S.T.A.R.T., Save the Animals Rescue Team, is a non-profit animal-rescue group founded by Annette Lamberti in 1991.  S.T.A.R.T., is a humane organization whose mission is to rescue stray, abandoned, injured, and abused kittens and cats in northern New Jersey.  The rescued animals are examined by a veterinarian, spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and placed in one of their volunteer foster homes. Since S.T.A.R.T. does not have a shelter facility, these animals remain in foster care until they are adopted. So many of these unfortunate animals are victims of pet overpopulation, therefore, this life-saving work is critical!!

An important part of S.T.A.R.T.'s rescue work is to maintain sterile colonies of cats. Feeding and care for these colonies can begin as early as 5:00 a.m. for some of the volunteers, and last long into the evening hours. Colonies are fed twice a day, everyday, no matter what the weather, and, when needed, medical care is given. In addition, S.T.A.R.T. participates in an outreach program with various shelters and rescue groups, rescuing animals before they are euthanized, giving them a second chance at life.
 
S.T.A.R.T. is dedicated to ending the pet overpopulation crisis in Northern New Jersey and is operated solely on private contributions, fundraisers, and member financial support to carry out all of these vital efforts. S.T.A.R.T. has more than 30 members and holds pet adoption days at Petco in Totowa and Pet Goods in Paramus, NJ.