Animal Shelter Achieves “No Kill” Designation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Perth Amboy Animal Shelter Achieves “No Kill” Designation

Shelter recognized for saving more than 90 percent of animals that come through

PERTH AMBOY, NJ (December 11, 2025)

The Perth Amboy Animal Shelter is officially designated as a “No-Kill Shelter” by the Best Friends Network, a milestone recognizing the facility’s success in saving more than 90 percent of the animals that come through its doors.

The distinction places the facility among a prestigious community of more than 5,000 shelters and animal welfare groups nationwide dedicated to saving the lives of homeless pets.

“This designation reflects the heart of our community and the dedication of our city staff,” Mayor Helmin J. Caba said. “Achieving ‘No-Kill’ status is a significant milestone that requires patience, resources and a deep commitment to animal welfare. I want to commend our shelter staff for their tireless work in trying to ensure every adoptable animal gets a second chance at life.”

While this is the first time the shelter has received official recognition for its “no kill” philosophy, the staff has long operated well above the 90 percent save rate criteria.

“Our job is not just to get these animals off the streets. It’s to find them safe, caring homes where they can lead happy lives,” Shelter Manager Joseph Lipari said. “Our approach at the shelter is always to exhaust every option we can to keep animals alive and healthy.”

Located at 597 Fayette St., the shelter is smaller than facilities in more populated neighboring cities. However, Lipari notes that the shelter draws significant attention from residents in other municipalities specifically because of its reputation for high-quality animal care.

When the shelter receives a stray animal, it is held for seven days to allow the owner time to reclaim it. All rescued animals are posted to the shelter’s Facebook page to assist in reunification. If the animal is not claimed after seven days, the shelter assumes ownership and coordinates necessary veterinary care, including vaccinations and spaying or neutering.

Lost and Found Pet Procedures

To assist the shelter in maintaining these high standards, the City asks for the public's cooperation regarding lost and found protocols:

Lost Pets: Please visit the shelter during operating hours to complete a lost pet report.

Found Pets During Normal Hours: If you find a stray dog or cat during shelter operating hours, bring the animal directly to the shelter.

Found Pets After Hours: If you find a pet outside operating hours, call the Perth Amboy Police Department at (732) 324-3800 to report it. If you are able to keep the animal until the shelter reopens safely, this can help reduce stress while the owner is being located. If that is not possible, you may bring the animal to the Police Department. A valid city ID is required when dropping off an animal.

“By following these procedures, residents help ensure that lost animals are processed quickly and given the best chance of reunification or adoption,” Lipari said.

Adoption Requirements

Residents interested in adopting a pet must:

Be at least 18 years of age.
Complete an application in person at the shelter office.
Provide identification showing proof of current residence.
Provide proof of landlord or property owner permission to keep a dog or cat on the premises.

Fostering Opportunities

The shelter also offers a fostering program where residents can temporarily care for animals for an agreed amount of time. At the end of the foster period, animals are either returned to the shelter or permanently adopted. Apply to foster an animal here.

For more information, including full shelter hours and how to begin the adoption process, visit the shelter’s website here.