Animal Protective Foundation

Who We Are

• Mission
• What We Are
• Where Do the Animals Come From?
• Our Commitment to the Animals
• Finding Forever Homes
• Funding and Leadership
  

Mission
The mission of the Animal Protective Foundation of Schenectady is to address pet overpopulation and animal suffering through education and appropriate action, to enhance human/animal relationships, and to provide care to animals in need.

What We Are
The Animal Protective Foundation is a self-supporting, full-service humane society providing services to Schenectady County and the greater Capital Region. Since 1931 the APF has held true to the mission of its founders. We have an “open admission” policy which ensures that animals are not turned away based on their breed, age, condition or circumstance.

Please note that while we remain committed to an “open admission” policy, due to the economy and other factors which have been bringing more unwanted animals to our doors, there are times when we are simply full. When this is the case, we will inform patrons that we have no space and ask them to consider holding on to the animal a bit longer until we can accommodate them.

We ask people to understand that when we are full and have more animals coming in than we can house, we are forced to make euthanasia decisions on the basis of space. We try to avoid this at all costs because it places us in the senseless and heart-wrenching position of having to judge the value of one animal’s life over another simply due to a shortage of space. We reach out to area rescue groups in cases such as this, but we are not always able to find placement, especially when multiple animals are surrendered.

Our first priority is to accept owner-relinquished pets belonging to Schenectady County residents and stray cats brought in by residents. Next is to serve municipalities with whom we have sheltering agreements for stray dogs, and then to help with holding for abuse and neglect cases, including hoarding situations.

Unlike “no-kill” or limited admission shelters, we accept and provide sanctuary to any animal that comes through our doors. We believe that every animal, even those too sick, too abused, or too aggressive to be adopted, deserve to be cared for. When others turn them away, we offer them safety, a warm blanket, food, clean kennels and medical care. We assess all animals for health and temperament, and those we can’t nurse back to health physically or mentally, we peacefully and respectfully euthanize.

It is vital for every community to have an organization that will euthanize when necessary, as there must be a humane outlet for pets that are unable to be adopted. It is a responsibility that the APF takes very seriously and a burden that is shouldered by a caring and compassionate staff that must thoughtfully consider the interests of both the animals and the community.

Sheltering and adoption will never be the solution to the pet overpopulation crisis, which is why expansion of our low-cost spay/neuter capabilities is a top organizational priority.

Where do the animals come from? 
We accept unwanted animals and stray cats from Schenectady County residents, requesting a donation of $25 per animal at the time of intake or surrender. Although many assume that their tax dollars support the shelter, the APF receives no government support and is not affiliated with any national humane organization. The APF is funded by donations and fees for the services it provides. The APF admits approximately 2,500 animals each year.

Animals are generally either given up by their owners, or brought in as stray:
Owner surrender:  62%    Stray:  38%

The APF accepts cats, dogs, and small animals, which may include rabbits, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, rats, birds, and other species.

The breakdown by species for 2010:
Cats:  68%        Dogs:   29%      Small Animals:  3%

According to the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Law, “… it is the responsibility of each town, city, and village to establish and maintain a pound or shelter for dogs.” Since Schenectady County does not have a municipal shelter, the APF provides paid services for the City of Schenectady and the towns of Duanesburg, Niskayuna, Glenville and Princetown. In 2010, dogs brought in through these animal control programs accounted for 45% of our total dog intake. The APF provides shelter and care for these stray dogs and places many of those unclaimed in our adoption program.

Our Commitment to the Animals
The health and background of the animals brought to us varies greatly, making our first priorities for them safety, comfort and medical care. Upon arrival, animals receive an incoming exam and are vaccinated against distemper, rabies and other diseases. They are also dewormed and treated for external parasites, including fleas and ear mites. Then they are given time to settle into their new surroundings and provided with comforting amenities, such as blankets, beds and toys.

Prior to spay/neuter surgery, cats are tested for feline leukemia (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), and dogs are tested for heartworm, Lyme disease and ehrlichia (a tick-borne illness). The average cost of care we provide for each dog and cat is $200.

We get to know our dogs and cats through personality and behavioral assessments so that we can place them with adopters whose lifestyles best match their needs. Staff members and volunteers also provide daily exercise and socialization for the animals.

Finding Forever Homes
Our greatest hope for every pet is a loving, lifelong home. Our adoption process includes a simple questionnaire which helps to identify adopters’ desires and expectations. This, along with one-on-one time with the pet and a staff member who knows the animal, helps to increase the likelihood of a connection that will last a lifetime. We encourage adopters to contact us with any questions or issues that may arise with their new pets. Should the adoption ultimately not work out, we will always take the animal back.

In addition to pets adopted through the shelter, we work with more than a dozen rescue groups to place pets with special needs. Since 2005, more than 800 pets have been placed through these partnerships. In 2009 the APF rehomed 1,359 pets.

Funding and Leadership
The Animal Protective Foundation is a private nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. As a nonprofit corporation we rely heavily on private donations to keep our doors open. The APF receives funding for animal control services from the municipalities that contract for those services. However, as an independent charity, we do not receive any other form of municipal or governmental funding. We also generate income through our adoption program, some of our educational programs, and crematory services. All fees from those programs go back into the shelter to provide care and sanctuary for the thousands of animals that come to us each year. Private donations, however, make the difference! Learn how your gift can help.

APF Board of Directors
Rebecca Pauley, President
Annmarie Lanesey, President
Jo Freedman, Treasurer
Judy Dillenback, Secretary
Lisa Antenucci
Lisbeth Calandrino
Marc Gutchell
Anne Hartranft
John Martino
Judy McCullough
Sheila McGee
Sara Veeder

Executive Director
Rosalie R. Ault