Who We Are Compassionate rescue rooted in Montclair, NJ
At Cameron Animal Rescue, we believe every animal deserves more than just survival—they deserve love, care, and the chance to thrive in a forever home. Our story is rooted in a tradition of compassion that began almost a century ago, and it continues today with one unwavering mission: to rescue, heal, and find loving homes for animals who need us the most.
Where We Started
In 1935 most veterinary practices were mixed practices – providing care for animals of all types, from cows, sheep, and other farm animals, to dogs, cats, rabbits, and other small animals. Dr. George Cameron Sr. had a novel idea – to open a practice and construct a building specifically to be a hospital for small animals. And in 1936, Cameron Small Animal Hospital opened its doors in Montclair - the first purposely built small animal hospital in the state of New Jersey. From the brass doorways, to elaborate wood paneling, to marble kennels for dogs, to copper skylights, no detail was neglected. Even the unique design of the waiting room with boxes to separate pets, complete with ashtrays for cigars (since removed), was thought out with care.
A Legacy of Compassion
Dr. George Cameron Sr. built and opened Cameron Animal Hospital for Small Animals in 1936, and from the beginning he was known for the help he offered the community. He never turned away a stray or injured animal, an ethos that has continued to this day. Children grew up working at the hospital, and when his son, Dr. George Cameron, took over the hospital in 1970, he expanded on his father’s community work – helping to found the Montclair Animal Shelter, Bloomfield Animal shelter, Pound Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), and more.
He became the veterinarian of record for many animal shelters and rescue groups, providing millions of dollars in free care of the course of his life. And he expanded the hospital’s rescue mission by housing, rehabilitating, and adopting out animals, including cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, and even the occasional bird. Upon joining the practice, Dr. Houston worked with Dr. Cameron to formalize and expand the adoption program, and the number of animals directly helped by the hospital has more than tripled in recent years.
Over time Cameron Animal Hospital has rescued and found new homes for thousands of animals who would not have otherwise survived. Now we need your help. As need has grown, so have expenses, and what was one a self-funded mission is no longer sustainable. Cameron Animal Rescue does not receive any government funding. We need help and support from the community to continue to function and meet the incredible need to rescue and heal the animals that don’t have anyone else.
