Animal Friends Foundation, Inc began in 2003 when a small group of concerned citizens decided to do something about the alarming numbers of homeless––but healthy –– dogs and cats who were being euthanized at the local animal shelter simply because there was not enough room to keep them.

Although aware that this trend was not just a local problem but a national one affecting strays throughout the country, the five Southern New Jersey women were unified in their determination to help the animals in their own community. While trying to decide how to focus their efforts, they first considered promoting animal adoptions as their main mission. After further discussion, however, they finally settled on providing low-cost spay/neuter surgeries as the best way to reduce the number of kittens and puppies born who, unless adopted, would end up being euthanized, killed in an automobile accident or subjected to an uncertain fate in research laboratories.

Now, thanks to fundraising efforts, grants and donations from the public, the organization subsidizes spay or neuter operations through voucher programs at several area veterinary clinics. It also has a selective program of support for pet owners in need and has distributed pet food donated from local merchants to senior citizens and others needing assistance. In August 2003, AFF filed for and was granted 501(c) 3 status by the Internal Revenue Service as a non-profit organization. In April 2008 the status became permanent.

AFF is a strong supporter of the Trap-Neuter-Release (“TNR”) method of controlling feral, or wild, cat colonies. Humane traps are lent to those caring for feral cats so they can be neutered and vaccinated before being returned to their “home” location. Studies have shown that it does no good to attempt to permanently remove the cats by trapping and euthanizing, because other cats will soon discover the fertile resources that made the area attractive in the first place. Then the cycle of indiscriminate breeding begins again.

One of AFF’s most successful projects was constructing a cat-friendly gazebo at the N.J. Memorial Home in Vineland. Funds for this project were provided through a major grant by the Cumberland County Improvement Authority. Residents at the Home had been caring for feral cats that would take shelter in an abandoned greenhouse on the property. Now both cats and residents enjoy nature and the pleasant Memorial Home campus from the vantage point of a comfortable gazebo with its own compartments for the animals’ use.

AFF is a familiar participant in community events in which information is disseminated and enthusiastically supports the efforts of other like-minded groups such as the Animal Welfare Association of Voorhees, Save the Animals Foundation of Gloucester County, Furrever Friends of Woodbury, Quack’s Corner in Bridgeton and the Animal Alliance of Cape May County.

After its modest beginning, the organization now consists of more than 50 members who meet the first Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Millville (NJ) Public Library. New members are always welcome. Complete the application form found elsewhere on this website, call 856-503-5572 for more information, or simply come to a volunteer meeting to make a difference for the animals

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