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PATCH, short for Pet Adoption Thru Caring Hands, opened around 20 years ago and works with only volunteers at its Lakeside Avenue location.
"Most of the volunteers are really dedicated and go out of their way to do extra things," said Teri Mates, adoption coordinator. "We donate more than simply time."
The no-kill shelter has 32 cats, Mates said. They are selective in who they let adopt cats, she said.
"I always look for personality and behavior with the cat," she told Daily Voice. "You can't really put a qualifyer on that too easily but you can tell who will be a really good pet owner."
Around 50 volunteers help at the shelter in a given week. They assist with upkeep and during open adoption hours from 12 to 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
All of PATCH's funds come from donations. People can also sponsor the care of a cat for $10 a month if they want to help but can't bring it home with them.
The volunteers sell cat calendars and promote their efforts on Facebook to help their cause.
"We're doing our best to kind of reach out to the community," Mates said, "and get people educated on good cat care and the joy and benefit of having a little feline in the house."
TO ADOPT: Call the shelter at 973-835-7202 or visit PATCH's Facebook page.
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