Animal shelter in Bergen County faces possible closing amid shortage of funds, volunteers
Save the Animals Rescue Team II, a nonprofit animal shelter in Englewood, is on the brink of closing due to a significant decline in donations and a shortage of volunteers.
Diane Errichiello, a dedicated volunteer of 20 years, expressed grave concerns about the organization's financial situation.
"Donations are way down and not covering our expenses. For example, our Christmas donation drive was a huge disappointment. We received only half of what we used to get in the past,” Errichiello said. This sharp decline in financial support has put immense strain on the shelter's operations, she said.
Founder and President Marge Kayne echoed Errichiello's sentiments, highlighting the challenges posed by inflation and the increasing cost of goods. "Shots, medication, food — prices for everything have gone up," Kayne said. The rising costs have exacerbated the shelter's financial woes, she said, making it increasingly difficult to provide for the animals in its care.
Currently, START II houses 25 to 30 animals, including seven goldendoodles, a husky, and several cats. Some of these animals have been at the shelter for over a year, as adoptions have slowed significantly.
If the shelter is forced to close, the fate of these animals will hang in the balance. Kayne revealed that the organization would have to contact other societies about relocating them, adding to the uncertainty and stress faced by both the shelter and the animals.
Without a significant increase in volunteers to assist with fundraising efforts and essential administrative tasks such as managing the website and social media platforms, START II may be forced to shut down permanently. Kayne emphasized that without additional support, the shelter may be compelled to merge with another rescue group so they can share operational costs.
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This is not the first time the shelter has faced hardships. In 2021, the shelter was entirely renovated. It had to ask for help from the community to repair the aging facility, tend to its cats and dogs, and find a grant writer who could apply for more funding.
Kayne urged the Englewood community to rally together in support of the shelter. Whether through volunteerism, donations or spreading awareness on social media, every contribution makes a difference in ensuring the continued operation of this vital organization, she said.
To volunteer or donate, visit START II's website at sites.google.com/view/save-the-animals-rescue-team-2. The shelter can be reached at (732) 330 6692.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Englewood NJ Save the Animals shelter facing funding issue
