Burlington County Freeholder Director Tom Pullion announced today that, in response to the ongoing government shutdown, all fees for services provided by the County Clerk’s Office and animal adoptions at the County Animal Shelter will be waived for furloughed federal government employees.

“Here in Burlington County, we want to do what we can to help ease the burden of those federal employees trying to manage their finances during the shutdown,” said Freeholder Director Pullion. “We are proud of the quality services that we provide to our residents and want to ensure that everyone can take full advantage of them, regardless of their financial situation.”

Around 800,000 federal employees have been furloughed or working without pay since Dec. 21 and won’t receive their next paychecks until the government reopens.

“It can be frightening and stressful to be without a paycheck, and our office is here to do its part by waiving all fees throughout this government shutdown,” said County Clerk Joanne Schwartz.

The Clerk’s Office will be waving fees payable to the office for passport processing, passport photos, notary public swearing in, notary certification and copy fees for documents. Recording fees and fees paid or divided with other government offices are still required.

The Burlington County Animal Shelter has become the go-to place in Burlington County for pet adoptions. Normally adoption fees are $45-60 for cats and kittens and $75-100 for dogs. To view animals currently up for adoption visit: http://co.burlington.nj.us/1446/Available-for-Adoption

In order to receive the waived fees, residents are asked to bring a copy of their work ID and/or a copy of their furlough letter including their name and address.

The County Clerk’s office in Mount Holly is located at 50 Rancocas Road and is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Services are also available at the County Corner at the Moorestown Mall located at 400 Route 38 in Moorestown. For more information, residents can call the Burlington County Clerk’s Office at (609) 265-5122.

The Burlington County Animal Shelter is located at 35 Academy Drive in Westampton, behind the Burlington County Library. The shelter is open noon to 4 p.m. every day except Thursday, when it is open noon to 7 p.m. For more information, residents can call the shelter at (609) 265-5073.