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Abandoned Pet Rescue Inc

Fort Lauderdale's No-Kill Shelter

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APR: 30 Years of Saving Lives

1954
The Foundation
The Foundation

Long before APR, our home was a neighborhood vet clinic on Flagler Drive. These bones became the sanctuary we inhabit today.

1990
The Feral Cat Initiative
The Feral Cat Initiative

It began with a few dedicated volunteers trapping and neutering feral cats, quickly realizing the massive need for a true no-kill refuge.

1996
A Mission Formalized
A Mission Formalized

APR officially becomes a 501(c)(3). In these early days, we had no machines; laundry was dried in the sun, and every cage was scrubbed by hand.

2010
The Surgical Milestone
The Surgical Milestone

Thanks to the generosity of Barry Peterson, we installed our first surgical suite, allowing us to perform life-saving procedures on-site.

2020
Standing Strong
Standing Strong

While the world paused for COVID-19, APR kept its doors open, serving as a critical lifeline for families and abandoned pets facing unprecedented hardship.

2023
Artful Advocacy
Artful Advocacy

Gifted by late artist and board member Jeanne Dawson-Lalli, APR’s studio now hosts youth education, dog enrichment, and enhanced adopter meet-and-greets.

2026
30th Anniversary Expansion
30th Anniversary Expansion

To meet the rising demand for care, we are breaking ground on a major clinic expansion which is our most ambitious project to date.

Help Us Write the Next Chapter

It costs more than $65,000 each month to operate our no-kill shelter and care for more than 150 animals waiting for homes. Your 30th anniversary gift will help fund daily care, food, medical, enrichment and the compassion that defines our mission. Join us in celebrating 30 years of lifesaving work.

Donate Today!

❤️ Happy Tails: Adoption Stories ❤️

  • Catherine & Trapper (Coven & Leo)

    In 2020, Victoria visited APR for one kitten but left with two: Leo and Coven. After waiting years for a home, they now bring Victoria daily joy and companionship while she works. She highly recommends APR, celebrating how pet adoption transforms lives through unconditional love.

  • Jacki Lazzaro

    In 2026, Jackie adopted several senior and medical-needs dogs from APR. As a dedicated volunteer, she sees firsthand how vital shelter support is. Jackie highly recommends APR, believing that rescuing overlooked seniors is a life-saving act that makes life and the world truly more wonderful.

  • River (Rio)

    Stephen Beard and his wife adopted Rio from APR in of December 2025, finding the perfect lap dog. Rio adapted instantly, bonding deeply with his new brother. Thrilled by the experience, the couple highly recommends APR, cherishing the unconditional love and rewarding connection only a rescue pet provides.

  • Raw Paw

    Over a dozen years ago, Heather Ruis adopted Raw Paw, a 17-year-old cat with a mangled paw and one ear. Under her compassionate care, he lived to 19. Heather believes senior rescues bond more deeply, proving that adopting older pets offers a predictable, incredibly rewarding experience.

  • Treat (Millie)

    Three years ago, Amy and her husband adopted Millie, a sweet cat who waited over a year for a home. After overcoming painful dental issues, Millie is now thriving. She’s the perfect companion for Emerald (Myles), proving that shelter adoptions provide deserving animals a beautiful new beginning.

  • Emerald (Myles)

    Five years ago, Amy Cooper & her husband found Myles on the APR website while seeking a companion for their senior cat. Despite health issues and anxiety, Myles became a loyal, affectionate best friend. His story highlights the rewarding “second chance” shelter adoptions provide, creating deep, lifelong bonds.

  • Yams

    Kara Starzyk, shelter manager at Abandoned Pet Rescue, originally planned to foster Yams after his long 1.5-year stay. However, the feisty, social cat quickly bonded with her two dogs. Realizing he was the perfect fit, Kara officially adopted the big-personality kitty three years ago.

  • Linda Halverson

    Since 2005, Linda and Hal Halverson have been giving a loving home to APR’s cats and dogs. This special couple has adopted 17 pets from APR plus their children Haley and Alex and many relatives have also become adopters making adoption a core value of their family.

  • Honey Boo

    True love often begins with a spark! For Aryana Nascimento, she felt that special connection with a 14-year-old cat named Honey Boo when she first saw her on APR’s social media. Honey Boo’s health was declining after many years of being in a shelter, but since being adopted in February 2026, she is now happy and youthful!

  • Jude

    April 2022, a special needs dog named Jude was adopted by truly compassionate humans:
    Chesi and Addison Williams. Jude, born with Cerebellar Hypoplasia, has lifelong balance and mobility issues. He spent two years growing up in a foster home and at the shelter until finding his perfect family!

Our Mission

Abandoned Pet Rescue, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is a No-Kill animal shelter with the mission to rescue, heal and rehome abandoned and neglected cats and dogs, while also promoting responsible pet ownership and advocating for animal welfare in our community.

Learn how we help pets & people
Best Friends Network 2024Best of Fort Lauderdale 2024GuideStarCandidBest Friends Network 2024Best of Fort Lauderdale 2024GuideStarCandid

With You, We Can

Every animal we rescue, heal, and rehome begins with your support.

Donate

Open 7 Days A Week

12PM - 5PM

1137 NE 9TH AVE
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
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Abandoned Pet Rescue is a 501 (c) (3) tax exempt not-for-profit organization. A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling toll-free within the state 1-800-435-7352 or visiting the website www.FloridaConsumerHelp.com. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state.
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