Meet Your BFF (Best Furry Friend) Saturday In Ocean County

Puppies and kittens, dogs and cats are romping all around the Ocean County Animal Facilities - and Saturday, April 21 is your day to snap one up and give it a forever home.

The Ocean County Health Department's annual Spring Fling happens simultaneously at the centers in Jackson and Manahawkin.

Spokesperson Leslie Terjesen tells us that the animals are "all sizes, colors, ages and breeds. It's a fun day! Bring your children, and you might be able to adopt a new family member."

The pets are already spayed or neutered, vaccinated and also microchipped - a handy safeguard in case it wanders off.  In many cases, adoption fees are being waived.

But there's also a serious side to it. Volunteers at the shelters want people to be sure that they understand the responsibility as well as the fun - from something as simple as a fence around the yard to more complex matters such as personality, temperament, and care.

"We want children and parents to meet the pet, to make sure that they get along," says Leslie. "We do temperament testing on all our pets."

Every family who adopts also takes home a free pet care starter kit containing basic necessities. Volunteers are also cooking up fresh baked goods for sale to raise funds that support shelter operations.

The Spring Fling runs from 1 'til 4 PM at the Northern Facility, 615 Freemont Avenue, Jackson (732-657-8086); and at the Southern Facility, 360 Haywood Road, Manahawkin (609-978-0127).

See a full list of upcoming events at ochd.org.