St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center has spent more than 85 years helping animals find homes and providing resources for pet owners in New Jersey. What started as a local shelter has grown into one of the Northeast’s most comprehensive animal welfare organizations, expanding its reach through innovative programs and community support.
Expanding the Mission
In 2019, St. Hubert’s merged with the Humane Rescue Alliance in Washington, D.C., making it part of the region’s largest animal services provider. The partnership has allowed the organization to assist tens of thousands of animals annually.
“The merger has allowed us to help tens of thousands of animals every year,” a St. Hubert’s representative said.
Beyond Adoptions
Finding homes for animals remains central to St. Hubert’s work, but its Madison campus offers much more. Every adoptable pet receives vaccinations, microchipping, and spay/neuter services before going to a new home. This makes it easier for all parties, and increases the rate of adoption.
The center also provides pet training, with programs ranging from puppy classes to advanced courses. Since 1983, its Training and Behavior Center has been recognized as a top facility, adapting its curriculum to meet modern pet owners’ needs, including virtual options and specialized cat training.
Programs and Community Support
St. Hubert’s also runs Doggy Day Camp, a supervised play area that provides exercise and socialization. During summer, pools offer dogs a place to cool off. The organization’s retail shop, Buddy’s Boutique, sells pet supplies, with proceeds supporting shelter programs.
To help keep pets in homes, St. Hubert’s offers free pet food banks, low-cost vaccinations, and spay/neuter services. Its emergency boarding program provides temporary shelter for pets when owners face crises like medical emergencies or job loss.
A National Reach
Since 2016, St. Hubert’s WayStation program has relocated animals from overcrowded shelters to areas with higher adoption demand. The network now includes more than 90 partner organizations. Part of the adoption fees from relocated animals funds spay/neuter services at the source shelters, generating over $730,000 for participating organizations.
Community Involvement
Volunteers play a key role, assisting with tasks from cleaning kennels to socializing animals. The foster program offers temporary homes to pets awaiting adoption. A “field trip” initiative lets community members take shelter dogs on outings, providing enrichment and increasing adoption chances.
Looking Ahead
As St. Hubert’s continues to grow, it remains focused on combining traditional shelter services with innovative programs. Its mission is clear: help animals, support pet owners, and strengthen the human-animal bond.
For more information or to get involved, visit the St Hubert’s website.
Tom is a lifelong New Jersey resident, Rutgers and FDU alumni and the publisher of The Digest.
