About Us

Asbury Boardwalk Rescue is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the care of the original Asbury Boardwalk cats, as well as dogs and other neglected animals in the Asbury Park area.

When the redevelopment of the Asbury Park Boardwalk began some years ago after a long period of neglect and deterioration, the waterfront was home to a large colony of feral cats. To prevent harsher solutions, those cats were captured, neutered, given veterinary treatment, and placed in a permanent sanctuary. That was the origin of Asbury Boardwalk Rescue. The remaining original Asbury Boardwalk cats to this day still reside, and are cared for, in our sanctuary.

Over the years, Asbury Boardwalk Rescue has expanded its activities. On numerous occasions we have provided emergency funds for critical treatment of abused dogs and cats that would otherwise have gone untreated. We conduct adoption events. And we hold fundraisers and provide support for many other animal welfare organizations, including Wag On Inn, Mid-Atlantic Bulldog Rescue, Rescue Ridge, Husky House, New Jersey Golden Retriever Rescue, Skylands Farm, Pug Rescue, Beagle Freedom Project, North Carolina Beagle Rescue, and Marty’s Place for Senior Dogs.

Our Executive Director, Debbie Delisa, has a long-standing history of standing up against animal abuse, caring for neglected and abandoned animals, and supporting animal rights and animal care organizations. For her efforts over the years Debbie has been honored by the Monmouth County Society for the Prevention of Animal Abuse and has received numerous awards, including a Carousel Award as a humanitarian from the Asbury Park Chamber of Commerce; a community service award from the Mayor’s Ball in Asbury Park; and a leadership award from the Monmouth County Arts Council.