As part of Associated Humane Societies Newark’s first “Creator Day,” about 40 social media influencers toured the animal shelter on Friday, walking through a barrage of barking from 160 dogs desperate for attention.

These content creators found a packed shelter, with every kennel occupied.

“A lot of pit bulls, which makes me really upset,” said Daniella Rambone, one influencer from Hoboken. “I love a bully, and I feel they’re very misunderstood. And when it comes to apartment buildings, they’re one of the breeds that aren’t allowed.”

The idea of mobilizing social media and the influencers that drive it to promote pet rescues comes from volunteer Olivia Marcus, an Instagram influencer with 80,000 followers of her own. She figured fellow content creators could help dogs like Titan, a pit bull who’s lived in the shelter for more than a year.

“We want them to feature a lot of the long-term residents — the ones who’ve been waiting for their story to get told — who’ve been in the shelter for hundreds and hundreds of days,” Marcus said. “And also our little stars. There’s some really fine cats and kittens in the cat room.

Some 200 cats also need fostering or forever homes. They are kittens like seven-year-old Luna, who was surrendered by an owner with Alzheimer’s.

“She comes off as a little bit timid, but once you get to know her, she’s the absolute sweetest. And she’s next to some kittens — so she often gets overlooked,” Marcus said.

The epidemic of crowded shelters isn’t just a Newark problem. Earlier this month, New York City’s animal shelters suspended intake for the first time.

“So we are seeing increased costs of vet care, increased cost of pet food, increased cost of housing — and a lack of pet-friendly housing in the entire nation,” said Olivia Gonzalez, AHS’ social media coordinator. “There are breed restrictions in apartments for renters. There are weight restrictions.”

As part of the event on Friday, creators took the dogs out for walks and recorded content for their audiences — all with the help of lots of treats.

“I love dogs more than people,” aid Jenna Katz, another Hoboken influencer. “Animal rescue is the most important thing in the world to me. I wish people would stop going to breeders, and give rescue dogs a chance.”

Under new management, the shelter has focused on adoption, and it is seen in the numbers. According to the Best Friends Animal Society, an animal rights group, Associated Humane Societies in Newark achieved a “nearly-no-kill” status between June 2024 and this past May, saving some 90% of dogs and cats.

The shelter is aiming for 100%, with now a little help from its new infuencer friends.