About Us
The Shelter, Inc. is a non-profit organization that provides grants to qualified organizations providing humane care and treatment of animals in accordance with the standards prescribed by the Humane Society of the United States.
History
The Shelter, Inc. Humane Center was incorporated in 1964 to provide housing and adoption as a humane alternative to municipal pounds. Our founder, Letty Fitler, raised money for 10 years before opening the facility at 185 Brick Blvd in Brick Township. She served as Manager, Board member, generous donor and a passionate animal advocate until her passing in 1979.
In 1976, she came up with an innovative fundraising idea. Acquiring pet names from local NJ licensing bureaus, she and her committee mailed solicitations directly to the pets from the animals in the shelter with stories of rescue and finding a safe place. In addition to local pets, President Ford and Henry Kissinger’s dogs also received letters---and replied.
In October 1981, the facility was leased to Jersey Shore Animal Center for $1 per year. In 2019, Jersey Shore Animal Center purchased and continues to operate the shelter facility at 185 Brick Blvd.
The Shelter, Inc. became a self-sustaining private foundation. A Board member at the time stated, “Grants awards were based on need and our expectation about their ability to get the job done.”
The Shelter, Inc. awards grants annually to animal shelters and rescues in Monmouth and Ocean counties. Since 1981, the Shelter, Inc has awarded over $1,700,000 to not-for-profits that provide care and safe havens for the animals in Monmouth and Ocean counties.