Team members of Homeward Bound Pet Adoption Center provide care and find loving homes for Camden County’s companion animals.
An unwavering commitment to ending companion animal homelessness has been at the heart of Homeward Bound Pet Adoption Center’s mission.
Formerly known as the Camden County Animal Shelter, the Gloucester Township animal welfare organization has dedicated itself to community awareness, responsible pet ownership and ensuring every animal has a chance for a better life.
Homeward Bound’s roots trace back to 1997, when it was founded by the county commissioners. Operated by the nonprofit Homeward Bound Pet Adoption Center – initially established as the Animal Welfare Society of Camden County – the organization has evolved over the years to better reflect its expanding mission. In 2018, it adopted its current name to represent its ongoing commitment to animal welfare and community service.
The shelter has made strides in its mission, achieving a 96% save rate in 2021, a testament not only to its dedication, but to generous contributions, grants, and bequests that support its programs and operations. As the only animal shelter exclusively serving the city of Camden and one of the county’s top treatment providers, Homeward Bound takes in approximately 5,000 animals a year from 18 municipalities. Nearly half of them come from the city.
Homeward Bound is also actively working with other animal welfare groups to help the state achieve the “no-kill” by 2025 initiative launched by the Best Friends Animal Society. The goal is to end the unnecessary euthanasia of adoptable pets by fostering collaboration and awareness across communities.
The shelter’s commitment extends to any animal in need, regardless of the circumstances. Whether it’s a pet surrendered due to financial constraints or medical issues, a stray animal found abandoned, or an animal rescued from extreme neglect, Homeward Bound steps in to provide care, including housing and a loving environment.
In addition to housing animals, Homeward Bound operates a low-cost veterinary clinic that provides affordable and high-quality care to both shelter and public animals. Veterinarians in South Jersey perform routine surgeries and medical treatments, ensuring that financial limitations don’t become a barrier to proper pet care.
County commissioners completed a $1.5-million expansion of the shelter in 2015. This project increased the facility’s capacity, with more living and recreational space. A designated area was also created for the public to interact with and adopt pets, It features glass-walled acquaintance rooms to encourage shorter shelter stays for adoptable animals.
By 2018, the final phase of the expansion was complete, with state-of-the-art veterinary surgical facilities added to enhance the shelter’s capabilities. Earlier this month, Homeward Bound hosted a special adoption event, offering $12 adoption fees for dogs over a four-day period. While small dogs and puppies were excluded from the discount, the initiative underscored the shelter’s mission to find loving homes for as many animals as possible.
Commissioner Jeffrey Nash, liaison to the animal shelter, emphasized the importance of the event.
“Our shelter is full of loving animals just waiting to find a home,” he said. “If you can, take advantage of this discount and visit the Homeward Bound Pet Adoption Center this week.”
For more information about the shelter and its initiatives, visit homewardboundnj.org.
