This is a series of diaries highlighting animal rescues around the country and noting and celebrating the work they do to help animals who have no voices but ours to speak for them. I have decided to make this a daily series because there are so many wonderful rescues out there who need human help and weekly just doesn't seem to be enough. I have long wanted to start a rescue but lack the resources or time available to do so right now so this is my attempt to do my part. I hope that these rescues will benefit from the kindness and benevolence of the community here at Daily Kos. They are amazing organizations and worthy of Kossack attention and care. This rescue is near where I live and does a lot of good for the animals and the community.
I am here, alive and all around you
I have no voice
In your trees, your air, your fields, your oceans, your world
I have no voice
I am a mother, a father, a protector, a soul
I have no voice
I can walk, crawl, sing, fear
I have no voice
You must be my voice
Animal Protective Foundation
The website is here
You can donate here
Adoption info is here
Who We Are
OUR 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 DO
The Animal Protective Foundation is a 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.
We accept owner relinquished cats, dogs and small animals and stray cats from Schenectady County residents. We request a minimum donation of $25 per animal at the time of intake or surrender. The APF cares for upwards of 2,500 animals each year.
Fireplug 500 Walk for Animals
SEPTEMBER 27 @ 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Sign up to participate and get involved! You can form a team, raise money, or make a donation.
The Fireplug 500 Walk for Animals is a day of fundraising fun to benefit the animals at the Animal Protective Foundation. Our event features local celebrities, adoptable pets, a walk (with or without your pet) in beautiful Central Park, exciting vendor booths, live music, and more!
Walk to honor your own pets and help orphaned pets that are still waiting to find a home of their own. When you register you can help save lives by collecting donations on behalf of the animals. Fun prizes awarded to individuals who fundraise!
Read more about it here
OUR COMMITMENT TO THE ANIMALS
Upon arrival, animals receive an incoming exam and are vaccinated against distemper, rabies, and other diseases. They are also treated for fleas, worms and other parasites, as needed. 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 over 6 months old are tested for feline leukemia (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency (FIV) and cats under 6 months old are tested for feline leukemia (FeLV) only. Dogs are tested for heartworm, Lyme disease, ehrlichia and anaplasma (both tick-borne illnesses). The average cost of care we provide for each dog and cat is $250.
We get to know our pets through behavioral assessments so that we can place them with adopters whose lifestyles best match their needs. Staff members and volunteers provide daily exercise, enrichment, 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 what characteristics adopters are looking for in a pet. After completion of the questionnaire, potential adopters can spend time with the animals. Once a pet goes home, we encourage adopters to contact us with any questions or issues that may arise. 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 rescue groups to place pets with special needs.
FUNDING
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 Animal Protective Foundation is a private nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation. We rely heavily on private donations to keep our doors open. The APF generates income by providing animal control services, adoption fees, and crematory services.
WE ARE CURRENTLY SEEKING VOLUNTEERS IN THESE AREAS:
Kitten foster parents – we will provide training and supplies and match you with the pet or pets that are right for you.
Morning and evening help with cleaning and adoption at our PetSmart Cat Adoption Center on Balltown Road in Niskayuna.
Our dog walking program is dedicated to getting our dogs out of their kennels as often as possible. Just giving the dogs time to play or to do their own thing in our education room is valuable. This also involves bringing dogs to offsite adoption events.
We do laundry non-stop throughout the day. We have a new laundry room and machines. Bring a book and relax!
We hold special events and fundraisers throughout the year and are always looking for friendly folks to help. We are also seeking people who are willing to approach businesses for monetary or in-kind donations.
Our Feline Friends help with cleaning, socializing, and adopting out our cats. You decide which role best suits you. We have many shifts available.
We have lots of bowls and litter boxes to clean and dry. Help out in our dish room during a morning shift.
Our Community Spay/Neuter Clinic staff would love to have some volunteers to assist with cleaning and wrapping surgical packs, filling supplies, and cleaning cages at the end of the day.
Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age. Contact Denise Altobelli, Volunteer Coordinator, at 374-3944, ext. 118 or altobelli@animalprotective.org to learn more.