. If they could, these precious animals and their families would say thank you!
Kind regards,
President & CEO
Woven into these accomplishments is an abundance of gratitude – for the animals and people who touched our lives; for our community of supporters who generously contributed their time and talents and empowered us to fulfill our mission; and for our dedicated staff and volunteers who, day in and day out, stand ready to undertake the essential work of protecting animals and supporting families.
Saving Lives and Building Capacity, One Precious Animal at a Time
Through flights and vehicle transport, our WayStation program moves dogs and cats from “source” shelter partners, located in areas where the number of homeless animals far exceeds the available homes, to “destination” partners, located in areas where animals have many more opportunities to be adopted. Each destination partner returns a portion of the adoption fee for every adopted animal to the source shelter where the animal originated, allowing that home shelter to invest in solutions to address the root causes of overpopulation in their communities. In 2023, we transported 3,433 animals and provided $70,720 in Give Back funds.
Meet Sammy
Our WayStation team was picking up a group of cats from the Homeward Bound Pet Adoption Center near Camden, New Jersey, when they spotted a tiny, orange kitten alone in his kennel. The 2-week-old kitten was hunched in a bowl and shivering, with one eye seriously infected and a cloudy patch in the other. Veronica Greco, WayStation program manager, pulled him into the transport group and took him home as her own foster.
For the first five days, he was so weak that he only woke up to eat and then went back to sleep. After five days of steady nutrition Sammy’s personality began to shine, and with each passing moment he grew stronger. During the day, Sammy rested in the incubator at St. Hubert’s while Veronica arranged for hundreds of cats to be transferred in from partner shelters in New Jersey. Soon, he was strong and old enough to undergo surgery to remove his damaged eye and be neutered so he could start looking for a new family. During his time as an “office foster,” this lucky kitten caught the eye (and heart) of WayStation Director Lynn Garcia, who formed a deep bond with Sammy. Lynn, who already had a single-eyed cat, welcomed Sammy into her home as soon as he was ready to go home!
Meet Chief
Chief is a 6-year-old dog who endured unimaginable hardships before he came to St. Hubert’s. Described as an “old, gentle soul” by our WayStation partner in Louisiana, Chief had heartworm disease and had to undergo a leg amputation due to being shot in a tragic accident. Despite every challenge, his spirit remained unbroken. After his health improved and he was cleared for transport, Chief boarded a flight to New Jersey. We matched him with a foster family and provided him with lifesaving heartworm treatment.
Chief flourished under the nurturing care of his foster family. And when it came time to find his permanent home, Chief didn’t have to go far – he went home with his foster family’s neighbor! Their daughter, Betty, was initially nervous around dogs, but she quickly warmed to Chief’s calm and sweet demeanor. Chief seamlessly integrated into their household, quickly forging bonds with their cats and bringing immense joy and love to his new family. Today, Chief is living his best possible life, embraced by a family who cares for his every need, including a little girl who adores him and provides him with the love and safety he deserves.
Helping Homeless Animals
Our team works diligently every day to ensure that animals who come through our doors are placed in loving homes. Thanks to our incredible staff and community of foster families, volunteers, and supporters, 2,448 animals found new homes this year. Here are just a few of their stories.
Meet BOLT
When we first met Bolt, she couldn’t eat, drink, or even breathe without pain due to a severe injury to her face. Her upper teeth were exposed, and most of her nose was missing, leaving sensitive nerve endings that were painful to the touch. Thanks to our generous supporters, we found a specialist to perform reconstructive facial surgery and several follow-up treatments. This transformative procedure both alleviated Bolt’s pain and enhanced her quality of life, granting her the simple joys of eating and breathing without discomfort. Bolt now spends her days at home with her new family, including two feline sisters. Bolt's journey is a testament to the impact of compassionate care and the generosity of those who support our mission.
Meet ELSA
Before making her way to St. Hubert’s, Elsa was brought in to one of our shelter partners in Louisiana, and she was lucky to get on an upcoming transport. Elsa suffered from mange, a painful skin disease that causes severe itchiness, hair loss, and the formation of scabs. Our foster team matched her with a loving family who, along with our medical team, provided her with the treatment and love she needed to heal. In just a few weeks, her skin condition greatly improved and she thrived in her foster home. Soon after, she was adopted and now shares her home with a canine brother who also was adopted from St. Hubert’s!
Keeping Families Together
We aim to keep as many pets as possible in their homes with the families who have loved them and cared for them. Our Pet Support programs help keep families whole by providing minor medical treatments that their guardians couldn’t otherwise afford. In 2023, we enabled more than 700 pets to stay with their families through lifesaving and sustaining programs and services.
Meet LECHE
Jose became worried when his 12-year-old cat Leche had been vomiting for nearly 24 hours. Jose and Leche took an Uber to a veterinary clinic that did not offer financial assistance, then another, still unable to secure care because of financial constraints. As Leche’s temperature rose six degrees above average, Jose was desperate to get treatment for his beloved cat. One of the veterinarians had suggested he call St. Hubert’s for assistance.
Fortunately, Jennifer Gregory, our community programs manager, connected Jose with a local veterinary clinic for immediate care, with St. Hubert’s covering the cost. Leche was finally able to receive the help he needed! After 24 hours of inpatient care, where he received fluids and antibiotics, Leche was released with medication so he could recover at home. Jose was thrilled he could keep Leche and care for him through his recuperation.
Legislative Victories
In 2023, we were thrilled to celebrate the passage of two landmark animal welfare bills that we championed in New Jersey, marking significant victories for animals and compassionate community members alike!
Cost of animal care legislation provides a crucial step forward in our fight against animal cruelty by making it easier for animal shelters to provide the care and support needed for animal victims of abuse and neglect. With improved resources and streamlined processes, New Jersey is paving the way for a brighter future for countless animals seized in cruelty cases.
After over a decade of advocacy from across the state, New Jersey takes a bold stand with the passage of legislation to end the inhumane confinement of mother pigs and baby cows in gestation and veal crates. No longer will these animals be forced to endure cramped conditions that rob them of their natural behaviors and emotional well-being.
The successful passage of these bills is a testament to the thousands of advocates, organizations, and caring individuals who lent their voices to stand up for those who cannot speak for themselves. We were proud to play a role in these victories, which will write a powerful new chapter in our state’s story of compassion, justice, and enhanced standards for animal welfare.
A Preview of 2024
As we reflect on the strides you helped us make in 2023, we stand at the cusp of an exciting new chapter in our journey toward becoming a comprehensive pet resource center. As more people experience the joy of sharing their lives with pets, the need for professional, accessible, and fairly priced services has never been more critical.
St. Hubert’s is more committed than ever to keeping animals in their homes with the people who already love them. With a goal of strengthening the human-animal bond, our focus for 2024 is to provide our community with programs and services that help their lives with their pets be more joyful, convenient, and healthy. To meet the growing needs, we will launch these initiatives:
Mosaic Animal Health Center: We are proud to have entered a long-term partnership with an outstanding veterinary practice that will expand animal health services throughout the region. The Mosaic Animal Health Center at the St. Hubert’s Madison campus will significantly bolster community offerings for primary (and eventually specialty) medical care. This generous partner will also help us to provide better care to the animals we are sheltering.
New and Impactful Community Programs: We have only begun to scratch the surface on what we can do to improve the quality of life for community animals and offer essential programs and services to struggling pet owners. Through the distribution of supplies and food, we will ensure more pets can meet their basic needs for nutrition and enrichment. Growing our free and affordable basic pet health services will make the difference between tragic pet relinquishment and continued lives with their loving families.
Expanded Dog Daycare Facilities: Our Madison Doggie Daycare center is a refuge for many families who want to be sure their beloved dogs are well cared for while they go to work and fulfill their outside commitments. Now, we have opened a second Doggie Daycare at our North Branch campus, and we will introduce training and behavior services to enrich the mental well-being of the pets who stay with us.
Lifesaving Transport Services: While our WayStation will continue to work with partners in other states to provide a lifeline for overburdened shelters, in 2024 we will expand our transport relationships with shelters and rescues in New Jersey. Our goal is to grow a supportive network of local organizations and partner with leaders throughout the state to build a collaborative network of animal welfare organizations. These partnerships will be grounded in shared data and resources, which will be used to drive positive change for animals and to further influence statewide policies that benefit animals and the people who love them.
As we look ahead to 2024, we see a future that is brighter than ever for animals and the people who cherish them. We approach the year ahead with determination and optimism, and know that we could not make this level of impact without your steadfast support and generosity. All of us at St. Hubert’s are grateful to you, from the bottom of our hearts.
Sign up for our Test Drive Adoption Program
Our new Test Drive program lets you experience the joy of pet companionship without a long-term commitment.
Here's how it works: 1️⃣ Visit our Madison shelter. 2️⃣ Get matched with a delightful dog, cat, or small animal for seven days. 3️⃣ Experience the joys of having a furry friend – complete with cuddles, playtime, and endless love! 4️⃣ At the end of the trial, decide if you want to make it official with adoption.
Benefits of Test Drive: ✅ Experience the joy of pet companionship ✅ Help an animal in need ✅ Find your perfect match
Call 973-377-2295 or come into our Madison shelter to sign up for Test Drive, and let the journey begin!
Holiday Foods Your Dog Can and Can't Eat
For many of us, this holiday season is the first time we’ve gathered with family and friends to share a meal in a long time. Pets are family, so of course we want to make sure we include them in all of the festivities. However, shelters and veterinarians often see an uptick in calls related to dogs becoming ill from eating human food during this time of year.
As we celebrate and indulge in our favorite foods, it’s important to prioritize keeping our pets safe and healthy during this season. Here are a few do’s and don’ts:
Don’t let Uncle Larry toss the dog a turkey leg. These bones can be extremely dangerous for dogs. Not only are poultry bones not digestible in your dog’s stomach, but they can also shatter and puncture the intestinal tract or get lodged in the esophagus, causing choking.
Do set aside small portions of dog-friendly human food. If you want to feed your dog a holiday meal, choose foods like turkey, green beans, potatoes, or pure pumpkin that can be added to your dog’s normal diet over the course of several days.
Don’t leave the trash unattended and within reach of curious canines. Bones and corn cobs are major choking hazards and sweets prepared with artificial sweetener known as Xylitol are highly toxic to dogs.
Do keep an eye on your dog, remind guests not to feed them from the table, and ensure that the trash is safely secured.
From all of us at, St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center, we wish you a safe and happy holiday season!
Submit your Love Story to help St. Hubert’s earn $100K
Has your St. Hubert’s adopted pet changed your life? Share how your pet has made a difference in your life to help St. Hubert’s earn up to $100,000 in lifesaving funds! Petco Love wants to know all the ways, big and small, that your adopted pet has changed your life for the better. Winning stories will receive up to a $100,000 grant award for their adoption organization.
Submit your love story by Tuesday, October 31
If you’ve adopted a pet from St. Hubert’s, and they are still living, share how your pet impacts your life for the better, every day.
Click here to submit your story and photos. You’ll be asked to:
Write your story in 500 words or less.
Visit petcolove.org/lovestories to read prior year’s winning entries and get some inspiration. Remember, good stories will show how your pet changed your life.
Upload three to four photos to support your story:
One photo of just your pet
One photo of you or your family with your pet
One or two additional photos of your choice.
VIEW ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AT THE END OF THIS PAGE. ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS? EMAIL KROTRAMEL@STHUBERTS.ORG.
How to Keep Your Pets Safe During Outdoor Air Quality Alert
Just like people, our pets can be affected by unhealthy air quality caused by wildfire smoke. If you feel the effects of smoke, they probably do too. Here’s how to protect your pet from unhealthy air.
High Risk Factors
Certain animals are especially at risk from smoke and should be closely monitored during all periods of poor air quality, including:
Animals with heart or lung disease.
Older pets.
Brachycephalic dog breeds (breeds with short muzzles), such as French bulldogs, Pekingese, pugs, Boston terriers and boxers.
How to Protect Your Pet
Keep pets indoors as much as possible with doors and windows shut.
Bring outdoor pets indoors to a room with good ventilation.
Limit walks to short bathroom breaks and avoid intense outdoor exercise.
Birds should not be allowed outside when smoke is present, as they are especially susceptible.
Have an emergency preparedness kit ready for your pet in case you need to evacuate.
Know the Signs
Consult your veterinarian if your pet experiences any of the following signs of smoke irritation:
Coughing or gagging
Difficulty breathing, including open mouth breathing, increased noise when breathing, or fast breathing
Red, watery, or irritated eyes
Inflammation of the throat or mouth
Nasal discharge
Asthma-like symptoms
Fatigue or weakness
Disorientation and stumbling
Reduced appetite and/or thirst
The increased time spent indoors with limited opportunities for physical and mental stimulation can result in dogs experiencing boredom. To help occupy your pet, engage him or her in activities like playing fetch in a long hallway, using puzzle toys (like this DIY snuffle mat), or teaching your pet a new trick to provide mental stimulation.
Everything You Need to Know About Guinea Pigs
Guinea pigs are wonderful animals who can make great companions for a variety of families; they’re gentle, tiny and have amazing personalities. Not to mention every single one of them is as cute as a button! Here are key facts about them to help you determine whether you should adopt a guinea pig into your family.
Is a guinea pig the right pet for me?
Will they want to spend time with me?
Absolutely! Guinea pigs get to know their people, get excited to see them and love to spend time with their family.
What about with my children?
Guinea pigs tend to be one of the better pet choices for families with children who are looking for a small companion. Like all small animals, guinea pigs can be fragile and easily startled, so an adult should always supervise and guide children when they are handling them. Keep in mind: although many children love these fuzzy little potatoes with legs, sometimes they lose interest and ultimately it will be the adult’s responsibility to make sure they are loved and cared for.
Guinea pigs are not a low-maintenance animal.
Guinea pigs can poop up to 100 times a day per pig. Their cage will need to be spot cleaned daily to keep it tidy.
Guinea pigs are not always quiet.
Although they are relatively quiet animals, guinea pigs do get very excited over their people and treats and love to let their people know they are there.
When are they awake?
Guinea pigs are awake throughout the day and night. While typically they are not too noisy at night, they may run around a bit. They prefer to take naps in between play and mealtime.
What about allergies?
Although it is possible to be allergic to guinea pigs, people are more commonly allergic to hay or pollen which is a necessary part of their diet.
How are they with other pets?
Guinea pigs do not tend to mind other pets, although they should never be allowed to interact with another species without supervision as there is always a risk involved.
What is their lifespan?
On average, guinea pigs live five to seven years.
Guinea pig needs
A guinea pig friend.
That’s right, guinea pigs for the most part need a friend! Guinea pigs are social animals and live in herds in the wild. To prevent accidental babies, guinea pigs should be kept in same-gender pairs or groups unless they are spayed or neutered.
A wide area to run around.
Guinea pigs love to have space to run around and play. They require unbroken floor space; they are not climbing critters! Females need about 7.5 square feet of unbroken floor space for a pair, while males need about 10 square feet of unbroken floor space per pair.
Lots of food.
Guinea pigs are constantly munching away and it’s important they always have access to food. We recommend they have unlimited access to timothy hay (or orchard grass) and about one cup of vegetables per day. Variety is amazing for their diets, and lots of different colors and types of vegetables are good for them. High-quality pellets are also great for guinea pigs, in moderation. A pig should have about 1/8 cup of pellets per day.
Water source.
Guinea pigs, like all animals, need access to water. While water bottles conveniently hang on the side of their cage and are easy to fill, sometimes the water can get stuck. A water dish gives them a more natural way to drink water (although it can be a bit messy).
Rather than purchasing a guinea pig from a pet store and creating a bigger demand for this small animal, we strongly encourage people to adopt one (or two!) from their local shelter. St. Hubert’s often has guinea pigs available for adoption.
2022: A Year in Review
A Message from Lisa LaFontaine
In 2022, the team at St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center has focused on providing compassionate, lifesaving, and life-changing care to the more than 5,100 animals who came through our doors. It has also been a time of innovation, growth, and expansion. Our mission includes multiple priorities – to advocate and care for animals, to help more animals stay with the families who love them, and to help build communities in which the love of animals can thrive.
click here to watch the 2022 ANNUAL HIGHLIGHTS REVIEW WITH OUR PRESIDENT AND CEO LISA LAFONTAINE.
We support our communities through education, outreach, and direct service. This year, we expanded our community programs to serve families with limited resources, survivors of domestic violence, and young people seeking a career in animal welfare. Our work is done extensively in “pet service deserts” – areas that lack access to pet stores, veterinary clinics, and more. We go into these communities to ensure that no one is prevented from experiencing the joy and companionship of an animal simply because they are economically or socially vulnerable. Read the full 2022 Annual Highlights Report.
Photo Credit: The Dogist
At all times, we are driven by a commitment to strengthen the human-animal bond and improve the lives of our community members.
And importantly, the impact of St. Hubert’s reaches far beyond New Jersey.
We encourage you to sit back with a warm beverage and your favorite pet(s) by your side to read about the many ways that your partnership with St. Hubert’s transformed the lives of people and animals this year.
You will find that:
St. Hubert’s served all animals who came through our doors, regardless of their age, temperament, or medical condition.
We provided financial assistance, medical care, food, and supplies to keep animals healthy and in their loving homes.
Our dedicated team helped to build new families through adoption.
The WayStation celebrated its 20,000th lifesaving rescue!
Innovative programs and resources kept animals – pets, farm animals, and wildlife – safe and healthy.
We visited communities near and far to respond during natural disasters.
What you’ll also find is endless gratitude – for the animals and people who welcome us into their lives, for our community of supporters who share their time and talents and enable us to fulfill our mission, and for our staff and volunteers who show up every day ready to do the work to protect animals and support families.
Saving Lives and Building Capacity, One Precious Animal at a Time
The St. Hubert’s WayStation program strives to make lasting impacts in communities struggling under the weight of overpopulation. We also are there to help our partner shelters in times of crisis.
Through flight and vehicle transport, our WayStation moves animals from “source” partners, located in areas where the number of homeless dogs far exceeds the available homes, to “destination” partners, located in areas with far more adoption opportunities. Just as important, each destination partner returns a portion of the adoption fee for every relocated dog to the source shelter. These funds can be invested in capacity-building initiatives to help address the root causes of overpopulation in those regions.
Responding to Disasters and Assisting Sister Shelters in Need
In the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, nearly 90 shelter pets from Florida were airlifted by Greater Good Charities to St. Hubert’s. These dogs and cats were in shelters prior to the storm. This lifesaving airlift helped to make space in the hurricane-stricken communities for the influx of homeless or surrendered animals at Florida shelters. This special flight included shelter pets from Naples and Fort Myers, two of the hardest hit areas in Florida.
The St. Hubert’s transport team worked with organizations in nine states to evacuate more than 140 dogs and cats who had been awaiting adoption in overcrowded Louisiana and Alabama shelters. The airlift included especially vulnerable animals, such as asymptomatic heartworm-positive dogs, homeless cats, and harder-to-place large dogs.
Our team traveled to South Carolina to help our longtime partner the Humane Society of Greenwood during a particularly challenging time. Because it doesn’t have a dedicated surgeon, we stepped in to perform more than 150 spay and neuter surgeries. We also brought back 27 animals who ultimately found loving new homes in the Northeast!
20,000 Lives Saved through the WayStation
In August 2022, our WayStation celebrated an important milestone: We welcomed our 20,000th animal from an overcrowded shelter in Louisiana. Sweetie Johnson will never know she was the 20,000th rescue – but she knows she is now part of a loving family. This milestone flight was a core example of how our WayStation program works with overburdened shelters to save more precious lives.
Keeping People and Pets Together
Our Pet Help Center serves as a single point of entry for pet owners navigating systemic or economic challenges that put their relationships with their pets at risk. Our case managers practice a whole-family approach to ensure that families trying to keep their pets can do so. Our programs also help to address the pet resource inequity that exists in our community.
We offer pet families the following free and low-cost services, including:
A Pet Pantry with plentiful pet food and supplies
Medical services that include emergency medical and preventive care as well as spaying and neutering
A Safe Haven pet boarding program to help families during periods of emergency transition
Meet Moses
Moses had a tough start to life. He was found wandering the streets of Linden alone and suffering from an infected and fractured left leg. The community member who found the 10-week-old stray wanted to help him but couldn’t afford the veterinary care – so she brought him to St. Hubert’s. Thankfully, we were there to help. Moses’s injury was so serious that we had to amputate his leg and help him adjust to his new reality. Fortunately, there was a loving home awaiting him. His new family tells us that Moses has been a true blessing in their lives and has quickly adjusted to life as a “tri-paw.”
Caring for Homeless Animals
The mission of St. Hubert’s is to care for all animals, including senior animals and those with special medical needs. Our team works diligently every day to ensure these animals are loved, tended to, and placed in loving homes.
Caring for these precious animals comes at a higher cost, which is why we created the Rocket Fund (for emergency medical needs) and the Red Collar Society (for senior animals). These special funds help us raise the money necessary to ensure these animals can receive the specialized care, surgery, and medicine to help them heal and recover.
Meet Mango
Mango was found drowning in a storm drain as torrential rain poured down. Our team rescued her from the flood waters and brought her to our kitten neonatal intensive care unit. There, she was treated for both an upper respiratory infection and eye infection. Mango was so vulnerable that she had to be syringe-fed until she could eat on her own. As she grew stronger and healthier, her true personality began shining through. This highly social kitten basked in the love she was receiving from our staff. After spending more than five weeks recovering in the nursery, Mango was adopted into a loving home.
Meet Buzz
Buzz hails from Greenwood, South Carolina, where he was found on a hot summer day smooshed underneath nine other dogs in a crate in the back of a pickup truck. Because the number of adoptable animals far exceeds the number of available homes in Greenwood, we transported him (along with 27 other animals) to St. Hubert’s for adoption via our WayStation program. Despite what Buzz had endured, it was clear from the nonstop kisses he gave our staff that his love for people never wavered. It wasn’t long before he found a loving new family for him to spoil with his unconditional love.
Photo Credit: The Dogist
Meet Queen Prada
Two-year-old Queen Prada came to St. Hubert’s as a stray who was nursing two kittens. To make things more complicated, the whole little family was suffering from ringworm. Queen Prada and her babies were quickly placed with a foster home that could provide specialty care; these higher-need kitties required semiweekly baths, daily medications, and some bottle feeding. But, of course, dealing with ringworm was the most arduous process. The baths smell awful (like rotten eggs), and the room has to be cleaned daily. But after weeks of careful love, care, and attention, Queen Prada and her babies are all healthy and have all gone to loving homes.
A Preview of 2023
Through your support and generosity, our team will help more animals, support more families, and launch impactful programs to build the capacity of animal welfare organizations throughout the country.
Pet Support Services: People throughout New Jersey face barriers to providing care for their animal family members, starting with unaffordable and inaccessible veterinary care. Our growing Pet Help Center will continue to address urgent needs through direct service for thousands of pet families throughout the region. And we will enhance our suite of virtual support services to reach families outside of the areas that we serve, from their own homes.
National Capacity Building: In 2023, we will expand capacity-building programs to help shelters throughout the country. These supportive programs will enable source shelter partners to develop successful lifesaving programs using the space and resources that are available to them. We will continue to share tangible resources, including housing and sheltering equipment, food, toys, and other critical resources.
As we look ahead, we see a future that is brighter than ever for animals and the people who cherish them. We couldn’t get there without your steadfast support and generosity, and we are grateful from the bottom of our hearts.
