Providing shelter and care to cats and dogs, helping them find loving homes and offering
programs and services that support our island community.
Help Provide Food and Enrichment for 500 Shelter Animals through the SJICF County Fair Giving Campaign!
Our four-legged friends have healthy appetites. They also have special needs while being temporarily housed in kennels, waiting for their “forever” home. Your generosity has always been appreciated, and our furry friends hope that you will continue to help.
The San Juan Community Foundation is once again hosting their county fair giving campaign – SJI Cares to support the many nonprofit organizations in our community.
APS-FH is excited to be participating in the Giving Campaign. This year, we hope to raise $10,000 to help provide healthy nourishment and enrichment care (food, beds, blankets, scratching posts, treats, chews and toys) to our shelter animals for the coming year. Imagine what you spend on your pet, then multiply it by 500 – the number of dogs and cats we care for each year! Our actual food and enrichment budget totals almost $17,000 annually.
With your help, we will be able to meet this goal!
Donations will be accepted now through midnight, Sunday, August 18th
Help our Island Pets Thrive!
February was National Spay & Neuter Awareness Month
We had several in-person events place in February:
Saturday 2/8: Visit us at Marketplace 11-4pm
We’re selling adorable Valentine’s Postcards to support the shelter!
Thursday 2/13: Stop by Treasure Hounds
Have a cup of coffee or cocoa while you shop! Some of our shelter staff will be there to share with you the shelter’s programs and services.
Saturday 2/22: Stop by Treasure Hounds
Stop in for a cup of coffee or cocoa while you shop! Learn about the shelter’s TNR program from our volunteers.
The holidays remind us of the joy of connection and love. Yet not everyone is able to experience that comfort.
Many pets still wait for the security of a homes, while others need a little extra support to stay with the families who love them.
When Blue arrived at APS-FH, he had already survived the devastation of the California wildfires. Thanks to our partnership with Greater Good Charities, he was safely transported here to San Juan Island. At 9 years old, this German Shepherd mix desperately needed a second chance.
This season your compassion can bring care and hope to pets across our community.
Search for your new friend here.
There are many places to acquire a dog or a cat, but our shelter provides adoption matchmaking services that help you find the right pet for your family and household. Before you adopt your companion animal from us, the Animal Protection Society will:
- Treat the pet for internal and external parasites
- Give them all initial vaccinations
- Spay or neuter the pet
- Test all cats for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Leukemia Virus (FeLV)
Beyond all that, animals at the shelter are lovingly cared for, socialized, and observed for all possible behavioral and health problems. We care about our friends, and it shows! Learn more.
Help Wanted!
Veterinary Technician
How You Can Help
Donate
Outright donations help us feed and take care of the shelter pets. They also help us maintain our facilities and keep the lights on. Make a one-time donation or a monthly donation of any amount.
Volunteer
Volunteer opportunities are many, just to name a few: walking dogs, trapping feral cats, general shelter cleaning, medical clinic support, fostering pets, and volunteering at our Treasure Hounds store.
Treasure Hounds
Shopping at our upscale retail thrift store is another way to support us, so is donating gently used household furnishings, home goods & decor to Treasure Hounds.
Latest Shelter News
Happily Home Stories
Did you know 1 in 3 pets will go missing in their lifetime?
We’re partnering with Petco Love Lost to help pets reunite with their families. Petco Love Lost is a free, easy-to-use national resource, using patented pet facial recognition technology to make it easier than ever to find possible matches for lost and found pets. Join us, and let’s unite to reunite at petcolovelost.org.
10 sweet faces packed their bags, said goodbye to shelter life, and headed off to start their next chapter full of cozy beds, treats on demand, and people who are obsessed with them (as they should be).
Every adoption means one more happy ending…and one more open space for the next animal in need. That’s the ripple effect we love to see!
Huge thank you to everyone who adopted, shared, visited, donated, and rooted for these animals along the way, together we made this happen!
May…it’s your turn 👀🐾 ... See MoreSee Less
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✨COURTESY POST ✨
Duncan
(Male, Golden Retriever, ~90 lbs)
Written by his current guardian:
Duncan is a young purebred Golden Retriever (born in June of 2024 in Anacortes). He’s a big strong boy at nearly 90 pounds. He has been neutered, is up to date with his shots, and is very healthy.
He is very smart, loves to play with balls, catching, chasing, and he has even learned how to dribble a tennis ball. He loves to run, play with other dogs, cuddle with our cat, and play with his chew toys. If you let him, he will cuddle, and as Charlie Brown said, ‘Happiness is a warm puppy’. He’s house broken and crate trained. He will bark with other dogs, I think they are exchanging neighborhood gossip, but he doesn’t continue for long.
Duncan loves to go for walks. He loves to meet new people, after all everyone is a potential friend. Unfortunately, he likes to jump up to meet them, but he is currently working on his manners and walking habits.
He comes with two crates, portable fencing, a new bed and lots of love (and toys). and pre-paid training with Lucky Fido Dog Training. I would love for him to stay on island and be able to see him sometimes but understand if that isn’t possible.
If you would like to know more about this darling boy and get connected with people for a meet and greet, please reach out to APS-FH at shelter@apsfh.com for more information or call (360) 378-2158. Or you can fill out an Adoption Application from our website here:
www.apsfh.com/adoption-program/canine-application
**This pet is not at the shelter. APS-FH offers “Courtesy Posting” as a way for pets to stay in their current homes while looking for their new home. APS-FH has not met, evaluated, or interacted with this dog and cannot make any guarantees about their health or temperament. Adoption process and rehoming fee is at the discretion of the pet’s current guardian.** ... See MoreSee Less
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APS-FH Education Center Spring Class Spotlight!
🐕 INTRO TO K9 NOSE WORK & NOSE WORK CONTINUING (Level 1 & 2)
3 Class Options | 10 Sessions + Orientation
🗓 Saturdays: 9:00–10:30am (May 16th–July 25th)
🗓 Saturdays: 11:30am–1:00pm (May 16th–July 25th)
🗓 Tuesdays: 9:30–11:00am (May 12th–July 14th)
This isn’t just a class, it’s a chance to tap into your dog’s superpower. Nose work is built around your dog’s natural instinct to sniff, search, and problem-solve, turning it into a fun, confidence-building game you can do together anywhere.
In Intro to K9 Nose Work (Level 1), dogs learn how to hunt for hidden scents, build focus, and gain confidence in a supportive environment. In Continuing Nose Work (Level 2), teams level up with more complex searches, new environments, and stronger communication between handler and dog.
The best part? This is one of the most inclusive activities out there. Shy dogs, busy dogs, older dogs, high-energy dogs, they can all thrive here. It’s mentally enriching, low-impact, and incredibly rewarding to watch your dog light up doing what they were born to do.
More confidence. More engagement. More tail wags.
And yes…a very tired (and happy) dog afterward.
Whether you’re just getting started or ready to build on your skills, this class will give you the tools to turn everyday sniffing into something truly special.
Spots are limited, sign up and let your dog lead the way!
www.apsfh.com/education-center-classes/
If you’ve adopted from APS within the last 3 months, you get a 25% off voucher to get started. Scholarships may also be available. ... See MoreSee Less
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Hansel & Gretel are ready to play… GUESS. THAT. BREED!
These adorable pups made their way to us from Central Washington thanks to our amazing transport partners at ARFSgc and Okandogs, and we couldn’t resist the ultimate question… what are they?!
So, we did what any curious humans would do…we sent off a DNA test (huge thanks to ARFSgc for generously donating the Embark kit! 🧬💌). Results are on the way, but in the meantime…
👀 It’s YOUR turn to guess!
Are you seeing schnauzer? shepherd? a sprinkle of chaos gremlin? a dash of cuddle bug??
Drop your best guesses in the comments ⬇️
Bonus points for the most creative answers 😂
We’ll share the real results as soon as they’re in… but until then, let the guessing games begin! ... See MoreSee Less
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Meet your new best friend…and give them a little time to settle in 🐾
Adopting a cat is exciting, heart-melting, and sometimes a little confusing at first, and that’s where the 3-3-3 rule comes in!
🐱 3 Days to Decompress
Your new kitty may be shy, hide, or feel unsure. This is totally normal! Everything is new: the smells, the sounds, the people. Give them space and let them come to you when they’re ready.
🐱 3 Weeks to Learn the Routine
You’ll start to see their personality shine through! They’ll get more comfortable, explore more, and begin to understand their new daily life (and where the food magically appears from).
🐱 3 Months to Feel at Home
This is when your cat truly settles in. Trust is built, routines are solid, and that sweet, quirky personality is fully unlocked. You’re officially their person ❤️
Every cat adjusts differently, but patience and love go a long way. The best bonds take a little time and they’re so worth it.
Ready to find your purrfect match? Check out our adoptable cats here: www.apsfh.com/adoption-program/adoptable-cats/ 🐾 ... See MoreSee Less
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POV: you have no idea if you’re at a nightclub or the animal shelter anymore 🪩🐾
come paw-ty with our animals, they’ll bring their own snacks! ... See MoreSee Less
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APS-FH Education Center Spring Class Spotlight!
Ready to try something totally different with your dog?
ISLAND SHEEP BALL (Level 1)
📅 Sundays | 10:00–11:30am
🗓 May 10th – June 14th
This island-born favorite is inspired by Treibball—a super fun dog sport where pups use their brains (and noses!) to “herd” large exercise balls instead of sheep 🐑➡️⚽
In this beginner-friendly class, your dog will learn three core skills:
• Stop
• Drive (move the ball forward)
• Push (direct it toward you)
It’s all about teamwork, communication, and giving your dog a job they’ll love. Treibball is especially great for herding breeds,or any dog who enjoys problem-solving, movement, and a little challenge. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to build focus and burn energy without high-impact exercise.
⚽ Ball provided, just bring your dog and get ready to have fun!
Spots fill fast, so don’t wait, sign up online now to save yours!
🔗 www.apsfh.com/education-center-classes/
If you’ve adopted from APS within the last 3 months, you get a 25% off voucher to get started. Scholarships may also be available. ... See MoreSee Less
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Here they come! 🐶🚐
Thank you Project Freedom Ride! We love getting to team up with you to help these sweet pups find their furever homes. ❤️ ... See MoreSee Less
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We’re excited to share that APS-FH is partnering with Embark to bring DNA testing to our community! 🧬🐾
Through the Embark Shelter Program, they offer a variety of testing options including breed identification, breed + health screening, and even age testing, giving us a deeper look at what makes each dog, them!
What does this mean for you?
Whether you’re a past, present, or future adopter, or just a curious animal lover, this is your chance to finally answer the age-old question: “what are they, though?!”
While the program does offer helpful health insights, a big part of the fun is uncovering each dog’s unique breed blend. That “terrier mix” might actually be a wild combo you never expected 👀
✨ Want to try it yourself?
Scan the QR code to unlock an exclusive discount! And bonus, when you purchase through our link, APS-FH receives a small commission, so it’s a win-win for you and the animals!
It’s a fun way to learn more about your pet, spark conversation, and celebrate all the little things that make them one-of-a-kind. Plus, some pups may even have relatives out there in Embark’s database 🐶
Because let’s be honest…half the joy is guessing, and the other half is finding out! ... See MoreSee Less
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