Rescue Ridge
Our Mission
Rescue Ridge is an all-volunteer, non-profit animal welfare organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and placement of stray, neglected, and abused animals. We believe that while saving one animal will not change the world, for that one animal, the world changes forever.
Our Story
Since 2002, we have served as a beacon of hope for animals in central New Jersey. Our journey began when founder Terry Willis rescued an emaciated, severely neglected horse named Ridge. Today, we continue that legacy by working tirelessly to provide safe environments for homeless dogs and cats.
How We Operate
We are a dedicated, all-volunteer team providing a safe haven for animals that come to us from various circumstances, including high-kill shelters, abandonment, or owner surrenders due to life changes. Our volunteers work hard to offer animals the love, care, and rehabilitation they need to prepare for their next chapter. Whether walking dogs, socializing cats, or coordinating vital medical care, our team acts as a bridge between a difficult past and a promising future.
The Perfect Match
Finding the right companion is a joyful experience, and we are committed to making it a successful one for both you and your pet. Our thorough adoption process considers your lifestyle, family dynamic, and the specific needs of our animals to ensure a lasting, loving bond. We believe that when you adopt, you aren't just getting a pet—you are welcoming a new, valued member into your family.
Join Our Mission
Are you ready to meet your new best friend? We invite you to view our adoptable animals online or visit us at one of our upcoming adoption events. Whether you choose to adopt, foster, volunteer, or donate, your support helps us continue our life-saving work near the Jersey Shore.
- Staff dedication and support
- Effective TNR process
- Communication breakdown regarding applications
10/21 - Four months ago, June was found fighting for his life. Today, he’s a Top Pets finalist, and you can vote for him to win the October 2026 contest. 🗳️ When @ahsnewark found June, he was barely clinging to life: severely emaciated and dehydrated, with every sign that life had not been kind to him. As a @rescueridge volunteer who knew AHS through the work our rescues do together, I saw his original video and asked to be his medical foster. I couldn’t let him go, so I adopted him, and now he’s home for good. 🐾 Thank you, AHS and Rescue Ridge, for giving June his second chance. Now he’s a Top Pets finalist, and he needs your vote. If June wins the contest, $10,000 goes to Rescue Ridge to help more dogs like him. Voting is free and easy, so please vote and share his post! Vote at: TopPets.com/v/cpzsrc Also linked in my bio and stories. You can vote every day, Wednesday through Friday. 🤍
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10/18 - volunteer with me at @rescueridge 🐶 #rescuedog #rescuedogsofinstagram #adoptdontshop #animalrescue #dogs
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10/16 - 🐾🎉 WELCOME MAX TO PUPPY BOOTCAMP! 🎉🐾 Everyone give a big Hanlon’s K9 welcome to our newest Puppy Bootcamper, MAX! 🐶💙 Max is officially joining the Hanlon’s K9 family, and we’re excited to get started on his training journey! During his time with us, Max will be working on building a strong foundation in obedience, proper manners, impulse control, confidence, and socialization. 💪🐕 Through structured training, positive experiences, and plenty of rewards, we’ll help Max develop the skills he needs to become a happy, confident, and well-mannered companion! We can’t wait to watch this handsome boy learn, grow, and show everyone what he’s capable of! 🐾 Welcome to the pack, Max! Let the training begin! #HanlonsK9 #PuppyBootcamp #WelcomeMax #PuppyTraining #DogTraining
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10/15 - Get to know Jagger! This young sweet pittie mix is ~1 year old and only 50 lbs. He's a friendly, fun loving playful pup waiting for his forever family to find him! Interested in adopting Jagger? Learn more or fill out an adoption application at RescueRidge.com!
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10/11 - volunteer with me at @rescueridge 🐶🫶🏼 #dogshelter #rescuedogsofinstagram #rescuedog #adoptdontshop #dogs
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10/7 - Auggie is seriously ready to find his forever family! 😍 He's the sweetest 50 lb. lovebug on four legs, and despite being found emaciated and weak, Auggie has recuperated with care from our loving volunteers. He's an affectionate boy who just wishes for a warm bed and a loving family. Auggie is estimated to be between 1 - 3 years old. If you’ve ever thought about making a difference a difference in a dogs life, Auggie is waiting for you! He is microchipped, up-to-date on vaccines and will be neutered upon adoption. Want to meet Auggie? Submit an adoption application at RescueRidge.com Can't adopt? Please share his post. 📍Auggie is located in Monmouth County, NJ. Please note we are rarely able to consider out of state adoptions.
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9/27 - volunteer with me at @rescueridge 🐶 #dogshelter #rescuedog #rescuedogsofinstagram #adoptdontshop #dogs
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