Gloucester County Animal Shelter, Adoption & Pets 2026

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Verified Gloucester County Shelter Guide

Gloucester County Animal Shelter Guide: Adoption, Pets, Lost Animals, Animal Control, Fees & Map

Use this 2026 Gloucester County Animal Shelter guide when you need the official address, phone number, adoption office hours, pet list, adoption fees, animal control routing, lost pet steps, volunteer/foster help, video guidance, and map for the county shelter in Clayton, New Jersey.

View Adoptable Pets Call 856-881-2828 Open Map
Official shelter address 1200 N Delsea Drive, Clayton, NJ 08312
Main phone 856-881-2828
Phone menu Press 1 Adoptions · Press 2 Animal Control · Press 3 General Questions

Quick Answer: What is Gloucester County Animal Shelter?

Gloucester County Animal Shelter, often called GCAS, is the county animal shelter in Clayton, New Jersey. The official county page says the shelter functions as an impoundment and adoption facility for the public and handles more than 3,000 domestic animals per year.

Fastest route: call 856-881-2828. Press 1 for adoptions, 2 for animal control, or 3 for administration/general questions. For adoptable pets, use the official county pet list page first.

Choose what you need today

Most visitors come to this page with one urgent task. Tap the matching option below and go straight to the section that solves it.

Adopt a Pet Pet list, application, fees, what to bring. Adoption Fees Dog, cat, senior, veteran and senior citizen fees. Lost Pet Help Report, reclaim, microchip and search steps. Found a Pet Stray animal and after-hours guidance. Animal Control Bites, cruelty, wildlife, emergencies and non-emergencies. Surrender Help Alternatives and what to ask before giving up a pet. Volunteer or Foster Age rule, orientation, foster needs and support. Video Guide Visual shelter/adoption context before visiting.

Verified Gloucester County Animal Shelter facts

Official nameGloucester County Animal Shelter
County / stateGloucester County, New Jersey
Address1200 N Delsea Drive, Clayton, NJ 08312
Main phone856-881-2828
Adoption office hoursMon 12 PM–4 PM; Tue–Thu 8 AM–6 PM; Fri–Sat 8 AM–4 PM
ClosedSunday and all national holidays
Before you drive: confirm current hours and pet availability with the official county site. Shelter hours, holiday hours, special adoption promotions, animal availability, and emergency procedures can change.

Video Guide: See Gloucester County Animal Shelter before you adopt

Video can help users understand the shelter environment and adoption intent before visiting. Official county video results were limited, so this section uses a Gloucester County Animal Shelter video that directly supports the user’s adoption and pre-visit research intent.

How to use this video: watch it for general shelter context, then use the official pet list, adoption services page, and phone line for current pet availability, fees, hours, and approval steps.

Gloucester County Animal Shelter adoption process

Start with the official pet list, then contact the shelter if you have questions. Gloucester County’s pet list page says adoption questions should go to 856-881-2828 ext. 1 for adoptions.

Check the official pet list.
Use the county pet list page to see currently available dogs, cats, and other pets. Petfinder can be helpful, but always confirm through the official shelter.
Contact the adoption office.
Call 856-881-2828 and press 1 for adoptions if you have a question about a specific pet, timing, application status, or meet-and-greet needs.
Bring the full family if possible.
The official adoption page encourages the entire family to meet the pet being adopted. This reduces surprises after the pet comes home.
Prepare current dogs for a meet.
Dog adoptions require all dogs in the household to meet the shelter dog. Plan extra time and ask what leash, vaccine, or handling rules apply.
Ask practical questions.
Shelter staff can answer questions about the pet, spay/neuter, housetraining, scratching for cats, veterinary care, fleas and ticks, and other adjustment concerns.
Review the contract and fee.
When you choose a pet, expect to sign an adoption contract and pay the applicable fee unless the pet qualifies for a waived or discounted fee.
Official Pet List Adoption Services

Gloucester County Animal Shelter adoption fees

Gloucester County’s official adoption services page lists the following fees. Promotions may reduce or waive fees during the year, so confirm the final amount before adopting.

Adoption type Official listed fee What to ask before adoption
Cats / kittens 5 years and younger $95 Ask about carrier, spay/neuter status, FeLV/FIV test timing, microchip, and adjustment tips.
Cats 6 years and older Adoption fee waived Ask about senior cat health, medication, litter habits, and quiet-home needs.
Dogs / puppies 5 years and younger $125 Ask about dog meet requirements, training, leash behavior, energy level, and heartworm test records.
Dogs 6 years and older Adoption fee waived Ask about mobility, stairs, dental needs, medication, and daily exercise comfort.
Military veterans $35 discounted fee Residents should contact the animal shelter for qualifications.
Senior citizens $35 The county page describes this as a $35 spay/neuter fee and no adoption fee.
What the fee includes: the official county page says dog adoptions include items such as age-appropriate vaccinations, heartworm antigen test, collar, leash, microchip, nasal Bordetella, spay/neuter and worming. Cat adoptions include age-appropriate vaccinations, disposable cat carrier, FeLV/FIV combination test for cats 12 weeks and older, microchip, spay/neuter and worming.

What to bring before adopting from Gloucester County Animal Shelter

Valid IDBring a current photo ID and your best phone/email contact information.
Family decision-makersThe county encourages the entire family to meet the pet. This is especially important with children or first-time adopters.
Current dogsDog adoptions require household dogs to meet the shelter dog. Call ahead and ask how to prepare.
Housing permissionIf you rent, confirm pet rules, breed limits, size limits, pet deposits, and landlord permission before applying.
Transport planUse a safe leash setup for dogs and a secure carrier for cats. Do not plan to carry a cat loose to the car.
Questions listWrite down questions about vaccines, microchip, spay/neuter, behavior, feeding, housetraining, scratching, fleas, ticks, and first-week adjustment.

Lost dog or cat in Gloucester County: what to do first

If your pet is missing, act quickly. Gloucester County Animal Shelter functions as an impoundment and adoption facility, so lost-pet searches should include the official shelter, microchip lookup, local animal control, and daily checking.

Call the shelter.
Call 856-881-2828. Use the phone menu and explain that your pet is missing. Provide species, breed or mix, color, sex, collar, microchip status, and last-known location.
Check the official lost pet page.
Use Gloucester County’s official lost pet/report route if available from the animal shelter navigation.
Update the microchip.
Use AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup and contact the chip registry. A chip is only useful if the phone and email are current.
Search physically.
Walk your neighborhood, check under decks, porches, sheds, garages, and wooded edges. Ask neighbors to check cameras and outbuildings.
Use multiple listing sites.
Check official shelter listings, Petfinder, Adopt-a-Pet, local lost/found groups, and neighborhood apps. Do not rely on one platform.
Bring proof of ownership.
Bring photos, vet records, microchip registration, license records, adoption paperwork, or other proof if you believe your pet is at the shelter.
Do not wait. Shelters may have holding rules and adoption timelines. The safest move is to call, search, and check back repeatedly until the pet is found.

Found a pet in Gloucester County: safe next steps

Finding a dog or cat does not automatically mean the animal is abandoned. A frightened indoor cat or escaped dog can look dirty, thin, or scared after a short time outside. Try to identify the owner and involve the proper shelter or animal control route.

Do not leave animals after hoursThe official shelter page asks people not to leave animals at the shelter after business hours. If you find a stray after hours, make every effort to keep the pet comfortable until the shelter is open.
Call before transportingCall 856-881-2828 and ask what to do, especially if the animal is injured, aggressive, sick, or found after hours.
Scan for a microchipA shelter or veterinary clinic may be able to scan for a chip and contact the owner.
Do not give away quicklyPosting is helpful, but require proof of ownership and use the official lost/found process when possible.

Gloucester County Animal Control: non-emergency vs emergency

Gloucester County says its Animal Control Division provides many animal-related services to county residents. The official animal control page also explains how the after-hours phone system works.

Main number856-881-2828, press 2 for Animal Control.
After-hours non-emergencySelect 1 for a non-emergency situation.
After-hours emergencySelect 2 for an emergency; the call may transfer to a 911 dispatcher for assessment.
Animal control examples on the official page include: animal bites, animal cruelty, bats, deceased animals, emergency services, stray animals, traps and wildlife.
Immediate danger: call 911 for life-threatening situations, in-progress cruelty, active attacks, or immediate public safety risks. Do not use this website as an emergency dispatcher.

Surrendering or rehoming a pet in Gloucester County

Owner surrender rules can change based on capacity, health, behavior, residency, and available kennel or cage space. Do not arrive with an owned pet without calling first. Ask whether appointments, fees, paperwork, waiting lists, or alternatives apply.

Before callingWrite down the pet’s age, species, breed, sex, spay/neuter status, vaccine history, medical conditions, behavior notes, bite history, and the reason you need help.
Ask about spaceShelters may not have immediate capacity for every owner-surrender request. Call first and be honest about urgency.
Ask about alternativesFood help, behavior support, rehoming tools, breed rescues, family networks, and temporary foster help may keep some pets out of the shelter.
Understand finalityIf a pet is formally surrendered, you may lose decision-making rights. Ask the shelter to explain the process clearly.

Volunteer, foster or donate to Gloucester County Animal Shelter

Gloucester County’s volunteer page says volunteers can help with tasks such as light cleaning, laundry, escorting potential pet parents through adoption areas, socializing cats and kittens, and walking dogs. Potential volunteers must be over 18 years old and complete a volunteer application and orientation.

Volunteer age rulePotential volunteers must be over 18 years of age.
OrientationStart with the official volunteer application, then attend orientation.
Foster needsFoster homes may be needed for sick pets, mothers with litters, bottle-fed babies, or animals needing socialization or training.
DonateUse official county donation, wish list, or shelter support links. Avoid dropping off items the shelter has not requested.
Volunteer & Foster Info Official Shelter Page

Call scripts for Gloucester County Animal Shelter

Use a short, clear script so staff can route you correctly.

Adoption script: “Hi, I’m interested in adopting [pet name or type]. I saw the pet on the official county pet list. Can you tell me whether the pet is still available, what the next step is, and whether a meet-and-greet is required?”

Lost pet script: “Hi, my [dog/cat] is missing near [street/town]. The pet is [description], has [collar/microchip], and I can send photos. Has a matching animal been brought in?”

Animal control script: “Hi, I need to report [bite/stray/sick animal/wildlife/cruelty concern] at [exact location]. Is this handled by Gloucester County Animal Control, and is it considered emergency or non-emergency?”

Gloucester County Animal Shelter map and visit planning

The shelter is listed at 1200 N Delsea Drive, Clayton, NJ 08312. Before leaving, call if you need a specific service, because adoption, animal control, lost pet, surrender, and volunteer questions may use different routing.

Visit tip: adoption office hours are Monday 12 PM–4 PM, Tuesday through Thursday 8 AM–6 PM, and Friday/Saturday 8 AM–4 PM. The adoption office is closed Sunday and all national holidays.

Official Gloucester County Animal Shelter links

Main shelter pageGloucester County Animal Shelter
Adoptable petsOur Pet List
Adoption servicesAdoption Services
Animal controlAnimal Control Services
Volunteer and fosterVolunteers & Fostering
Microchip lookupAAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup

Common mistakes to avoid

Only checking social mediaUse the official pet list and call the shelter for current status.
Forgetting household dogsDog adoptions require all dogs in the household to meet the shelter dog.
Waiting on a lost petCall, search, check microchip records, and keep checking. Do not wait for one website to update.
Dropping animals after hoursThe official shelter page asks people not to leave animals after business hours.
Assuming fees never changePromotions can reduce or waive fees. Confirm the current fee before visiting.
Using the wrong emergency pathCall 911 for immediate danger; use animal control routing for non-emergency concerns.

Gloucester County Animal Shelter FAQs

The main phone number is 856-881-2828. Press 1 for adoptions, 2 for animal control, or 3 for administration and general questions.

The shelter is located at 1200 N Delsea Drive, Clayton, NJ 08312.

The adoption office is open Monday 12 PM–4 PM, Tuesday through Thursday 8 AM–6 PM, and Friday/Saturday 8 AM–4 PM. It is closed Sunday and all national holidays.

Official listed fees are $95 for cats/kittens 5 years and younger, $125 for dogs/puppies 5 years and younger, and waived adoption fees for cats and dogs 6 years and older. Military veterans and senior citizens may qualify for a $35 discounted fee.

Yes. The official adoption services page says dog adoptions require all dogs in the household to meet the shelter dog.

Yes. The county has an official pet list page and links users to current adoptable pets.

Call the shelter, use the official lost pet route, update your microchip information, check shelter listings, search nearby areas, and bring proof of ownership if you believe your pet is at the shelter.

Yes. Gloucester County says the shelter provides Animal Control services, and the main phone menu includes an animal control option. Call 856-881-2828 and press 2 for Animal Control.

No. The official shelter page asks people not to leave animals at the shelter after business hours. If you find a stray after hours, try to keep the pet comfortable until the shelter is open or call for proper guidance.

Yes. Potential volunteers must be over 18 years old, complete a volunteer application, and attend orientation.

Yes. The county says foster homes may be needed for sick dogs or cats, mothers with litters, bottle-fed babies, and animals that need socialization or training.

No. Animal-Shelter.org is an independent directory guide. The official source is Gloucester County’s government website.

Emergency routing and independent-site disclaimer

Life-threatening or in-progress cruelty: call 911. Pet poisoning: call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 1-888-426-4435; a fee may apply. Crisis for the handler or owner: call or text 988. For urgent wildlife or emergency animal help, use a qualified emergency veterinarian, municipal authority, or Animal Help Now where appropriate.

Animal-Shelter.org is an independent animal shelter and animal control directory. We are not Gloucester County Animal Shelter, not animal control, not an emergency dispatcher, not a shelter, not a humane society, not an SPCA, not a veterinarian, not a wildlife rehabilitator, not a microchip registry, not a pet poison hotline, not a federal regulator, not police, and not an attorney. Always confirm current hours, fees, policies, pet availability, animal-control routing, and emergency instructions with the official county source.

Final summary

For Gloucester County Animal Shelter, use the official county pet list for adoptable animals, call 856-881-2828 for direct routing, visit 1200 N Delsea Drive in Clayton, and confirm hours before driving. Adoption users should check fees and meet-and-greet needs, lost-pet users should act quickly, and animal-control users should separate emergency from non-emergency situations.

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.