For 95 years, the Animal Protective Foundation has been giving animals something incredibly powerful: a second chance. Founded on August 27 th ,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.

Every summer, animal shelters across the country experience one of their busiest seasons. From litters of kittens arriving during “kitten season” to families facing unexpected life changes that require them to surrender a beloved pet, shelters often see an increase in animals needing care at the same time that adoptions naturally slow down. While the Animal Protective Foundation is fortunate to not be at capacity, we know how quickly that can change. That’s why this time of year is so important. Every adoption, every foster home and every act of community support helps ensure that we’re ready to welcome the next animal that needs us. Animal Protective Foundation's "Clear the Shelters" Campaign | Life & Arts | dailygazette.com

Summer is a great time to enjoy the outdoors with pets, but warmer temperatures can quickly become dangerous. Unlike people, dogs and cats don’t sweat efficiently to cool themselves. Instead, they rely primarily on panting, making them much more vulnerable to overheating and heatstroke. Below is the Daily Gazette Link to Tips and Guidelines to help Beat the Heat and Protect your Pets this Summer! Pet Safety in Summer: Preventing Heatstroke | Life & Arts | dailygazette.com

Summer is a great time to enjoy the outdoors with pets, but warmer temperatures can quickly become dangerous. Unlike people, dogs and cats don’t sweat efficiently to cool themselves. Instead, they rely primarily on panting, making them much more vulnerable to overheating and heatstroke. Below is the Daily Gazette Link to Tips and Guidelines to help Beat the Heat and Protect your Pets this Summer! Pet Safety in Summer: Preventing Heatstroke | Life & Arts | dailygazette.com

For many people, fireworks are a fun way to celebrate summer holidays. For our pets, however, the loud noises, bright flashes and unexpected sounds can be frightening and overwhelming. Every year animal shelters across the country see an increase in lost pets around holidays that involve fireworks. Even calm, well-adjusted animals can panic when startled and might try to escape through doors, windows or fences, or bolt from their leashes. Keep pets safe during fireworks season -- Animal Chronicles | Life & Arts | dailygazette.com

June is Adopt a Shelter Cat Month, a time to celebrate the wonderful cats waiting in shelters for loving homes. While kittens often steal the spotlight with their tiny, biscuit-making paws and playful antics, cats of all ages have something special to offer — and they all deserve a chance to be seen. Animal Chronicles : Cats of all ages deserve the spotlight | Life & Arts | dailygazette.com

The countdown is on—Woofstock is Sunday! On June 7, Collins Park in Scotia will transform the Lions Pavillion into a celebration of pets, people, and community. From 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., the Animal Protective Foundation will host its fifth annual Woofstock Music Festival and 5K. Animal Chronicles – celebrate Woofstock | Life & Arts | dailygazette.com

As the weather warms and community events begin filling the calendar, many pet owners look forward to bringing their dogs along for the fun. From outdoor festivals and farmers markets’ to charity walks and dog-friendly celebrations such as the Animal Protective Foundation’s Woofstock, public events can be a wonderful way to spend time with your pet while enjoying the season together. However, not every dog is suited for busy social settings — and that’s OK. Is your pet ready for a public event? -- Animal Chronicles | Pets | dailygazette.com

As the weather warms and community events begin filling the calendar, many pet owners look forward to bringing their dogs along for the fun. From outdoor festivals and farmers markets’ to charity walks and dog-friendly celebrations such as the Animal Protective Foundation’s Woofstock, public events can be a wonderful way to spend time with your pet while enjoying the season together. However, not every dog is suited for busy social settings — and that’s OK. Is your pet ready for a public event? -- Animal Chronicles | Pets | dailygazette.com