Consider All Your Options
If the decision to give up your pet is based on behavioral issues, please consult your veterinarian or call the shelter for advice and resources. Training might help. Some behaviors may be the result of an underlying medical problem and may require a visit to the veterinarian.
If you are giving up a pet because you are moving, please visit our resource page for options regarding renting with pets.
Some suggestions for rehoming your pet on your own:
- Ask family, friends and coworkers if they know of a home for your pet. Social media can help connect you to an extended network of potential new pet owners. Either way, be sure to spend time with any potential new owners to ensure they are a fit for your pet and that your pet will be happy with their new home.
- Visit the Rehome website, an excellent resource for helping pet owners find new homes for their pets. Pet owners can post their pet and receive extra support from the experts at rehome to ensure a smooth and safe process. If you use this resource to rehome your pet, be sure to list the Animal Protective Foundation as the referring shelter for us to receive a donation from Rehome.
- You might also want to contact other shelter or rescue groups to help rehome your pet. Go to Petfinder for a full list of area groups to contact.
Bringing Your Pet to the APF
The APF prefers to take in owned cats and dogs by appointment. Appointments are strongly encouraged for the surrender of more than one animal.
- Appointments are scheduled Tuesday through Friday between 9:00 am and 12:00 pm.
- Call (518) 374-3944, ext. 101 to schedule an appointment. Please leave a message and your call will be returned within 24 business hours. Note: the shelter is closed on Sunday and Monday and calls are not returned on these days.
- You will be asked to show identification with your current address.
- We request a $40 fee for each cat and $60 for each dog being surrendered in order to help offset the cost of care that your pet will receive. However, we will not turn away anyone who is unable to cover this fee.
- If possible, we ask you to print out and complete the animal intake profile below and bring it with you to your appointment. Please also bring any veterinary records that you have for your pet.
- Your appointment will take 15-20 minutes. Please allow additional time for multiple pets.
Intake by appointment offers benefits for pet owners and their animals
- An appointment allows our staff to spend time with the owner one-on-one in a more private setting.
- A scheduled time provides more opportunity for owners to share in-depth information about their pet.
- More information enables us to provide more thorough information on the animal with potential adopters.
- Managed intake helps to prevent overcrowding during peak intake periods, which keeps animals healthier.
- Appointments allow us to have sufficient staff resources available, especially when more than one pet is surrendered at a time.
Dog Intake FormCat Intake Form
The APF is an open admission shelter. We will do everything we can to ensure that your pet finds a new home, however, please understand that temperament, health, age, and kennel space are all factors that will determine our ability to do so safely and responsibly.