Get To Know the Staff & Volunteers
Jason Rader: Animal Control Officer
Where are you from, and where do you live now in New Jersey?
Passaic, NJ, and still living there.
Did you have any pets growing up? How did you become interested in working with animals?
I don’t think there was ever a time I didn’t have a pet of my own. I grew up with dogs, cats, hamsters, lizards—you name it, we had it! As a kid, I always knew I wanted to work with animals. I spent most of my childhood dreaming of becoming a zoologist, studying wildlife like Jane Goodall. That passion never faded.
Do you have any pets of your own currently?
Definitely! I’ve got 3 cats. They keep things interesting for sure. One of them I adopted from the Montclair Animal Shelter.
What drew you to working at the Montclair Animal Shelter?
Before joining MTAS, I worked part-time as an animal control officer in Newton and Hopatcong. I had always heard great things about the Montclair Animal Shelter, and when a full-time position opened up, I couldn’t pass it up. The shelter’s strong reputation and mission really stood out to me and the opportunity to work closer to home was a huge plus. It felt like the perfect fit both professionally and personally.
What duties do you do at the shelter? What does a typical workday look like for you?
A typical day starts off with feeding the animals and cleaning their spaces. Depending on the day, I’ll be working with either the dogs or cats. If I’m on call, I’ll handle the Animal Control line and respond as needed. I also assist with vet check-ups, help out with general tasks around the shelter, and show animals to potential adopters. It’s a busy job for sure, but it’s rewarding knowing that I’m making a real difference in the lives of these animals.
What do you enjoy most about working with the shelter?
The best part is working with the animals, giving them the care they need, and knowing they’re one step closer to finding their forever homes. I also enjoy being involved in wildlife rescue and offering support to local pet owners. Every day brings something new, which keeps the job both rewarding and exciting.
How do you think the shelter benefits the community? What's something about the shelter that residents might not know about?
The shelter provides essential care for animals, promotes their well-being, and offers a variety of resources to support pet owners. We also encourage responsible pet ownership and provide volunteer opportunities for those looking to get involved. Through collaboration with local residents and organizations, we aim to make a meaningful impact and support the community as a whole.
One of my favorite things about the shelter is that, in addition to adoption services, we also offer a food pantry and work closely with local pet owners to provide extra support when needed. It’s not just about finding new homes for pets; we make sure current pet owners have the resources they need to care for their animals. It’s just one of the many ways we get to give back to the community and show we’re here for both the animals and their people.
Do you have any favorite things to do, or favorite places or restaurants in Montclair?
When I’m working, my go-to lunch spot is Ray’s Luncheonette. It’s close, it’s cozy, and the food is always on point. Outside of work, I enjoy going to Just Jakes and Egan’s. Montclair has so many cool spots to check out, and I’m always down to try something new!