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When I first heard about Howling Woods Farm, the idea of standing a few feet from wolf hybrids made me giddy. I went back in 2013 with family and friends and could not recommend it more.
More than a decade later, the farm is still doing the same work in Jackson Township – educating people about wolves and wolfdogs, rescuing animals that fall through the cracks, and letting visitors meet them up close.
Howling Woods Farm is a 501(c)(3) public charity focused on education and rescue. They do not breed, they take in wolfdogs (and some northern breeds) that need homes and work hard to place the ones who can be adopted. The rest stay as permanent residents and ambassadors.
Tours are by appointment only, last about an hour, and let you step inside the enclosures with the animals.
What actually happens on a visit
You sit or stand in a group while handlers bring out a few of the more social residents. In my case it was Takoda, Samson, and Kotori.
They approached with the classic wolfdog caution at first—heads low, eyes assessing—then chose people and leaned in for pets. Later you walk the grounds and watch the rest of the pack roll in dirt, howl when food appears, and interact with the people who care for them every day. The bond between the volunteers and the animals is obvious.
Current residents change over time. Past ambassadors have included animals like Raven, Luna, Jack, and Lyra. The experience is the same: quiet observation mixed with actual contact if the animals decide you’re worth it.
What is a wolfdog?
A wolfdog (sometimes called a wolf hybrid) is a dog with recent wolf ancestry—usually a parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent that was a wolf or high-content wolfdog. That’s different from every domestic dog’s distant shared ancestry with wolves. Most modern breeds haven’t had pure wolf blood for hundreds of years. Wolfdogs sit in the messy middle.
People talk about “content” levels: low, mid, and high. Higher content usually means more wolf-like behavior—shyness around strangers, stronger prey drive, less interest in being a typical house pet.
Looks alone won’t tell you. Plenty of pure domestic dogs get sold as “wolfdogs” because they look the part.
Common misconceptions
A lot of people still believe wolfdogs are aggressive or make great guard dogs. The opposite is usually true. Wolves (and high-content wolfdogs) tend to be shy. They avoid confrontation when they can.
The more wolf genetics, the less likely the animal is to seek out trouble with people. That doesn’t mean they can’t bite—any animal can—but the “dangerous predator” story is mostly myth and bad media.
Another frequent mix-up: thinking every dog that looks wolfy has recent wolf blood. Many do not. Backyard breeders have cashed in on the look for years, producing animals that sell for thousands and then surprise their new owners with needs the average household can’t meet.
Can a wolfdog be a pet? And what about adoptions?
Yes, some can. Howling Woods Farm does adopt out certain rescued animals, but the screening is strict for good reason. They look for experienced homes that already understand shy, independent canines. Outdoor space requirements are real (large secure enclosures are standard). Most applicants get turned down. The farm is upfront about that.
If you’re serious, start with their adoption inquiry process rather than shopping breeders. Ethical placement is the point of the rescue work.
How to prepare for a visit
Call (609) 901-1387 between 10 am and 4 pm Monday through Friday to book.
They do not take appointments by email, text, or social media.
Tours run on selected weekdays and one weekend day; check their schedule first. Minimum suggested donation is currently $30 per adult and $15 for children ages 10–12. Kids under 10 are not allowed.
Wear closed-toe shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty or slightly scratched. Leave dangling items, hats that can be grabbed, and anything crinkly in your pockets at home. No running or loud noise inside the pens. Adults sign a release. Bring a camera if you want—photos are fine.
The animals decide how close they get. Some will lean into you. Others will hang back. That’s normal.
How you can help
Donations keep the animals fed and the facility running. Volunteering and simply telling accurate stories about wolfdogs also matter. The farm’s core job is chipping away at the old myths so fewer animals end up in bad situations to begin with.
Location
Howling Woods Farm
1371 West Veterans Highway
Jackson Township, New Jersey
https://howlingwoods.org/
If you’re in central Jersey and care about these animals, book the hour. You’ll leave knowing more than when you arrived—and probably wanting to go back.
