Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge, Inc. (RBARI) is a leading no-kill animal shelter in Northern New Jersey dedicated to providing a safe refuge for homeless and abused cats and dogs. The shelter takes in animals with a range of medical conditions.
The rising number of pet surrenders
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many animal shelters are facing a rise in pet surrenders. This happens in several ways:
- Many pet owners are facing financial difficulties as a result of the pandemic. This is causing them to give up their pets, with some not being able to find new owners who would take them in.
- An increase in deaths amongst the elderly population – who often have pets as companions – leaves these pets without a home or owner.
- Shelters are witnessing pets that were adopted during the lockdown being surrendered by their owners who find themselves too busy to continue providing proper care for their pets as home restrictions are lifted.
In addition, with recent warm weather, there has been an increase in the number of stray kittens being born. As such, with many animal control facilities having reached their maximum capacity, RBARI is witnessing a higher influx of homeless animals in need of shelter and care.
The need for support
Many government animal shelters have regulations permitting animals to stay for up to 72 hours, giving them a chance at getting adopted. Otherwise, they will have to be euthanized.
As RBARI is not government-funded, they require financial support to continue providing refuge for rescued animals.
At Interplex, our charitable contributions extend to animals alike. We made donations to the animal refuge to support them with the expected increase in births and surrendered pets.
These donations will contribute to the Spay and Neuter program which provides day-to-day care for the animals brought to the refuge while they await adoption.
“It takes a community to keep this work going, and your donation allows us to keep our doors open and to continue to focus on the animals who need us most,” said Megan Brinster, the Executive Director of RBARI.
“With your partnership, we can be here to meet these challenges and provide a haven of care, kindness, and support for our local animal population. Whether it is a young kitten battling an upper respiratory infection, a senior dog in need of medical care, or an urgent medical case with no one else to turn to, your support makes all the difference to these deserving dogs and cats.”
Interplex would like to encourage everyone to do their part by being responsible and committed pet owners.
