Animal Welfare Association

AWA is committed to saving the lives of animals who need it most and serving the community through low-cost veterinary services, behavioral training, community outreach programs and education

Founded in 1948, Animal Welfare Association was one of the first humane organizations formed by a group of volunteers to serve Camden County and all surrounding areas. In the early years, dedicated volunteers took homeless animals into their homes and provided them with shelter and love until a new home could be found. Committees were devoted to educating people about proper pet care, wildlife rehabilitation, and proper sheltering of unwanted animals. During the late 1960’s and 70’s, AWA opened its shelter on a rural dirt road and continued their progressive ways by opening South Jersey’s first Spay/Neuter Clinic, the ABC (Animal Birth Control) Clinic in 1974. Fees were as low as $25 and in the first year over 1,700 dogs and cats were sterilized. In the 1980’s, AWA operated numerous community services and added the Pet Therapy Program to honor the bond between people and their pets. Beginning in the late 1990’s, our shelter started limiting its intake to focus on saving more lives and reducing euthanasia. By 2009, the shelter adopted a strong “No-Kill” philosophy

Mission — AWA’s mission is to eliminate animal suffering, promote the importance of the human-animal bond and improve the role of animals in the well-being of people