If you’ve ever driven past the gas stations near the corner of Gidney Ave. and Rt. 32 in the Town of Newburgh, you might have heard barking coming from the nearby the Animal Shelter and Animal Control Center.

Currently home to 10 dogs and eight cats, the care of the animals is coordinated by a small staff and a few volunteers who handle the feeding, walking and social needs of the four-legged residents. As many of the dogs and cats (and an occasional rabbit or Guinea pig) that come in are strays or rescues, the goal of the no-kill shelter is to find loving homes for the animals by doing thorough checks of the interested potential adopters that stop in looking for a new pet.

According to Senior Animal Control Officer Tracey Carvell, the length of time animals stay at the shelter is about a year, which is longer than it had been in previous years. Still potential adopters are carefully screened before they can take a cat, kitten or dog home. “We try to do our due diligence,” she added. “We want to make sure they go to a good home.” She said they also always do a meet and greet for families who already have dogs but are interested in adopting, too.

Located at 645 Gidney Ave., the shelter is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., although interested adopters are welcome to stop in to inquire about particular pets after 11 a.m.

For photos of animals available for adoption through the shelter, log onto  adoptapet.com/shelter/70257-town-of-newburgh-animal-shelter-newburgh-new-york