Every eleven minutes an animal is euthanized in a municipal shelter in New Jersey.*

Since 1997 Pet Rescue of Mercer has been changing that in a variety of ways. PRM strongly believes that euthanasia, as a solution to the problem of pet overpopulation, is wrong. It is a simple and archaic response that has no place in a humane society. The pet overpopulation problem can be corrected and prevented without euthanasia. It requires a sustained public - private partnership. It must consist of both immediate and long-term solutions. The approach must be positive, realistic and innovative.

*Based on 50,170 animals euthanized in 1999. Source: NJ Dept. of Health and Sr. Services. 1999 Animal Intake and Disposition.

What We are Doing Now...
We actively promote local municipal animal shelters and rescue groups as the best source for animal adoptions. We act as an adoption liaison between municipal shelters and the public. We utilize the Internet, flyers placed in public and private businesses, newspaper articles, advertisements & community events to convey our message.

PRM offers a "Foster Your Own Pet"(FYOP) program designed to help keep animals in homes rather than entering a shelter. FYOP works! Through support and education, FYOP has kept many, many animals from ever having to enter a shelter.

A primary life saving tool is our Foster Parent Program. Through this program, loving individuals offer their homes and their love as temporary foster parents to animals that otherwise might be euthanized.

Through the Aspen Fund, Pet Rescue of Mercer provides extensive medical care, above and beyond what most municipal shelters are willing to pay. We will remove animals from shelters and board them at private kennels if we believe they are in danger of euthanization due to space constraints.

What We Envision for the Future....

Mandatory spay / neutering as a primary solution to pet overpopulation.  Ongoing education that encourages people to become advocates of humane alternatives to euthanization as a solution to pet overpopulation.  Increased "animal friendliness" and "people friendliness" of shelters, including night and weekend hours, family adoption rooms and special adoption days.

Increased retention of pets in existing homes through counseling and other services.  Increased comfort and socialization for animals in shelters. This offers a direct humane benefit to the animal and increases its adoptability by helping it retain its familiarity with people and its kinship with other animals.  A home for every animal born.  The elimination of puppy mills.

Sadly, the animals that are being routinely destroyed in Mercer County and around the country are not just the neglected or abused strays. Tragically, pets are routinely abandoned when families move, when landlords forbid animals, if the pet has costly medical problems, or when they simply fall out of favor.

These are the animals we all need to take responsibility for.
If you are an animal lover, put your love into action! Get Involved!
Join Pet Rescue of Mercer.
Contribute your time, money or expertise.
Campaign for mandatory spay neuter laws.
Become a voice for the voiceless!