Celebrating 95 Years of Second Chances: Animal Chronicles
For 95 years, the Animal Protective Foundation has been giving animals something incredibly powerful: a second chance.
Founded on August 27th,1931, the APF began as a small shelter with a simple purpose: to protect animals in need. In the decades since, our organization, our community and the field of animal welfare itself have changed tremendously. What was once primarily a place of refuge has grown into a comprehensive resource dedicated not only to sheltering animals, but also to veterinary care, adoption, training, education and supporting the bond between people and their pets.
Through all that change, however, the heart of our mission has remained remarkably similar.
Every animal deserves to be protected. Every animal deserves compassionate care. And every animal deserves the opportunity to find connection.
Today, those beliefs are reflected in three principles that guide our work: protect, care and connect.
We protect animals by providing a safe place when they have nowhere else to go. Some arrive as strays. Others are surrendered by families who can no longer care for them. Some come to us needing significant medical care, patience or simply time to feel safe again. Whatever brought them through our doors, they are met with compassion and given the opportunity to begin a new chapter.
We care for each animal as an individual. That means nutritious meals, veterinary care and a comfortable place to rest, but it also means learning who they are. Our staff and volunteers spend time discovering their personalities, building their confidence, providing enrichment and helping prepare them for life beyond the shelter.
And then, we connect.
Sometimes that connection is an adoption—the moment a pet meets the person or family who will become their own. But connection reaches beyond adoption. It can mean helping pet owners access services and resources, teaching families and their dogs through the APF Canine Academy, providing preventative veterinary care, or simply being a place the community knows it can turn to when help is needed.
Animal welfare in 2026 looks very different than it did in 1931. We know more about animal behavior, veterinary medicine, enrichment and the importance of the human-animal bond. Shelters have evolved and so has the APF.
But 95 years of progress have only strengthened the idea that started it all: animals deserve compassion, dignity and a chance at a better life.
Over the past 95 years, thousands upon thousands of animals have passed through the APF's doors. Behind every one is a story—and behind those stories are generations of staff members, volunteers, adopters, donors and community members who chose to care.
As we celebrate this milestone, we aren't only looking back at how far we've come. We're looking forward to all the second chances still to come.
Because after 95 years, there are still animals who need protecting. There are still pets who need caring for. There are still families waiting to make that perfect connection.
And the Animal Protective Foundation will continue to be here for them.
