Animal shelters in Essex County, NJ
Essex County, New Jersey has 10 animal shelters and rescues in our directory, listed under 8 cities and towns. The most listings are in or near Montclair (2), Newark (2) and Livingston (1). Among them are 2 animal rescues (20%) and 1 animal sanctuary (10%).
All animal shelters in Essex County
- Associated Humane Societies124 Evergreen Ave · NewarkAnimal shelter
- West Orange Animal Welfare League311 Watchung Ave · West OrangeAnimal shelter
- Bloomfield Animal Shelter61 Bukowski Pl · BloomfieldAnimal shelter
- Brick City Rescue Inc.PO Box 2431 · NewarkAnimal rescue
- Montclair Township Animal Shelter77 N Willow St · MontclairAnimal shelter
- Sedona Shepherd Sanctuary300 Millburn Ave Unit 834 · MillburnAnimal sanctuary
- Livingston Animal Shelter81 Naylon Ave · LivingstonAnimal shelter
- Catfé Montclair356 Bloomfield Ave · MontclairAnimal shelter
- Rosemarie's Rescue Ranch, Inc.528 Bloomfield Ave · VeronaAnimal rescue
- City of East Orange Animal Shelter133 Midland Ave · East OrangeAnimal shelter
Animal shelters by town
Services and types
Neighboring counties
Frequently asked questions
How many animal shelters are in Essex County?
We list 10 animal shelters and rescues in Essex County, New Jersey. Listings come from public map data and may be incomplete, so please call ahead to confirm hours and adoption days.
Are there animal rescues in Essex County?
Yes. We list 2 rescue organizations in Essex County, based on the source classification or the organization's name. Many rescues are foster-based and have no public shelter building, so they adopt by appointment or at adoption events; check their website before you visit.
How do I surrender a pet in Essex County?
Call the shelter before you bring an animal in. Many shelters and most rescues take owner surrenders by appointment only, some charge a surrender fee, and some keep a waiting list. Ask whether they offer a rehoming program or pet food and vet assistance first; many surrenders can be avoided with short-term help. The municipal animal control shelter is usually required to accept animals from residents of its city or county.
How do I adopt a pet in Essex County?
Start on the shelter's or rescue's own website: most post their adoptable animals there and on Petfinder or Adopt-a-Pet. Visit or call to meet an animal, then fill in an adoption application. Expect to show a photo ID, and if you rent, proof that your landlord allows pets. The adoption fee usually covers spay or neuter surgery, first vaccinations and a microchip. Fees vary by organization and by animal, so ask the shelter directly.
Related guides
- Pet Adoption Fees ExplainedTypical adoption fees for dogs, cats and other pets, what the fee usually covers, and why prices differ between shelters and rescues.
- Shelter vs Rescue vs Humane SocietyHow municipal shelters, humane societies, SPCAs and foster-based rescues differ in funding, intake and adoption.
- How to Help an Animal ShelterDonations that shelters actually need, volunteering, fostering, sharing adoptable pets and other ways to help without adopting.
- How to Volunteer at an Animal ShelterAge rules, orientation, the kinds of volunteer roles available and how to choose a shelter or rescue that fits your schedule.