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Feeding Newborn Kitten

OUR STORY

Celebrating 55 Years of Animal Rescue

and Anti-Cruelty Legislation

 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

Feeding Newborn Kitten

CLAWS Officers and Trustees

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Officers

President - Leanna DeSheplo
Vice President - Carolyn Burton

Treasurer - Katie Cook

Recording Secretary - Frances Urban

Corresponding Secretary - Jill Krapels

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Trustees

Mary Saltalamacchia

John Aramian

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Foster Home Coordinator

Jennifer Ashley Croce

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​Registry Director

Nicole Wild

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​Marketing/Public Relations Director

Nicole Fuchs 

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Digital Communication Team​

​Leanna DeSheplo

John Aramian

Devon Simone

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CONTACT US

Mailing Address

CLAWS (Closter Animal Welfare Society)

PO Box 172 Closter, NJ 07624

201-768-0200 

NOTE: This is an answering service. Someone will get back to you within 24 - 48 hours.

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email: clawsadopt@yahoo.com

LAST YEAR WE RESCUED OVER 250 CATS AND DOGS

Closter Animal Welfare Society  |  PO Box 172  |  Closter, NJ 07624   |  clawsadopt@yahoo.com

© 2025. All rights reserved.  Closter Animal Welfare Society

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