North Jersey Animal Refuge Expands, Opens 2nd Location

SUSSEX COUNTY, NJ — A Passaic County-based animal refuge has announced it will be opening its second location in Sussex County.

Last Resort Animal Refuge, based in New Milford, announced the opening of its newest animal rehab facility in Sussex County, where it says roughly 30 percent of its intake originates from.

The refuge announced the new rehab on Saturday, saying that a donation from a single, “incredibly generous,” long-time supporter helped make the new facility possible.

The rehab, sitting on 30 acres of rolling hills and open pasture, consists of a 6,500 sq. ft. heated barn, multiple outbuildings with water and electric, and a freshly renovated building that will serve as the location’s hospital. Additionally, the landscape’s natural brooks will serve as enclosures for semi-aquatic patients, including turtles, otters, and the like.

Last Resort Animal Refuge’s Sussex County location will also grow into a teaching campus, according to representatives.

Officials say the new location could double, potentially triple, the number of animals they’re able to help. They’ve already taken on several animals, including horses, that were already residing on the property.

“This facility will allow us to say ‘yes’ to so many more. To do more. To save more,” an announcement read. “We are incredibly excited to become part of the Sussex County community. We already love this area—its space, its beauty, its wildlife—and we look forward to getting to know our neighbors and working together to protect it.”

While the volunteer-based organization has the new location, it is still in need of more equipment and funding. To learn more about what the refuge needs and how to donate, visit its website here.