St. Hubert's Animal Welfare Center is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or persons involved in a case of alleged animal cruelty.
On the evening of Jan. 23, a St. Hubert's Animal Control Officer responded to a call about a small dog who was abandoned in the freezing cold outside an apartment complex in Irvington, New Jersey. The dog, who rescuers named Lux, had been tied with a rope to a pole on the corner of North Maple Avenue and Eastern Parkway. Lux was extremely matted and in intense pain. The matting not only blocked circulation to one of his paws, it pinched and pulled at his skin with every little movement.
Our officer rushed Lux to an emergency veterinary hospital, where the medical team gently cut away the mats and treated him for his wounds. Unfortunately, Lux's paw was so severely damaged, his entire leg had to be amputated.
St. Hubert's is looking for anyone who may have noticed anything unusual near the area of North Maple Avenue and Eastern Parkway in Irvington on Jan. 23, as well as anyone who recognizes the dog or has information about those responsible for his condition. If you have information, please call 973-377-2295.
"We need help from our community to help find those responsible for this act of animal cruelty," said Chris Schindler, Vice President of Field Services. "We're hopeful this reward will encourage anyone with information to come forward as soon as possible."
St. Hubert's is using its emergency fund designated to cover the expense of medical care and rehabilitation of animals like Lux. We are asking for donations (www.sthuberts.org/lux-dog-5) to pay for Lux's medical care and to help other animals with critical medical needs.
St. Hubert’s Welcomes 15,000th WayStation Dog
St. Hubert’s welcomed our 15,000th transport animal this week. We’re proud to have relocated 15,000 dogs for adoption since the WayStation program launched in 2016. We cheered the arrival of Andrea, our VIP (very important pup), at Morristown Airport and then had a celebration back at the adoption center. Andrea loved her cake made of cheese, peanut butter, and dog biscuits.
Andrea came to us from Remo's Rescue in Mississippi via a Wings of Rescue transport in partnership with the ASPCA. We are so grateful to over 80 partners including Remo’s Rescue and Wings of Rescue for their amazing partnership over the last four years. Special thanks to PetSmart Charities and Freshpet for their incredible support of our WayStation program. We couldn’t do this critical work without your support.
Learn more about St. Hubert’s WayStation program which has emerged as the best in-class transport program in the nation. With our movement of animals throughout the country, the WayStation has created unprecedented collaboration among sheltering organizations to address population disparity and root challenges in communities.
Share Your Adoption Story and Help St. Hubert's Earn $100K
Has your adopted pet changed your life? Share your story and help St. Hubert’s earn $100,000 this holiday season. The Petco Foundation, together with BOBS from Skechers, want 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 Holiday Wishes grant award for their adoption organization and winning adopters will receive a Petco shopping spree and BOBS from Skechers shoes.
Submit your Holiday Wishes story by September 23
If you’ve adopted a pet from St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center, and they are still living, share how your pet impacts your life for the better, every day.
Visit petcofoundation.org/holidaywishes to register and submit your story and photos.
When prompted to enter the organization where you adopted your pet, search for and select “St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center” in the search box.
Please enter the following information so St. Hubert’s can be eligible for a grant award:
Email contact for the organization: development@sthuberts.org
Organization phone number: 973-377-7094
Month and year your pet was adopted. If you aren’t sure, please enter your best guest.
Write your story in 500 words or less.
Upload at least four photos to support your story: one photo of just your pet, one photo of you or your family with your pet, and two additional photos of your choice. You can also include video clips to help illustrate the bond between you and your pet. Visit petcofoundation.org/holidaywishes to read prior year’s winning entries and get some inspiration. Remember, good stories will show how your pet changed your life.
Submit your story and photos to petcofoundation.org/holidaywishes by September 23, noon CST. But hurry because only the first 10,000 stories are guaranteed to be reviewed.
Winners will be announced during the holiday season. Finalists will receive a Petco shopping spree up to $1,000 and BOBS from Skechers shoes, and the organization they adopted from will receive a grant award ranging from $5,000 up to $100,000. For more information, visit petcofoundation.org/holidaywishes and join the conversation on social media using #HolidayWishes.
View answers to frequently asked questions.
Additional Questions? Email development@sthuberts.org
Help us celebrate Clear The Shelters all month long!
St. Hubert’s is excited to once again join NBC New York to host Clear the Shelters. This year has been unique, which is why we’re doing things a little differently for Clear the Shelters 2020. Instead of dedicating just one day to the event, we’ll be virtually celebrating all month long with several ways you can participate. Here’s how you can help.
Adopt a new best friend
We have wonderful animals who still need homes and it’s imperative we continue to find adoptive families for the animals in our care. Learn more about our adoption process here.
Q: Will you be doing an in-person pet adoption drive on August 29?
A: No, but we are thrilled to be able to offer virtual adoption services in addition to offering adoptions by appointment every day at our Madison shelter. We have many wonderful animals waiting to meet you.
Q: Will you be waiving adoption fees for Clear the Shelters?
A: Standard adoption fees will apply for all animals. Like many animal welfare organizations across the country, the COVID-19 crisis continues to stretch us beyond our limits financially. Thank you to our community for your ongoing support which has allowed us to keep our doors open and to ramp up our efforts to meet the needs of the New Jersey region and beyond.
Q: What if I’m interested in adopting a specific breed or age animal?
A: All available animals are updated in real time at www.sthuberts.org/animals-available-for-adoption. We encourage you to continue to check our website and learn more about our adoption process at www.sthuberts.org/adoption-process. Additionally, our adoption counselors are happy to help ensure you’re making the best match for your family based on the animal's individual personality and your lifestyle.
Foster an animal in need
Not ready to adopt? Fostering an animal in need helps us create a virtual shelter in the community for our most vulnerable animals. On any given day our fosters double the number of animals we can rescue, and they give an animal the best possible place to wait to find a loving home. We are particularly in need of fosters for medium to large size dogs.
Donate money or supplies
Clear the Shelters has partnered with GreaterGood.org to help support St. Hubert’s essential work year-round. Your donation will help support the animals in our care, from medical treatments to daily enrichment and beyond. Donate here: sthuberts.org/supportcts
Please visit cleartheshelters.com to access more information about Clear the Shelters, including the full list of local participating animal shelters.
A Continued Commitment to the St. Hubert's Community
A message from Michelle Thevenin, St. Hubert’s Chief Operating Officer:
We know many of our communities – adopters, volunteers and supporters – are anxious to return to our campuses at Madison, North Branch and Noah’s. We are nearly six months into our pandemic response here at St. Hubert’s and we’re trying out new ways of doing our work, while still under fairly tight disease control protocols.
We will continue to do adoptions by appointment at our Madison facility and virtually through our foster network. We have nearly 300 animals (mostly cats!) in foster homes waiting for their forever homes. For more information, visit www.sthuberts.org/adoption-process.
Our Animal Control Officers continue to work from our Madison and North Branch locations.
We have limited volunteer opportunities at all three locations, which are being carefully scheduled to ensure appropriate physical distancing. This is especially true in our smaller locations (Noah’s and North Branch).
While we will not be housing adoptable animals at our North Branch and Noah’s locations, we will be hosting adoption events at these sites.
Doggie Day Camp has opened!
Critter Camp has gone virtual!
New training classes will start on Saturday, August 8 with strict physical distancing protocols to maintain everyone’s safety. We will offer in-person group classes and private lessons, drop-off training classes, and virtual classes, workshops and private lessons. More details and schedules are coming soon.
We can accept limited donations at all three of our sites. Pet food and cat litter are the most urgent needs. These donations help supply our pet food bank and help keep pets with the families that care for them.
We will continue to keep our staff and volunteers safe, while providing the best care for the animals in our communities. Thank you for your support and care!
Celebrating a Year Since the Rescue of 188 Parson Russell Terriers
We are celebrating one year of freedom for 188 Parson Russell Terriers rescued from a horrific hoarding situation in Hunterdon County. St. Hubert’s had been called in by the prosecutor’s office to remove, shelter and care for the dogs. Most were so fearful, they needed months to learn how to trust people. Over the past year, it’s been gratifying to see these dogs get adopted into safe, loving homes, where they could finally experience simple joys like walking on grass and playing with toys.
As we look back, we are grateful to everyone who played an integral part in rescuing, caring for, socializing, and adopting the dogs. Thanks to our staff, fosters, volunteers, plus the Hunterdon County Prosecutors Office, MSPCA-Angell, Dakin Humane Society, RedRover, Morris County Animal Response Team, Morris County Office of Emergency Management and nearly 20 partner organizations that welcomed these very special dogs into their care.
A Message to Our Community
At St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center, we have a long history of speaking for those who have no voice, and who struggle to be heard.
This has never been more important than it is today. The horrific killing of George Floyd shines a bright light on the inequities that have persisted through the entire life of our nation. His needless death makes all too clear the systemic injustices that people of color face every day.
We need to rise each morning with a resolve to make our world a kinder and more compassionate place. Our work is anchored in removing barriers, building bridges, fostering equity, and creating and preserving families.
As the employees and communities we love and serve mourn, we stand solidly with those who seek systemic change, justice, and a social fabric that embraces everyone equally. And as animal welfare professionals, we must always remember to keep the human in humane.
Pet Preparedness Guide
What’s Your Pet Plan?
While it’s not fun to imagine, now is an important time to create a plan for your pet in case you get sick. We strongly encourage you gather any members of your household and walk through the following steps to ensure your animals will be well cared for in the event of an emergency.
Know the Facts
According to the CDC, there is no evidence that people can get COVID-19 from pets. The best place for your animal is inside the home they know and love. If you aren’t feeling well but are still able to provide care for your pet, please keep them at home with you where they’re most comfortable.
What happens if I get sick?
If you do become too ill to physically care for your pet or you need to be hospitalized, who can take over for you? Is there anyone else in your home who could help? Maybe a neighbor, friend, coworker, or family member who could take them in? Even a groomer, daycare, or boarding facility may be able to help in your time of need with advance notice. But the most important thing you can do today is come up with two potential pet plans and talk directly with those people so they’re prepared in case they’re called to action.
Prepare a Pet Supply Kit
It may not seem necessary today, but we promise it will be hugely helpful if you find yourself in an emergency situation without the ability to track down the proper supplies. If possible, your kit should include:
Name and contact information for the person who can care for your pets
Name and contact information for your back-up in case your go-to is no longer able to help
Food, treats, a leash, a couple of toys, and any other supplies necessary to care for your pet for at least two weeks
A crate or carrier to transport your pet
Vaccination records
Collar with ID tags (don’t forget to make sure their microchip info is up to date)
Medications and prescriptions, along with instructions
Daily care instructions
Your vet's contact information
With your whole family on board and a plan in place, you’ll feel a bit better about your pet’s safety knowing they’re in good hands no matter what challenges may arise. For more info, please visit sthuberts.org/covid19.
Our Continued Commitment
As we learn more about COVID-19 each day, and as our elected officials continue to issue community directives to best protect people during this pandemic, we are absorbing information, making decisions, and adapting quickly. You would be very proud to see our amazing team rising to the occasion and innovating in countless ways!
Last week, the Mayor of Washington, DC issued an order closing non-essential businesses. HRA and our core activities are considered essential to the running of the nation’s capital. Likewise, in New Jersey, the Governor issued a stay-at-home order for non-essential businesses, but St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center and our core activities are considered essential to the health and well-being of the communities we serve.
The animals still need a safe place to be cared for, and our officers will remain on the road. We are working closely with the government officials, and we are well-positioned to learn of any changes in the operations in all our communities.
In response, we’ve made some critical changes to our operations to ensure the safety and well-being of our staff, the animals in our care, and the public:
In Washington, we have moved our adoptable animals into foster homes and launched virtual adoptions. On March 26, our DC shelters closed for adoptions. This change has been wonderful for the animals; instead of waiting in a kennel, they are awaiting adoption in a loving home environment. This also is good for adopters, who are practicing social distancing – the adoptions process can be done from the comfort of their living rooms.
At St. Hubert’s, we successfully launched our new drive-through foster pickup process and established safer ways for adopters to meet the animals. Effective March 25, our New Jersey shelters closed to the public except by appointment from 4-6 p.m. Community members have overwhelmed us with their generous offer to foster our animals in their homes.
Another important change we have made is that we have temporarily suspended spay and neuter surgeries and for the time being we are adopting out intact animals at all our locations. Adopters will receive a waiver so they can return with their animal at a later date for the surgery, and our staff will stay in communication with the adopters so they are informed and encouraged to return as soon as we are able to perform the surgeries. This has been a very difficult decision, and one that our shelter colleagues across the country are also making. The shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) has put healthcare providers in the human medicine field at great risk. Animal care and control organizations across the country have been asked (and in some situations mandated) to provide these valuable resources to human healthcare facilities, and we want to support the heroic efforts of our human healthcare providers.
Despite the challenges posed by the virus, our field services teams in DC and NJ remain hard at work. Unfortunately, animal cruelty and neglect doesn’t stop during a pandemic, and we won’t stop either. You may have seen the video we shared last week showing the nine dogs we rescued from an apartment in SE DC. Our officers, acting on a tip from a good Samaritan, found the dogs living among their own waste, without access to food or water. We rescued five puppies and four adult dogs. The puppies were in especially bad shape and we made it to them just in time. The good news is, they are now getting the care they need and deserve.
Early last week we received some wonderful news: we are being asked to serve as a recipient and distributor – both in DC and in New Jersey – of major pet food donations from Greater Good. We will distribute this food to families in need in all the communities we serve. We are also coordinating with other shelters and animal welfare organizations in our regions so they can share this food with families in their communities. Our work to keep families together is more essential now than it ever has been.
We are only able to continue this life saving work during such a challenging time because of you. Thank you for your support, and please stay in touch. We would love to see photos of you and your pets! Rest assured that we are in close touch with our governmental and animal welfare partners so we can continue with our essential work in the safest and most effective way possible. Stay safe and be well, and we will keep in touch.
A Message from Lisa LaFontaine on COVID-19
As communities respond to the respiratory disease caused by a new coronavirus (COVID-19), it is important to have plans for your pets as well as yourself. The virus has been identified in the communities we serve and in order to keep families together, we ask that you include your pets in plans you make in response to this emerging situation.
What happens to my pet if I get sick?
Keep your pet home with you, avoid close contact and follow good hygiene.
The CDC recommends the following: “You should restrict contact with pets and other animals while you are sick with COVID-19, just like you would around other people. Although there have not been reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19, it is still recommended that people sick with COVID-19 limit contact with animals until more information is known about the virus. When possible, have another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick. If you are sick with COVID-19, avoid contact with your pet, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food. If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wash your hands before and after you interact with pets and wear a facemask.”
How can I prepare now in case I get sick?
It is important to have a plan in place for all members of your household to respond to any emergency, including illness. In addition to preparations typically recommended for any natural disaster threat, put a plan in place if you become ill and need to be hospitalized.
Please visit our emergency preparedness guide and think through what provisions you would need for you and your pet if you were quarantined for an extended period of time and also if you needed to find temporary alternate housing for your pet should you become unable to care for your pet.
Can I catch the virus from my pet or vice versa?
Both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as the World Organization for Animal Health have issued advisories saying there is no evidence that companion animals can spread the virus and “there is no justification in taking measures against companion animals which may compromise their welfare.”
This is a rapidly evolving situation and we encourage you to regularly consult the websites for the NJ Health and the CDC. As always, contact your veterinarian and your physician if you suspect that you or your pet has been exposed to the virus.
St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center and the Humane Rescue Alliance are taking all the necessary steps to protect the health and well-being of the animals in our care, our staff, and the communities we serve. At this time, our operations will continue as normal. Please consult St. Hubert's website for updates on hours and information.
