EXPANDING CARE, STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY

The Campaign for the Animal Protective Foundation

For nearly a century the Animal Protective Foundation (APF) has been a cornerstone of compassion, innovation, and hope for animals in the Capital Region. This is why the APF is launching a once-in-a-generation capital campaign, an investment that will shape the future of animal welfare in our region for decades to come.

Compassionate, Purpose-Built Animal Housing

Healing begins with environment. This campaign will create enriched species-appropriate housing that supports both physical and emotional wellbeing.


These spaces will:

  • Promote comfort, safety, and healing for animals awaiting adoption.
  • Provide enrichment that reduces stress and supports behavioral health.
  • Improve disease prevention and recovery.
  • Shorten length of stay, enabling the APF to help more animals each year.


Together with our recently renovated dog housing, these improvements ensure that every animal at the APF is met with care tailored to their individual needs.

A New Standard in Shelter Medicine

At the heart of this campaign is a reimagined shelter medicine and veterinary care center—designed to meet the highest standards of clinical excellence and compassionate care. 


This expanded medical space will allow APF to:


  • Deliver expanded care for animals whose medical needs surpass our current resources.
  • Meet and exceed the Association of Shelter Veterinarians’ (ASV) Ideal Standards of Care.
  • Create calmer, more efficient workflows that reduce stress for animals and staff to expedite adoption readiness.
  • Provide dedicated isolation wards that significantly reduce disease transmission—one of the greatest challenges in a shelter environment.



The result will be healthier animals, improved outcomes, and a shelter medicine center designed for the realities of modern animal welfare.

Expanding Our Impact to Communities with Limited Access to Resources

Our unique Pet Safety Net embodies the APF’s commitment to keeping families together, even during times of hardship. For many, it means the difference between stability and surrender.


Through this campaign, the APF will expand the reach and impact of the Pet Safety Net program by:


  • Increasing resources that help pets remain safe and healthy in their homes.
  • Expanding our Community Pet Wellness Clinics, Pet Food Pantry, and other supportive programs.
  • Strengthening our reunification efforts for stray pets.


This work reinforces a powerful truth: supporting animal lovers is essential to protecting animals.

Investing in the People Who Make Compassion Possible

Behind every life saved is a dedicated team of professionals, volunteers, and advocates. This campaign recognizes that exceptional animal care depends on creating functional, welcoming, and collaborative workspaces for the people who provide essential services for the animals in our care, including: 


  • Enhanced training, learning, and professional growth.
  • Expanded volunteer engagement and community participation.
  • Humane education and outreach programs.
  • Strengthened recruitment and retention of skilled animal welfare professionals.



A strong, supported team is essential to sustaining excellence in our care of animals and community— today and for generations to come.

The End of Life Center

Among the most compassionate and transformational elements of this campaign is the creation of the End of Life Center—a first-of-its-kind space in our region dedicated to honoring the final chapter of the humananimal bond.


Too often, families must say goodbye to beloved pets in rushed or clinical settings without the privacy or comfort they deserve. The End of Life Center will change that by providing:


  • A calming, private setting where families can spend unhurried, meaningful time with their pets.
  • Comfort-focused design with natural light, soft furnishings, and gentle surroundings that reflect love and dignity.
  • Supportive services that allow owners to be present during humane euthanasia.
  • Dedicated staff care to guide families through this difficult moment with compassion and grace.
  • Offering affordable, owner-present end of life services that honor the human-animal bond with dignity and compassion to prevent unnecessary suffering of animals.


This will be a space of peace, healing, and closure, ensuring no pet takes their final breath in fear, and no family feels alone in their grief.

For more information about project information or naming opportunities lease contact Joe Lisella, Chief Executive Officer, at lisella@animalprotective.org or 518.374.3944 ext. 11

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This campaign reflects both the urgency of today’s needs and the promise of tomorrow’s possibilities. With visionary leadership, a dedicated team, and a growing network of supporters, the APF is ready to lead the next chapter of animal welfare in the Capital Region. The impact of this campaign will not be measured only in buildings improved, but in lives changed, animals healed, families supported, and a community strengthened through compassion.

A Moment of Opportunity

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Join Us in Building the Future

This is a call to imagine what is possible—and to realize our potential to provide the highest level of care for the most vulnerable animals in our community. Together, we can achieve services that heal, programs that uplift, and resources that meet the needs of our community, ensuring every animal is treated with care, dignity, and love.

Together, we can make this vision a reality. Together, we will create a bright future for the animals in our community.

EXPANDING CARE, STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY The Campaign for the Animal Protective Foundation

For nearly a century the Animal Protective Foundation (APF) has been a cornerstone of compassion, innovation, and hope for animals in the Capital Region. 

Since our founding in 1931, the APF has provided safety for homeless animals, healing for those in need,

critical population control, and access to exceptional veterinary care—always grounded in a belief shared by

our community: every animal deserves dignity, care, and a chance for a brighter future.


Thanks to the steadfast support of donors, volunteers, and partners, the APF has continually evolved to meet

changing community needs. Together, we have:

  • Reimagined canine care through a state-of-the-art dog housing renovation.
  • Built the region’s largest public spay/neuter clinic, expanding access to affordable surgeries to prevent overpopulation.
  • Extended our reach across the Capital Region through our Pet Safety Net program and other community-centered initiatives.


Today, the APF stands at a pivotal moment. Demandfor our services is growing. Opportunities to deepen

our impact are expanding. The call to do more for the animals—and the people who love them—has never

been more urgent. This is why the APF is launching a once-in-a-generation capital campaign, an investment that will shape the future of animal welfare in our region for decades to come.