OUR STORY

 The Closter Animal Welfare Society (CLAWS) was founded (as Lost Pet Services) on December 4, 1969.  With our network of dedicated volunteers, we rescue, foster, and find forever homes for abandoned and unwanted pets in the northern NJ area.  We encourage the public to spay and neuter their pets to reduce the number of unwanted animals in our area.  

CLAWS is not a shelter.​  CLAWS has no paid employees, receives no funds from the state, and exists solely on donations and money we make from fundraisers and adoption donations.  Because of this, 100% of every dollar raised goes directly toward the care of our animals.​ CLAWS is licensed in the State of New Jersey as a non-profit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.

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1969 (December 4) CLAWS was formed as Lost Pet Services by Eloyse Muth

1975 – CLAWS)Volunteers lobbied and protested at the Bergen County Courthouse to establish animal welfare & cruelty legislation

1988 – Lost Pet Services changed its name to the Closter Animal Welfare Society. 

2010 CLAWS opened a pet food pantry in Bergenfield, NJ, to help struggling families feed their pets. (Now virtual)

2024 – CLAWS continues to find homes for over 200 cats and dogs each year with annual expenses close to $200,000