OUR STORY
Celebrating 53 Years of Animal Rescue
and Anti-Cruelty Legislation
The Closter Animal Welfare Society (CLAWS) was founded 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.
CLAWS Officers and Trustees
Officers
President - Val Buchtmann
Vice President - Carolyn Burton
Treasurer - Katie Cook
Recording Secretary - Frances Urban
Corresponding Secretary - Jill Krapels
Trustees
Leanna DeSheplo
Mary Saltalamacchia
John Aramian
Digital Communication Team
Social Media Director
Alyssa Loonam
Linda Martinez
Leanna DeSheplo
John Aramian
Foster Home Coordinator
Jennifer Ashley Croce
