Ready to apply to adopt a dog?
You must live within 90 minutes of Chester NJ to be considered
When we choose to rescue a dog or cat, we may not know the story of their past—their struggles, how they lived, whether they were loved, or the hidden challenges they carry. The moment we bring them into our care, we make a promise to stand by them, no matter what, for the rest of their lives.
Every life we touch becomes a part of our family, and it’s an honor to walk this journey of love and compassion with them.
Our Adoptable Dogs
Bear - FOSTER NEEDED
Bear is a 2 1/2 year old 43 lb. Labrador mix. He is considered one of our project dogs because he is very fearful. He is timid around men but will warm up with a bit of time and patience.
Bear is currently in a board-and-train program to build the confidence he needs to navigate the world around him. He has had a rough start, and we hope that with the help of a loving, patient foster home, when he returns, he will finally find the peace and love he deserves.
Bear is affectionate and sweet with those he knows and loves. We are looking for a home with no other dogs or cats so he has no distractions. We will provide a trainer to work with the foster family.
Would you be willing to give this special boy a chance?
If interested, please fill out an application at njshpeterescue.org - must be located within 60 minutes of Chester, NJ.
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Labrador Mix
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Male
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About 43 pounds
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Birthdate: 10/14/2023
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Color: Black/White
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Up-to-date with vaccinations
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Reaction to new people: Cautious
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Leash trained, Crate trained, Does well in a car, Likes toys, Lap pet, Playful, Skittish, Intelligent, Even-tempered, Gentle
If you are interested, submit an application at njshpetrescue.org
* You must live within 90 minutes of Chester, NJ to be considered as an in-person home visit is required for all adoptions.
Buddy
MEET BUDDY!! This little nugget is 6 years old, 10 lbs. and deaf. Buddy is good with other dogs but doesn't want to be bothered by them. While he greets his foster mom with kisses when she gets home, Buddy would do best in a quiet home. Although he is fearful, he really wants to be loved.
He is neutered, current on shots, microchipped, and just had a dental done.
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Chihuahua
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Male
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About 10 pounds
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Birthdate: 12/4/2019
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Color: Tan/White
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Up-to-date with vaccinations
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Good with dogs and children
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Reaction to new people: Friendly
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Affectionate, Lap pet, Deaf
If you are interested, submit an application at njshpetrescue.org
* You must live within 90 minutes of Chester, NJ to be considered as an in-person home visit is required for all adoptions.
Cooper
Cooper is 8 years old and about 23 pounds. He is affectionate, crate trained, enjoys toys and playing fetch, walks nicely on leash and enjoys car rides. Cooper was raised in one home since he was a puppy. His life there was very stressful which led to him being fearful of loud noises. He will need a quiet environment with someone who will give him time and space to feel comfortable in his new surroundings.
Cooper is neutered, current on his shots, microchipped, loving, warm and friendly.
Do you live alone, have no other animals, have a fenced in yard and are able to put him away when you have company? If so, Cooper may be the dog for you.
He is an excellent companion, he just can’t take a lot of excitement.
Cooper is enjoying a walk here
Watch Cooper entertain himself here
See Cooper's Photo Album here
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Beagle
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Male
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About 23 pounds
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Birthdate: 7/29/2016 (exact)
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Color: Tricolor
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Good with dogs
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Up-to-date with vaccinations
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Reaction to new people: Timid
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Leash trained, Crate trained, Does well in a car, Likes to fetch, Likes toys, Lap pet, Playful, Affectionate, Intelligent
If you are interested submit an application at njshpetrescue.org
* You must live within 90 minutes of Chester NJ to be considered as an in-person home visit is required for all adoptions.
Duke
Duke is a 7-year-old treeing walker coonhound who was found as a stray in rural NC. He is a beautiful leash walker and would be a great hiking companion for someone. Duke is very affectionate and happy. He enjoys his family and although he loves to be outdoors he also enjoys a soft bed !!
Duke has very manageable resource guarding in a home environment- so he will need an experienced adopter and a child-free home, which is a shame because he loves children and is very gentle with them.
He can go anywhere with you as he is very friendly and fun.
Watch Duke run here and see his Photo Album here
Duke would do best with another dog or dogs in a home with a fenced-in yard.
Duke is a great looking dog and an enjoyable walk he also excels being part of a pack, loves people, and is cat friendly too!!.
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Treeing Walker Coonhound
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Male
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About 55 pounds
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Birthdate: 1/26/2017 (approximate)
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Color: Brown / Black / White
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Up-to-date with vaccinations
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Good with dogs and cats
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Reaction to new people: Friendly
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Likes toys, Playful, Good with Dogs. Older considerate children. Even-tempered
If you are interested submit an application at njshpetrescue.org
* You must live within 90 minutes of Chester NJ to be considered as an in-person home visit is required for all adoptions.
Finnegan
Finnegan is about 2 years old and 34 lbs. He is a cutest and happiest pocket pittie there is!! He is happy, friendly, good with other dogs and children and is housetrained.
Finnegan is lucky to find himself in the same foster home as our beautiful adoptable Fiona!! They are the best of friends. Look how much fun they have together here
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Pit Bull Terrier
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Male
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About 40 pounds
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Birthdate: 7/1/2023
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Color: Tan/White
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Up-to-date with vaccinations
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Good with dogs and children
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Reaction to new people: Friendly
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Leash trained. Crate trained. Affectionate, Lap pet, Eager to please, Even-tempered, Gentle
If you are interested submit an application at njshpetrescue.org
* You must live within 90 minutes of Chester NJ to be considered as an in-person home visit is required for all adoptions.
Fiona
Fiona is about 5 years old and was found as a stray and clearly had multiple litters of puppies. We assume she was tossed out when she was no longer needed. Despite this, Fiona is so lovable and gets along well with other dogs and even cats.
Fiona is very sweet, gentle and loving to everyone. She is food motivated, loves her treats and is very people focused. Fiona likes to be pet and cuddles in close to get them. We know you can't resist her adorable underbite!! Click here to see her wiggling with joy
Fiona is lucky to find herself in the same foster home as our happy adoptable Finnegan!! They are the best of friends. Look how much fun they have together here
She is so ready to start the chapter of her life where she is a loved family member. Fiona has been spayed, microchipped and vaccinated.
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Bulldog
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Female
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About 55 pounds
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Birthdate: 1/24/2021
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Color: Brownish Red
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Up-to-date with vaccinations
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Good with everyone
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Reaction to new people: Friendly
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Leash trained. Crate trained. Affectionate, Lap pet, Eager to please, Even-tempered, Gentle
If you are interested submit an application at njshpetrescue.org
* You must live within 90 minutes of Chester NJ to be considered as an in-person home visit is required for all adoptions.
Flash
Introducing Flash, the charming 10 year old poodle with a heart full of love. Weighing just 15 pounds, Flash has found comfort in a loving and patient foster home, where he's doing great! This cutie walks nicely on a leash and enjoys car rides and playing with toys.
Flash’s ideal home would be with adults or older teens who can offer him a calm and predictable environment. Flash’s owner was male and, believe it or not, he is most comfortable with them. Young children, while wonderful, would be a bit too much for this sensitive soul. Flash would do best as an only dog so that he can calmly acclimate to his home.
Look at Flash enjoying the snow here
He has been through quite a bit and will definitely need some patience and time. He’s neutered, microchipped, and current on his vaccinations, so he’s ready to start his next chapter. Could that be with you?
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Poodle (Miniature)
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Male
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About 15 pounds
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Birthdate: 1/29/2016
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Color: Red
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Up-to-date with vaccinations
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Good with dogs and cats
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Reaction to new people: Friendly
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Leash trained, Crate trained, Does well in a car, Likes toys, Playful, Affectionate
If you are interested, submit an application at njshpetrescue.org
* You must live within 90 minutes of Chester NJ to be considered as an in-person home visit is required for all adoptions.
Rosalyn
This blue-eyed beauty is Rosalyn. She is a Shepherd / Pit Bull Terrier mix and about 3 years old and 55 lbs.
Rosalyn found herself in an overcrowded shelter in south Jersey and was put on the dreaded euthanization list due to no fault of her own. NJSH swooped in and got her to safety and she is now in a loving foster home.
Rosalyn is good with other dogs and cats and wonderful on a leash walk.
Learn more here
If you're interested in opening your heart and home to Rosalyn submit and application today.
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Shepherd / Pit Bull Terrier mix
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Female
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About 55 pounds
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Birthdate: 6/15/2021 (approx)
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Color: White with Red, Golden, Orange or Chestnut
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Up-to-date with vaccinations
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Good with dogs and cats
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Reaction to new people: Friendly
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Leash trained, Likes to fetch, Likes toys, Playful, Affectionate, Eager to please, Intelligent, Even-tempered
If you are interested submit an application at njshpetrescue.org
* You must live within 90 minutes of Chester NJ to be considered as an in-person home visit is required for all adoptions.
Selene
Selene is sweet as can be, on the small side at 38 lbs., and about 1 1/2 years old. She loves children and dogs, is housetrained and has been spayed, vaccinated, and microchipped. Selene has a lot of energy, so an active household would be great! She is living with a wonderful, loving foster family.
Selene is ready to find a family that will promise her nothing but love moving forward and will never let her go!
Look how playful she is here and learning her commands here
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Hound / Shepherd
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Female
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About 38 pounds
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Birthdate: 2/2/2024 (approx)
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Color: Black with Tan, Yellow or Fawn
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Up-to-date with vaccinations
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Good with dogs and children
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Reaction to new people: Friendly
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Leash trained, Crate trained, Does well in a car, Playful, Affectionate, Eager to please, Even-tempered, Gentle
If you are interested submit an application at njshpetrescue.org
* You must live within 90 minutes of Chester NJ to be considered as an in-person home visit is required for all adoptions.
Woody
At 8 weeks old Woody was found all alone and surrendered to the shelter. He found a wonderful family and now, 4 years later, he is looking for a second chance family.
He is very friendly and enjoys the company of all people. Woody is suddenly having trouble getting along with the other 2 dogs in the home and it will be in his best interest to be the only dog. He is very obedient and well behaved in the home but is now living separately to keep peace in the household.
The family although heartbroken, do not want him to live segregated. Woody is a loving , affectionate couch potato who would like nothing more than to be your friend.
If you have a dog free home and would like foster or adopt Woody fill out an adoption application
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Hound/Shepherd
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Male
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About 60 pounds
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Birthdate: 12/1/2021
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Color: Black with Tan, Yellow or Fawn
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Up-to-date with vaccinations
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Reaction to new people: Friendly
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Leash trained, Lap pet, Obedient, Playful, Affectionate, Eager to please, Even-tempered, Gentle
If you are interested submit an application at njshpetrescue.org
* You must live within 90 minutes of Chester NJ to be considered as an in-person home visit is required for all adoptions.
Special Needs
Some dogs we rescue need a little more time with us so we can work through issues that will help them transition to a new family. We know with love, patience, training, and care, they overcome obstacles, trust again, and thrive.
Juliana
Hi! My name is Juliana! I'm about 3 years old, 78 lbs. and housetrained. I am timid though, so I need a special home, one with another dog (or dogs), a fenced-in yard, and very patient people.
I'm so lucky to have a great foster home now but I know my FUR ever family is out there somewhere.
I am spayed, microchipped, and vaccinated.
See Juliana playing here and her Photo Album here
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Mastiff / English Mastiff
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Female
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About 70 pounds
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Birthdate: 9/7/2021
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Color: Brown/Chocolate with Black
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Up-to-date with vaccinations
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Good with dogs
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Reaction to new people: Cautious
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Playful, Affectionate, Intelligent, Gentle
If you are interested submit an application at njshpetrescue.org
* You must live within 90 minutes of Chester NJ to be considered as an in-person home visit is required for all adoptions.
Fospice Program
For those dogs who enter our Fospice (Foster/Hospice) program, we provide veterinary care and everyday needs for the remainder of their lives while they live in a forever foster home. Our Fospice Families cherish these sweet souls and fill their days with love, warmth and kindness, however long they are with us.
Sandy
Meet Sandy, a loving soul with 10 years of life experience under her furry belt. This 35-pound sweetheart is a shining example of loyalty, affection, and gentle charm.
Sandy gets along wonderfully with cats and dogs, making her the perfect addition. However, she’s happiest in a home without small children, where she can enjoy peaceful snuggles and quiet companionship.
Sandy is vaccinated, microchipped, spayed and ready to settle into a forever home.
Sandy has been diagnosed with Cushing's disease, a condition that’s managed with proper care and medication (Vetoryl). This doesn't hold her back from being the sweetest, happiest girl you'll ever meet! Her resilience and positivity are truly inspiring.
Walter
Walter joined us from the Bergen County Animal Shelter in August of 2024.
At 10 years old and only 10 pounds, he was shaking and trembling at the shelter, and they were looking for a rescue to save him. We got him into a committed foster home, and he was a different dog. He was comfortable and has lived happily with the resident dogs.
We hoped to find him a home, and we did one trial adoption, but Walter was not having it. He showed us that he was happy just where he was, so we decided it was best for him to stay with us.
Walter had some tests done at Rockaway Animal Hospital, and we found that he is in kidney failure.
We rest easy knowing that his foster mom, Jen, loves him beyond measure and will give him the best of everything he needs.
Wheezy
Meet Wheezy, a sweet and gentle soul with the most loving heart. At 9 years young and just 16 lbs. this Corgi/Chihuahua mix has faced her share of challenges but has safely landed in our wonderful Fospice Program.
Wheezy's world was turned upside down when her owner became ill and could no longer care for her. Surrendered to the shelter, she was overwhelmed and scared, unsure of what the future held; but the moment she left the shelter with us, she showed her true colors by cuddling up on the ride home, grateful for every ounce of love she received.
She is affectionate, playful, even-tempered, gentle, and delightfully goofy. Housebroken, leash-trained, and crate-trained, she gets along well with dogs, cats, and adults which makes her an easy-going, loving part of her foster family.
Wheezy was recently diagnosed with Cushing’s disease, but with daily medication, she’s living her best life with her foster family's love and support. She showers all who she meets with unconditional love and happiness.
See her Photo Album here