Our Dog and Cat Volunteer Program

The job of Shelter Volunteer is an extremely important one to the animals in our care, and it’s immensely appreciated by the staff who looks for help from volunteers when their time is limited. As a volunteer, your time spent with the animals is much more than walking dogs and socializing cats. It is more than teaching obedience commands or petting. It’s about doing your best to improve their quality of life at the shelter and teaching shelter pets the skills & behaviors they need to start a new life with a new family.

Life in a shelter can be stressful for even the most easy-going pet. No matter how nice you make it or how much love you give, they are still in a shelter and not a home. Every day, even the littlest stressors can build up and effect the happiest of dogs or cats...even bunnies & birds can get stressed!  Our job is to help these pets have the most stress free stay with us as possible. Working as a caring, unified team is an integral part of making this happen. We don’t want to become part of the problem; we and our volunteers, are the solution.             

 You must be 18 or older to volunteer.  The shelter is open for volunteers every day from 12pm-4:45pm.   A drug test is required as part of the volunteer program.  We will provide you with details once your application is received.  You do not need to have any previous experience; we will train you and pair you up with a Buddy to start.

To become a Shelter volunteer, please complete the application and send it to jlalak@co.bergen.nj.us or shelter@co.bergen.nj.us.  If you have any questions about the Volunteer Program, please call Jason at 201-229-4600.

The Volunteer Application can be found here.

What we do:

BCAS has a very progressive training program in place for our shelter dogs. We have on staff  dedicated canine behavior professionals with over 25 years of combined experience in the animal sheltering and training fields. 

The dog training program includes but is not limited to:

• Behavior evaluations of all dogs prior to being available for adoption
• Training and behavior modification plans for all dogs in our care
• Detailed training and behavior modification plans dogs that need specialized attention
• Bi-Weekly group training classes
• Kennel enrichment
• Doggie play groups
• Trick, agility, and confidence-building training

We love to give care and socialization to the hundreds of cats that stay with us. Our cattery staff has over 50 years of experience and are always available to answer your questions or concerns regarding any of our adoptable cats in the shelter.  

The cat training program includes but is not limited to:

• Socialization of cats throughout the building
• Adoption counseling
• Mental stimulation games
• Enrichment