Burlington County Animal Shelter: Adoption Hours, Dogs, Cats & Lost Pets 2026

by
Burlington County shelter guide 2026

Burlington County Animal Shelter: Adoption Hours, Dogs, Cats & Lost Pets 2026

A practical guide for Burlington County Animal Shelter in Westampton, New Jersey: adoption applications, appointment steps, dog and cat listings, lost and found pets, surrender guidance, fees, directions, map, phone number and what to prepare before visiting.

Burlington County Animal Shelter searches usually mean you need one of four things quickly: adopt a dog or cat, find a lost pet, report a found animal, or understand whether the county shelter can accept a surrendered pet. This 2026 guide explains the Burlington County Animal Shelter at 35 Academy Drive in Westampton, NJ, including the application-first adoption process, 24–72 hour review window, phone interview step, meet-and-greet scheduling, landlord and vet-record preparation, lost/found report basics, surrender and rehoming support, adoption-fee planning, driving/map help and official links you should use for final live availability and hours.

35 Academy Drive Westampton, NJ County shelter Applications first Lost & found pets
Official County Shelter Page Available for Adoption Call 609-265-5073
1
Main phone609-265-5073
2
Address35 Academy Dr, Westampton, NJ 08060
3
Adoption processApply, wait 24–72 hours, phone interview, meet
4
County roleRabies control point for 40 municipalities
Independent guide: This page is not the official Burlington County government website. Shelter hours, pet availability, appointment timing, adoption fees, reclaim rules, surrender options and holiday closures can change. Use this article to prepare, then use the official Burlington County links for final live action.

Quick Details for Burlington County Animal Shelter

Burlington County Animal Shelter is a county-operated shelter connected with Burlington County Health Department functions. It provides sheltering for stray dogs, cats and other small animals, reunites lost pets with owners, and places adoptable animals into permanent homes after review.

Official nameBurlington County Animal Shelter
Address35 Academy Drive, Westampton, NJ 08060
Phone609-265-5073
After-hours health dept.609-267-8300 via Burlington County Central Communications

What Burlington County Animal Shelter Helps With

The shelter is not only an adoption listing. Burlington County describes it as the rabies control point for the 40 municipalities of Burlington County and a facility supported by animal-control contracts with local municipalities and county taxpayers.

AdoptionDogs, cats and other adoptable animals can be reviewed through official listings and application steps.
Lost and found petsThe shelter helps reunite lost pets with owners and should be contacted for lost/found reports in Burlington County.
Stray animalsThe county shelter is used for short-term sheltering of stray dogs, cats and small animals.
Rabies controlThe shelter serves a public-health role as the county rabies control point.
Rescue and volunteer supportBurlington County works with volunteers and rescue partners to help shelter animals.
Rehoming helpFriends of BCAS offers owner-surrender and rehoming support paths to help reduce avoidable shelter intake.

Burlington County Animal Shelter Hours and Best Time to Visit

Public walk-through and adoption timing can have cutoffs, appointment limits, holidays and processing delays. Friends of the Burlington County Animal Shelter lists public shelter hours as Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 PM to 3:30 PM, Wednesday closed for public walk-throughs by appointment only, Thursday from 12:00 PM to 6:30 PM, and holidays closed.

County FAQ language also tells visitors the best time to stop by is around noon, with Thursday open later. Because official pages can show different public-hour wording or older FAQ wording, use the safer rule: arrive early, do not come close to closing, and call 609-265-5073 if your visit depends on one specific animal.

Visit needBest planning stepWhy it matters
Adopt a dog or cat View available animals online, submit the application, and wait for review. Animals cannot be shown out of the cage until the application is completed and reviewed.
Meet a specific animal Apply first, then complete the phone interview and schedule the in-person meet. The county process includes application review and an adoption advocate contact step.
Lost pet reclaim Call and check in person with proof of ownership. Lost-pet searches work best when owners act quickly and repeatedly.
Found pet report Contact Burlington County Animal Shelter and your local police/animal-control route. Found pets may belong to someone nearby and must be handled through the right local process.
Owner surrender Request help first; do not simply arrive without checking options. Rehoming help may keep pets out of the shelter or prepare a safer intake path.
Check Shelter Hours Call Before Visiting

Burlington County Animal Shelter Adoption Process

Burlington County uses an application-first adoption process. This is the biggest detail to understand before visiting: you can look at animals, but the shelter says animals cannot be shown out of the cage until you have a completed and reviewed application.

1

View available animals first

Start with the official “Available for Adoption” page. Save the animal name, ID, species, age, photo and profile link if available. Choose backup animals because availability can change while your application is reviewed.

2

Submit the General Adoption Application

If you find an animal you want to meet, submit the official application. If you prefer to apply in person, bring rental pet-policy information if you rent and vet records if you own or recently owned an animal.

3

Allow 24 to 72 hours for processing

The county page says applications may take 24 to 72 hours to process. An adoption advocate will reach out for a phone interview before the in-person meet-and-greet is scheduled.

4

Complete the phone interview

Use the phone interview to discuss household fit, other pets, landlord rules, vet history, activity level, experience, family expectations and whether the pet’s needs match your home.

5

Schedule the meet-and-greet

After approval and the phone interview, the shelter schedules the in-person meet. The adoption-process page says applicants may see up to two animals per appointment.

6

Finalize adoption and pickup timing

If the animal is already spayed or neutered, it may be able to go home the same day after approval and interaction. If spay/neuter is still needed, the adoption can be completed and pickup happens after the clinic, with a 48-hour pickup window after surgery.

Official Adoption Process Available Animals

Application Checklist: Avoid Delays

The shelter review step is where many adopters lose time. Prepare the details below before applying so staff can verify your application faster.

✓Your legal name, phone number, email and current address.
✓Animal name, ID or profile screenshot from the official listing.
✓If renting: lease pet policy, landlord contact number, pet limit and breed/weight restrictions.
✓If you own or recently owned animals: vet records or veterinarian contact details.
✓If applying for a dog and you have a dog at home: plan for a required dog meet.
✓Household approval from adults, roommates, spouse, partner or family decision-makers.
✓Transport plan: leash, collar, harness, crate or cat carrier depending on the pet.
✓Budget for adoption fee, food, supplies, license, vet follow-up, preventives and training.

What Medical Care Is Included Before Adoption?

Burlington County’s adoption-process page says all cats and dogs receive a basic medical exam by a veterinary technician. It also states animals are dewormed, receive distemper shot and rabies vaccine when they arrive, are treated for parasites and basic medical problems when necessary, and cats/dogs are spayed or neutered before leaving.

Basic examCats and dogs receive a basic medical examination by a veterinary technician.
Vaccines and dewormingAnimals receive deworming, distemper shot and rabies vaccine when they arrive.
Parasite/basic careParasites and other basic medical issues may be treated when necessary.
Spay/neuterCats and dogs are spayed or neutered before leaving the shelter.
Wellness checkThe shelter recommends a wellness checkup with your own veterinarian after adoption.
Ask for recordsAsk how medical records, vaccine details and microchip/licensing notes are provided.

Burlington County Animal Shelter Adoption Fees

Adoption fees can change because Burlington County periodically runs promotions or fee-waived events. Recent county news has described typical fees around $75 for dogs and $45 for cats, with waivers for some seniors, veterans, active-duty/reserve service members and first responders during policy or event periods. Always confirm the current fee for the specific animal before payment.

Fee questionWhat to knowWhat to ask before paying
Are dog/cat fees always the same? No. Promotions, long-stay animals and county fee-waiver events can change pricing. “What is the current adoption fee for this exact animal today?”
Are there discounts? County announcements have referenced waivers for eligible seniors, military members and first responders. “Do I need proof of eligibility for a current discount or waiver?”
What is included? Ask about spay/neuter, vaccines, deworming, rabies, parasite treatment, microchip and paperwork. “What records go home with the animal?”
Can I pay by card? The county FAQ says credit cards are accepted. “Are there card fees or payment restrictions today?”

Lost or Found Pet in Burlington County

Friends of BCAS says Burlington County residents should always contact Burlington County Animal Shelter to file a report for all lost or found pets. The faster you act, the better your chance of reuniting a pet.

If you lost a pet Call 609-265-5073, search shelter listings, visit in person when recommended, update microchip contact info, post flyers and check local police/non-emergency reports.
If you found a pet Check for a tag if safe, arrange a microchip scan, report to Burlington County Animal Shelter and follow local animal-control or police non-emergency guidance.
Proof to reclaim Bring photos, vet records, rabies certificate, license information, microchip number, adoption paperwork and photo ID.
Do not wait Search at all local shelters regularly and in person when possible, especially for cats and animals without microchips.
Lost Pet Tips Call Shelter

Burlington County Animal Control and Municipal Service Area

Burlington County Animal Shelter is the county shelter and rabies control point, but many field-service calls begin with your local municipality, police non-emergency line or animal-control officer. If you found a stray, saw an injured animal, need a bite report, or have an urgent animal complaint, use the correct local route first if the shelter directs you there.

Emergency dangerCall 911 for immediate danger to people.
Stray or found animalContact Burlington County Animal Shelter and your municipality/animal-control route for instructions.
After-hours public health routeFor Health Department after-hours and holidays, county pages list Burlington County Central Communications at 609-267-8300.

Owner Surrender and Rehoming Help

Friends of the Burlington County Animal Shelter asks owners not to bring pets to the shelter without trying the support route first. Their surrender and rehoming page lets owners submit a request for each pet and notes that completing the form does not guarantee placement; a volunteer pet counselor may contact you to discuss ways to keep the pet out of the shelter.

Before surrendering Ask about rehoming help, temporary support, behavior resources, low-cost veterinary care, pet food support, and whether a rescue/foster option exists.
Do not abandon Never leave a pet outside, in a box, at a door, in a park, or after hours. Call and follow official instructions.

Prepare these details

  • Pet name, age, sex, species, breed or mix if known.
  • Spay/neuter status, vaccines, microchip, medical issues and medications.
  • Behavior history, bite history, fears, handling notes and other-pet/kid experience.
  • Reason for surrender and whether food, vet help, housing support or behavior help could prevent surrender.
  • Photos and honest personality notes for rehoming support.
Surrender & Rehoming Help

Friends of Burlington County Animal Shelter: Volunteer, Foster, Donate

Friends of BCAS is a nonprofit support group that helps improve outcomes for Burlington County shelter pets. Use official Friends pages for volunteer information, events, donations, lost-pet tips, low-cost spay/neuter resources, TNR information and rehoming support.

VolunteerHelp shelter pets through approved volunteer roles and current shelter-hour rules.
DonateUse official donation pages and wish-list routes, not random payment links.
Community resourcesLost-pet tips, low-cost spay/neuter, TNR and rehoming support can help keep pets safe.
Friends of BCAS Volunteer Info

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Trying to meet animals before reviewAnimals cannot be shown out of the cage until your application is completed and reviewed.
Forgetting landlord proofRenters should prepare pet-policy details and landlord contact information before applying.
Not bringing dog-meet plansIf you have a dog and apply for a dog, the shelter may require a dog meet.
Assuming online availability is finalPet listings can change while your application is under review.
Arriving near closingProcessing, questions and meet-and-greet steps take time. Arrive early.
Skipping the first vet visitThe shelter recommends a wellness checkup with your veterinarian after adoption.

Directions and Map to Burlington County Animal Shelter

The shelter is located at 35 Academy Drive, Westampton, NJ 08060. Friends of BCAS also lists 15 Pioneer Blvd, Westampton, NJ 08060 as a GPS address, which may help with route planning inside the county complex.

From NJ TurnpikeTake Exit 5, turn right onto Route 541, use the Woodlane Road jughandle, turn right at the stop sign, right at the second traffic light on Pioneer Blvd, then left on Academy Drive.
From I-295Take Exit 45A, turn left at the third traffic light on Irick Road, right at Woodlane Road, left at Pioneer Blvd, then left on Academy Drive.

Map is for visitor planning only. Confirm current hours, appointment status, pet availability and shelter instructions before traveling.

Burlington County Shelter Action Planner

Use this simple planner before you apply, call, visit, reclaim, surrender or report a found pet. It does not search the live shelter database.

Choose your situation above, then create your plan.

Burlington County Animal Shelter FAQ

Where is Burlington County Animal Shelter located?

Burlington County Animal Shelter is located at 35 Academy Drive, Westampton, NJ 08060. Friends of BCAS also lists 15 Pioneer Blvd, Westampton, NJ 08060 as a GPS address.

What is the Burlington County Animal Shelter phone number?

The main shelter phone number is 609-265-5073.

How do I adopt from Burlington County Animal Shelter?

View available animals online, submit the General Adoption Application, allow 24 to 72 hours for processing, complete the phone interview, and then schedule an in-person meet-and-greet.

Can I meet an animal before my application is reviewed?

No. The county shelter page says animals cannot be shown out of the cage until you have a completed and reviewed application.

How long does the adoption application take?

The county page says to allow 24 to 72 hours for application processing.

What should renters prepare before applying?

Renters should prepare lease pet-policy information or a landlord contact number so the shelter can verify pet rules.

Do I need to bring my dog for a dog adoption?

The adoption-process page says if you have another dog at home and are applying for a dog, the shelter may require a dog meet.

What medical care do adopted cats and dogs receive?

The county adoption-process page says cats and dogs receive a basic medical exam, deworming, distemper shot, rabies vaccine, parasite treatment when necessary, and spay/neuter before leaving.

Who should I contact for a lost or found pet in Burlington County?

Residents should contact Burlington County Animal Shelter at 609-265-5073 and also follow local police or animal-control reporting steps.

Can I surrender a pet directly to the shelter?

Do not simply arrive without checking. Friends of BCAS provides surrender and rehoming request routes and notes that placement is not guaranteed.

Final Takeaway

Burlington County Animal Shelter is the county shelter at 35 Academy Drive in Westampton. The key visitor details are the 609-265-5073 phone number, application-first adoption process, 24–72 hour review window, phone interview and scheduled meet-and-greet, landlord and vet-record preparation, possible dog-meet requirement, lost/found reporting role and rehoming support through Friends of BCAS.

Open Official County Shelter Page Back to Top
USA-wide shelter helper • adoption, lost pets, found pets, surrender and animal control

Animal Shelter Action Planner: Lost Pet, Found Pet, Adoption, Reclaim & Surrender Helper

Use this free tool to create a practical next-step plan before visiting or contacting an animal shelter, humane society, rescue, or animal control agency. It does not search a live shelter database, but it helps you prepare the right documents, questions, safety steps, and official-source searches.

Lost Pet PlanSearch, microchip, shelter checks, flyers
Found Pet HelpSafety, scanning, reporting, holding
Adoption PlannerReadiness, questions, supplies, budget
Visit ChecklistDocuments, call script, official links

Build a USA-wide shelter action plan

Select your situation and location. The tool will create a general action plan, search links, call questions, and a copyable checklist.

Important: Shelter rules vary by city, county, agency, and animal type. Always confirm hours, intake rules, fees, appointment requirements, and proof-of-ownership rules with the official shelter or animal control agency before visiting.

Lost pet recovery checklist

Check the steps you have completed. This helps you stay organized during the first urgent hours and days.

0% completed

Found pet safety decision helper

Use this when you find a stray or loose pet and need a safe next step.

Safety first: Do not approach an aggressive, injured, trapped, or traffic-endangered animal if doing so could put you or others at risk. Contact animal control, emergency services, or a qualified professional when needed.

Adoption readiness checker

This helps adopters prepare before visiting a shelter or rescue. It is not a guarantee of approval.

0% readiness signals checked

Pet reclaim document checklist

If your pet may be at a shelter, prepare proof before visiting. Exact requirements and fees vary by agency.

Owner surrender preparation helper

Surrender rules vary. Many shelters require appointments, proof of residence, behavior/medical information, and may offer alternatives.

Helpful reminder: Ask the shelter about pet food pantries, low-cost vet care, behavior support, temporary foster options, and safe rehoming resources before making a final decision.

Animal control contact decision helper

Choose the situation and get a general USA-wide contact path. Local rules may differ.

Emergency warning: If there is immediate danger to a person, a serious bite, traffic hazard, or active attack, contact local emergency services or animal control according to local rules.

Adoption and first-month budget planner

This is a planning guide, not a shelter fee database. Always confirm adoption fees and included services with the shelter.

Your generated shelter plan

Your action plan, search links, call script, checklist, or budget guide will appear here.

Start with the Planner tab

Select your state, city/county/ZIP, pet type, and goal. The tool will create a practical USA-wide shelter action plan.

USA-wide Shelter user intent Official-source focused

Privacy note: this tool runs in your browser. It does not send your entries to animal-shelter.org.

Independent shelter-help tool. Not affiliated with any animal shelter, humane society, rescue, animal control agency, city, county, state agency, veterinarian, or microchip company. Always confirm current rules, hours, fees, and requirements directly with the official organization.