The Animal Protection Society of Durham: a fierce advocate for animals for more than 50 years

This article was written for our sponsor, Whitley Law Firm

For more than 50 years, the Animal Protection Society of Durham (APS) has been a pillar within the community, providing essential services to animals and pet owners. Shafonda Allen, Executive Director of APS since 2008, said the organization’s ultimate goal is to “get to a place where there are no displaced animals and that there are animal services available to all pet owners, so that one day there will be enough veterinary care, food, and housing where these animals can go.”

Since 1990, the 501(c)(3) organization has been contracted to manage the Durham County Animal Shelter. It works closely with the Durham County Sheriff's Department as the only licensed shelter in the area. While the organization takes in surrendered, abused, and abandoned animals, it has many programs in place designed to keep pets in loving homes, even if their families have fallen on hard times. These resources include:

• A pet food assistance program, providing vital resources to pet owners who would otherwise seek to surrender their pets if they could not afford food.
• Low-cost spay and neuter clinics which help reduce the number of pets surrendered to a shelter and improve the long-term health of pets.
• Informational resources and a behavior hotline to help pet owners address questions or concerns regarding pet ownership and troubling pet behaviors.

Despite actions to mitigate displaced animals, the organization receives more than 5,000 animals every year. Community support is essential to ensure the animals are taken care of. Allen, who has been with APS since 1998, feels the support they receive from community members has been incredibly positive. “I fell in love with how good people are. I know that's really strange to say in animal welfare because you see animals that are displaced, hurt, and injured by people who either mean to hurt them or hurt them because they don't know the proper way to take care of an animal. But, on the other side of the coin are so many people willing to come in and help and donate,” she said.

With more than 600 active volunteers, Allen said, “We're alive with activity, so many people want to help and want to be a part of the solution.” But, even with a strong network in place, APS welcomes more help with open arms. Allen explained the organization currently receives more animals than any time in history, which requires a significant amount of resources to ensure all animals are correctly cared for.

Alongside volunteers and community donations, corporate sponsors like Whitley Law Firm are incredibly important as well. “Corporations host adoption events; they help fund care inside the shelter; and they sometimes discount products for us to have for our animals. I would say our corporate sponsors are some of our most important partners. Many of them come in and have great volunteer days here as well. So not only are they contributing their financial resources, often those corporations are choosing the shelter to do volunteer hours,” said Allen.

“One of the things I like about the Animal Protection Society of Durham is that it's been around for a really long time, and it focuses on the Durham community specifically, providing different resources for folks who maybe are underprivileged but still want to provide care for their animals. They shouldn't be denied just because of low resources. We think the Animal Protection Society of Durham does an amazing job of bridging that gap, keeping that community fully engaged, and taking care of their animals,” said Ben Whitley of Whitley Law Firm.

If you’re looking for ways to help the Animal Protection Society, there are many ways you can get involved. From donating needed items or spending time inside the shelter to fostering an animal or reading to cats, any help is welcomed. Visit the APS website to learn more.

This article was written for our sponsor, Whitley Law Firm