Bergen County Administrative

I gotta say when i first went into the shelter back in around 1988 it was a horrid mess. I went there last year 2006 and it was very nice. It did not smell terrible, the staff was much nicer, and the overall experience was definitely better. Things sure have changed there and im sure the new management has turned it around. I adopted a pet and have no problems.Oh yea its run by politics just like the whole county is and that will never change but its definitely a great place to help save a pet. People should always choose to go to the bcas before a pet store. The animals need homes and the staff does their best to accomadate every pet.

Posted 03/08/07 | Report Abuse

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First and for most, I would like to say that Sharon R. has no idea what she's talking about. Since she volunteered there which is (god only knows) how many years ago, the shelter has undergone many new directors and many many improvements. The current director absolutely loves all the animals and does everything in her power to save every life she can and make sure they are living comfortably during their stay at the shelter. The reason I know this, I work there. Unlike most, who only get to see the shelter for an hour or two, I spend over 40 hours every week working there, caring and loving for each and every animal. Working overtime just because the animals need some extra care and volunteering on Saturday mornings due to being short staffed when employees go on vacation in the summer. I want to stand up for the staff at BCAS because they are very knowledgeable and really care about the animals. Every single cage in the shelter is cleaned EVERY SINGLE DAY (even holidays) and sometimes even more then once. The dogs go out at least 2-3 times a day, and every cat gets a blanket or toy. The rabbits and guinea pigs have there own room where they get cleaned and get fresh food, water, and hay everyday. I love the shelter, the employees, and all the animals. And I have heard many many stories of clients adopting pets from us and loving them for many years and coming back for a second or third pet or after their pets had passed on. We do however, screen all the applications but we would never send a client away because their pet died of natural causes. That is just ludicrous and a lie. We do screen the clients applications but only to make sure that they pet they are looking at is a good match for their lifestyle. We only try to help the client not turn them away. It is very stressful to take care of so many animals every single day. Sometimes the staff can be overwhelmed and only give short answers and appear to be rude but really they are just very very busy. Also, there are many diseases in the shelter and we do request that clients do not bring their own pets past the lobby because it is possible to catch some diseases while visiting. We only ask this to save yourself the trouble of a vet visit. Furthermore, the staff at the shelter is sane and it is very rude to say something like that about people you do not even know. I hope who ever reads this comes down to the shelter and adopts a pet who needs a loving home and makes their own decision about the shelter and its' employees. Please "Save A Life, Adopt A Shelter Pet"

Posted 09/06/06 | Report Abuse

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The first impression when one walks into the shelter after having gone there previously: WOW! So much better! I went there with my aunt after her dog passed away to pick out another dog. She had gotten a senior 6 years ago from there also. Some of the staff was professional, others, umm well. The volunteer staff seemed to all be competent. There was about half the amount of dogs available to view then had been previously seen years ago. Only about quarter of the cats available too. I did not see any other types of pets in the kennel areas. This time there were no lies told to us about a dog's condition. The vet (who is the director of the shelter) actually wanted to talk to my aunt about the dog's medical condition, so that the dog wouldn't be returned. Apparently, there was a big boo hoo about hiring a vet to be the director. There were complaints that the county was paying way more to her than a regular lay person, but come on she's a vet, you have one person doing a two person job. There is surely a big difference hiring a competent person and not someone who is friends with someone in county government. There used to be dogs sitting in their urine and feces and the odor to go with it. Animals got morbidly obese and sat in there for months to years, becoming unadoptable. I am so glad that there's been a change. The only negative thing is: why are so many of these dogs deemed unsuitable with children, other pets, etc? A potential adopter is going to sign a waiver to hold the shelter and county harmless for any acts the animal may do, so why label the pet as such? You can't guarantee that a dog that is suitable with kids or other pets while at the shelter and not turn around in it's new environment and attack another living being. You're having a potential adopter sign a release either way. It's the environment that the pet lives in that will determine if it's suitable. I think that the dogs that may be questionable should have ratings, like many breed specific rescues have. ie: Novice, intermediate and advanced owners. Just about every dog can be trained to be suitable with kids, other animals, it's the level of expertise and commitment on the new owners part.

Posted 08/24/06 | Report Abuse

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The staff really tries and goes the extra mile to find a good home for every pet. We got 3 pets so far from them and we could not be happier. The staff has always been friendly, honest and helpful. Thank you.

Posted 10/25/05 | Report Abuse

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I adopted a wonderful little Chihuahua from Teterboro Animal Shelter, he was the love of my life so I hve particulary fond feelings towards Teterboro. We also adopted another Chi from them years later. He was scheduled to be put down because he was fear aggression problems but I was able to adopt him.

So I feel bad that this is a kill shelter and i understand how overwhelmed they are. Everytime I've been there animals were being brought in by people who just didn't want them.

They run a clean facility with several rooms divided according to size of animal.

They have a "bedroom" set up in the lobby of cats. They often get exotics and if there's a breed you particularly want you can keep checking back with them.

PROS: Wonderful Staff
CONS: Need more support

Posted 10/25/05 | Report Abuse

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this is a great shelter that is at the moment overwhelmed with kittens and younger cats. the staff is very knowledgeable and friendly but the facility seems overwhelmed. I adopted a kitten with a minimal fee and very little paperwork. I would suggest going to them over a retail store that offers low cost adoptions. the shelter offers a better price and selection of pets.

Posted 10/10/05 | Report Abuse

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Teterboro Animal SHleter is not a no kill Shelter. This is unfortunate because they are a very caring shelter they are just overwhelmed.

They have a large glassed in room for cats and they take the dogs out and let the friendlier ones hang out at the desk. They have big dog room, small dog room, medium dog room, etc. They are doing the best they can but anytime I've been there people are coming in with animals they just don't want.

They adopt out at a minimal fee that barely covers the time and medical care they give these animals.Your animal will be given to you spayed/neutered and up to date on all shots. They also provide free rabies shots every Thursday. Call for hours. They have roosters, guinea pigs, different odd animals at different times. You can call and ask if they have what you're looking for.

The people work incredibly hard at an under appreciated job. I've adopted several dogs from them through the years. I strongly suggest if you want an animal go here first.

PROS: Very large selection of animals, many purebred.
CONS: They just don't have enough financial support

Posted 06/23/05 | Report Abuse

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