Abandoned Pet Rescue (APR) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that rescues and shelters abandoned and abused dogs and cats with the goal of finding them new homes. APR is one of the largest no-kill animal shelters in South Florida. Over the past decade, APR has provided comprehensive care for 6,800 dogs and cats that have come through the shelter as well as for community cats that have been trapped, neutered, vaccinated and released.
APR was incorporated in 1996 and has since been an active member of the community and a determined advocate for animal welfare. APR’s roots began with a team of volunteers who were trapping, spaying and neutering feral cats, and quickly realized the greater need to help abandoned pets.
Today, APR has capacity to house up to 200 cats and 30 dogs. There are six free-roaming cat rooms for cats to socialize including an outside catio. Dogs have individual, air conditioned kennels for large to small breeds plus an outside play-yard to exercise. A staff of 18 members care for the animals 365 days a year. Over the past five years, APR’s average intake is 330 pets per year and adopts out 270 pets plus provides 20 medical adoptions per year, which allows pets with special needs to be in a home while continuing to receive medical care from the shelter veterinarian.
APR has an on-site clinic with a licensed veterinarian and trained technicians to provide on-going medical care, essential vaccinations, spaying/neutering and other general surgeries for the shelter animals. When animals arrive malnourished, abused or unwell, APR staff works to rehabilitate and nurture these animals so that they can be placed successfully in homes. APR also assists volunteers with their community cat colonies by vaccinating, spaying/neutering about 300 cats each year, often providing more extensive medical care for injured feral cats in these colonies.
APR has six Board Members comprised of various professions including accounting, law, engineering, real estate, civic leadership and the arts. The board of directors plays a vital role in maintaining the shelter’s structure, strong financial condition and overall mission to help stray and abandoned animals.
Over 60 active volunteers assist APR in daily tasks around the shelter and are a vital component to pet adoptions and fundraising events. APR invites students and adults to complete their community service requirements and welcomes community groups and companies to partake in service projects that improve the shelter.
