Noah's Ark is located at 1915 Route 46 West, Ledgewood, NJ 07852

Our Mission:

Our Tax ID # is 22-6089276. Noah's Ark is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

 

 

Route 80 West Take exit 27B for Route 183 North/Route 46. When you get off the exit, you will be on Route 183 North. At the Netcong Circle, take the first exit on your right and follow signs for Route 46 East. Noah's Ark will be about a  mile on your left-hand side.

Route 80 East Take exit 27A-B for Route 183 North. At the Netcong Circle, take the first exit on your right and follow signs for Route 46. Noah's Ark will be about a  mile on your left-hand side.

Route 10 West - Follow Route 10 West through Ledgewood and merge onto Route 46 West. Stay on Route 46 for about 2.5 miles. Noah's Ark will be on your right-hand side two doors west of the Golub Animal Hospital.

Noah's Ark was founded in 1966 as a small rescue group. A handful of dedicated, compassionate individuals met the challenge to alleviate the pain and suffering and give a second chance to countless homeless animals often the victims of indifference and a result of pet overpopulation.

It was the dream of Mildred Wien, founder of Noah's Ark to open a shelter where these poor, forgotten waifs could find safety and care until a new home could be found for them. Members fostered the rescued animals in their homes and in the basement of a Boonton thrift shop, Noah's Nook and Cranny, which was also headquarters for the growing association. News spread of their work and their numbers grew. For over ten years they tenaciously worked toward their dream while continuing their mission. Fundraisers of all sorts were launched including elegant garden parties and house tours, lawn sales, mass appeals in newspapers, and networking with community resources and leaders.

Spaying and neutering of pets was aggressively promoted. Noah's Ark was a pioneer in this critical animal welfare area, establishing a spay/neuter financial assistance program early on. In 1971, the Pet Adoption Promise commenced asking adopters to sign an agreement to spay/neuter their pet, give proper vet care and provide a happy, healthy environment.

Over the years thousands of animals were rescued from cruel suffering, disease and injury, starvation and death through the efforts of the many caring people who were a part of Noah's Ark. Finally in 1978 the dream became a reality. In a special newsletter to members and supporters the joy was shared:

The Ark is afloat! We have done it! After many years of waiting, hoping, and saving for this day, we have a shelter. To be sure, it comes with a large mortgage, the need for many repairs and renovations, but it is ours!

Local newspapers carried the news too. The shelter was a converted kennel with a house next door which would be used for a shelter manager/caretaker residence. Noah's Ark had also bought the grooming and boarding business, and those services were offered to help finance the shelter operation. At this time, there was only one other shelter in the area. The services of Noah's Ark were greatly needed in the community.

In 1979, an addition for housing cats was completed "a new concept of spacious enclosures"  a cat colony, which today is widely used in shelter design. Mrs. Wien stated, "I have seen them in California, but very few shelters or pounds in New Jersey have facilities for cats. Many refuse to take them in"  I grew up with cats and I know their way of life. They are not as gregarious as dogs and they like their freedom. She noted the colony would have branches for the cats to scratch and shelves to climb on. Today colony designs have vastly improved. The decision to incorporate this concept has served Noah's Ark well.

In 1983, Noah's Ark initiated the Grey stone Cat Rescue Project, an effort to save hundreds of unfortunate stray cats living in terrible conditions at the psychiatric facility. Later in 1987, the 24-hour Spay/Neuter Hotline starts. It was the first in northern New Jersey.

By 1996, Board President Rev. Ruth Mohring steered the organization to adopt a "no-kill" philosophy. The Board also committed to the long-term goal of building a new facility and formed an Advisory Council to assist with project planning. To take shelter matters to the next phase, in 2002, formal strategic planning for the organization began. The Dodge Foundation awarded Noah's Ark with major grant funding in 2004 to develop the association's capacity to address its mission.

In 2006, Noah's Ark celebrates 40 years of caring for animals in the community. Efforts continue to expand the reach of the organization through humane education and community outreach. Capital campaigning will likely start in the very near future for the new facility. The Board and staff alike are eager and excited about what the future holds for the benefit of homeless cats and dogs.

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