Associated Humane Societies
Our Mission
The Associated Humane Societies is dedicated to rescuing stray and homeless animals, providing them with quality care and a safe sanctuary until they find their loving forever homes. We are proud to serve as New Jersey’s largest animal welfare organization, driven by a commitment to compassionate protection and community-based advocacy.
Our History and Legacy
Since our founding in 1906, we have grown into a comprehensive sheltering system across four New Jersey counties: Essex, Ocean, Monmouth, and Cumberland. Our journey includes the 1977 establishment of Popcorn Park, a unique sanctuary that offers a lifetime of care to exotic, farm, and wild animals who have faced injury, abandonment, or illness. For over a century, we have remained a steadfast haven for animals in need.
How We Care for Our Animals
We operate dedicated shelter facilities where animals receive medical evaluation, vaccines, and spay or neuter services before they are ready to meet their new families. Our care extends beyond our walls, as we work with foster networks, provide low-cost community wellness clinics, and run vital TNVR programs for community cats. Our approach ensures every animal—whether domestic, exotic, or wild—receives professional, attentive, and respectful treatment.
Finding Your Forever Friend
Adoption is a joyful journey, and our goal is to create successful, lasting partnerships between pets and people. We focus on transparency and quality care, ensuring that every pet is microchipped and medically cleared to help you start your new life together with confidence. We take pride in our role as the bridge that connects these deserving animals to the homes they truly deserve.
Join Our Mission
Whether you are looking to adopt, volunteer, or simply visit the animals at our Popcorn Park sanctuary, there are many ways to make a difference. We invite you to view our adoptable pets online or connect with us at one of our upcoming events to learn more about our lifesaving work.
- Helpful and informative staff
- Successful adoption experiences
- Poor facility conditions and sanitation
7/22 - Shelter Dogs Were Once ‘Loyal Companions,’ but Are Now Stuck in the Kennel
A heartbreaking video shows two gorgeous German Shepherds becoming shelter dogs overnight after their family ran out of time for them.
5/19 - Pet Adoption Event In NJ Will Waive Fees For Their New Families
A variety of adoptable dogs, cats and kittens will be available to go home with their new families on the same day.
4/6 - Vineland loses animal shelter access in contract dispute with AHS
Emergency animal sheltering is in trouble in Vineland with the city cut off from its usual facility due to a contract dispute.
4/4 - Newark shelter seeks home for 95-pound dog surrendered after brief stay
One-year-old Benji described as friendly with pets and children, ready for adoption Newark, NJ – A young, energetic dog surrendered after only a few months with his previous family is now up for adoption in Newark, where shelter staff say he is eager to find a permanent home. Benji, a one-year-old dog weighing approximately 95
3/13 - Newark Shelter Rescue: Dog ‘Smokey’ Recovering After Eye Removal Surgery
A dog surrendered to Associated Humane Societies in Newark is recovering after emergency surgery to remove a severely damaged eye. Newark, NJ — A dog surrendered to a Newark animal shelter with a severely damaged eye is now recovering after undergoing surgery to prevent further pain and infection, according to the Associated Humane Societies. The
