Providing compassionate care and brighter futures for homeless animals.
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.
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
We are hiring!
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.
Yesterday in our social post entitled “Paws & Play Post #1 - The Event Itself”, we celebrated the success of our recent Paws & Play event by highlighting all the fun, different aspects of that day, and all the collaboration that made it happen! For today’s Part #2, we’re thrilled to share the adoptions that came from it, so without further ado…
🐾📚Paws & Play Post #2 - Event Related Adoptions! 📚🐾
💙When local children’s book author, Tara Mesalik MacMahon, first came to us at APS-FH with the idea for an event, doing something that had the best chance of getting as many shelter pets adopted out as possible was her absolute primary focus; she was adamant that although her and her brother’s book would be a focus of the event, that the animal adoption success was their most important goal. With themes of pet adoption in their book, “Closet of Dreams”, and with beloved pets of their own, Tara and Mark wanted this event to ultimately help in raising awareness for shelter animals in need.
We were so appreciative of their enthusiasm for our adoption mission, and with our minds combined, we came up with plans for an event that could welcome our community into the shelter space and allow them to interact with some of our adoptable animals, as well as learn about the ones who weren’t viewable during the event, but who are also available for adoption. To accomplish this mission, our event included: a puppy social aspect where guests could meet the puppies we currently had available named “The Beatles Litter”; the opportunity to visit our adoptable cats, including felines of all ages, even litters of kittens; an event-specific coupon which could be picked up at our APS-FH table and was for 50% off any adoption, anytime in the future; multiple binders with up to date photos, descriptions, and information on all the animals who are currently in care and available for adoption; many staff and volunteers available to answer any and all questions, as well as being able to provide the appropriate application for any animal guests were interested in adopting! Although the nature of the never-expiring coupon makes it possible that still more happiness will come from this event, we’re thrilled to share that four adoptions in the last month have directly come from the event, and that all the puppies available for adoption during our event have since gone home to new, amazing, loving families!
We couldn’t be happier with the fact that this event was not only such a fun opportunity for collaboration amongst islanders, but that it also yielded such great adoption outcomes! 💙
🥹 Swipe through the photos and read the captions below to see and learn more about these happy adoption tales 🥰…
Directly From The Event, With Their 50% Off Adoption Coupon! :
Photo 1. Paul
Photo 2. John
Photo 3. Yoko
Not Pictured but included as the 4th to go home from the event was a small black kitten named Krispy. On her adoption day, she was so eager to go home with her new family that she got into the crate before her photo could be taken!
The Remainder of the Litter of Pup’s From The Event Also Got To Go Home This Month! :
Photo 4. Ringo
Photo 5. George
💞👏🏻Thank you so much to all the adopters included in this roundup! We so appreciate you and your willingness to save a life by adopting a shelter pet! Your new pets are lucky to be so well cared for and loved by you! 👏🏻💞 ... See MoreSee Less
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
Just shared and encouraged everyone to order a book!
What a wonderful way to help the animals. Paws Up!
Today marks one month since our Paws & Play Community Event and if we’re being honest, we’re still reeling from just how special it truly was! Maybe that’s because the magic of it is still lingering for us here at APS-FH, and we’re excited to share some of that with all of you in TWO POSTS; one will feature highlights of the event itself (this one) + one will feature the adoption stories tied into this event (posted tomorrow)! 💖 So, without further ado…
🐾📚Paws & Play Post #1 - The Event Itself! 📚🐾
💜Paws & Play was a family-friendly, fun for all ages event hosted by APS-FH, and in partnership with children’s book authors & illustrator, Griffin Bay Bookstore, San Juan Island Library, and a few of our local animal focused kid’s groups! The event introduced and celebrated “Closet of Dreams”, a children’s book written by local author Tara Mesalik MacMahon, and her brother & co-author Mark Ukra, and illustrated by local artist, Donna Dyer — all who could be found in person at the Griffin Bay Bookstore table; chatting with those in attendance, meeting readers of their book, signing copies of said book, and smiling for photos all throughout the event!
In addition to visiting the “Closet of Dreams” & Griffin Bay Bookstore table, community members attending Paws & Play could also…
- visit the San Juan Island Library table for coloring activities, and to check out an array of pet, adoption, and animal books to peruse while learning about your local library!
- stop in for free popcorn and lemonade, and for sale baked goods at the refreshment station. This table was run by Georgia’s Animal Book Club, and all sales were kindly donated from them to our animal shelter!
- visit the 4H Dog Kid’s Club table for fun coloring activities, and to learn more about: how to be involved in your local 4H; what the 4H Dog Kiddos are currently working on; details on the Club’s upcoming shows at the SJC Fair, and kid-friendly information about dog behavior!
- visit APS-FH’s outreach table to learn more about the animals we currently have available for adoption, ways to be involved with our shelter, the services we provide!
- meet “The Beatles Litter” (5 puppies) who were in the shelter’s lobby during the event, and were available for adoption (more on them in post #2 tomorrow)!
- meet all of the kittens and cats who were in our Community Cat Space, and currently available for adoption!
- receive a guided shelter tour!
- if you’re a kid, or just a super-fun adult, you could’ve also had your face painted, gone for a good jump around in the bouncy house, and left with some on-theme & free goodies! 💜
🥹Swipe through the photos here to see some snippets from the event! We had such a blast coming together with all of you to celebrate animals (especially those currently available for adoption @ your local animal shelter), books, imagination, and following your dreams!😍
💞👏🏻 THANK YOU SO MUCH to all who attended, supported, volunteered and/or worked at this collaborative, and celebratory event! With all of the elements of this event there were many successes, none of which we could have done without all of you! We’ve said it once, and we’ll keep saying it: an event like this simply can not happen without the immense effort, enthusiasm, and input of all those who work to make it happen, and all those who attend!
Paws & Play was made possible and successful by: the multiple organizations and groups who were a part of the event, the 40+ volunteers and staff who helped with the event and/or helped to keep the shelter (animal care included) running as usual, and the ~120 community members who attended, making the day as fun and as special as we had hoped it would be! 👏🏻💞 ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentComment on Facebook
The APSFH staff, headed by Emily Smith for this event, were amazing, as were all the volunteers, and this wonderful community who came to help support the event and join-in the festivities. I am so lucky to be able to call San Juan Island my home, and where we have a shelter with so much love and care, a shelter that does SO MUCH GOOD! So grateful to you, APSFH🙏🐾🐾💖
Thank you The Grey Muzzle Organization for funding Animal Protection Society of Friday Harbor’s grant for a second year so that we can help more precious senior dogs, like Rhea. We are eternally thankful 🙏 😌 🐾After living in a basement for a year surviving on scraps, she never gave up her sweet smile. 🥹
At 7 years old, Rhea, a resilient shepherd mix, was rescued from a basement in Texas where she survived on scraps for over a year. Animal Protection Society of Friday Harbor took her in but during her senior wellness checkup, Rhea tested positive for tapeworms and showed signs of malnutrition and chronic anemia.
Thanks to a Grey Muzzle, grant, APS-FH provided Rhea with the crucial medical and dental care she needed. With this support, Rhea was on her way to better health and comfort and most importantly, ready to be adopted! 🫶 ... See MoreSee Less
3 CommentsComment on Facebook
And we are so grateful to your amazing team for giving hope to senior dogs! 🫶
So adorable.
Suzanne Bryner
The Animal Protection Society - Friday Harbor (APS-FH) is pleased to announce Nikki Ruggiero and The Koehne Family as Volunteers of the Month for July 2024.
Summer of love? More like summer of kittens! Kitten season at the Animal Protection Society of Friday Harbor (APS-FH) has been absolutely wild, and we would not be getting through it without the help of our dedicated volunteers. This month, we are thrilled to shine the spotlight on Nikki and The Koehne family for their unwavering dedication and incredible contributions.
Nikki Ruggiero
Every Tuesday, APS-FH facilitates a spay and neuter clinic that serves our community and the feral cats of San Juan Island. This time of year, the clinic is overrun with what feels like an endless stream of kittens that need to be spayed or neutered. So far, our biggest clinic day has seen 16 spay/neuter surgeries in just one day! Between trapping and surgeries, we have seen far more kittens born on the island this season than in recent years. Our average spay and neuter count for kittens and in-heat females is about 10 cats a month. This year, we fixed 19 cats in May, 29 in June, and so far in July, we have done 5 with an additional 6 scheduled – and we’re sure more are on their way!
With such a busy clinic, we are beyond grateful for our clinic volunteer, Nikki! Nikki is here every Tuesday, providing invaluable support and ensuring everything runs smoothly. Her unique blend of experience as a nurse and a passionate wildlife rescuer makes her an indispensable member of our clinic team.
Nikki’s journey with animals started early. Growing up with a traveling magician father, she was exposed to a variety of animals, including bunnies, donkeys, and doves, all of whom were well cared for as a part of the act. This unique upbringing fostered a deep love for animals in Nikki. Her passion for animal rescue truly sparked when she found a crow with a broken leg, igniting her dedication to helping wildlife.
While Nikki loves all animals, she identifies as a “bird person”. At home, she has an African Grey Parrot, a Double Yellow-Headed Amazon Parrot, and a rowdy white shepherd, all of whom she adores.
Nikki, your tireless efforts and compassionate heart make a world of difference to APS-FH and the animals we care for. Thank you for your dedication and for being such an integral part of our team. We are incredibly grateful for everything you do!
The Koehne Family
We’d also like to give a huge thank you to the Koehne family - Renee, Brittany, and Virgil – for their unwavering dedication to fostering as many kittens as they can. Their commitment and compassion have been invaluable to APS-FH.
The Koehne family’s journey in fostering cats began over 11 years ago while they were living in California. During their time there, they fostered over 700 kittens! Their incredible journey didn’t stop at fostering; Renee and Brittany also took on the crucial task of trapping feral cats, ensuring they were spayed or neutered before being released back into the community. This initiative started when they discovered over 100 cats living on the grounds of a middle school in their California neighborhood.
Since joining APS-FH, the Koehne family has continued their remarkable efforts. At the height of their fostering journey with us, they had as many as 50 foster kittens at once. Currently, the Koehne household is bustling with 4 foster kittens, one barn cat, 7 pet cats, and 2 dogs.
Brittany and Virgil play an essential role in socializing and playing with the foster kittens. Their efforts extend to introducing the kittens to their dogs, helping them become accustomed to other animals, which greatly aids in their social development.
Renee has noted the significant increase in kittens this year, echoing the challenges faced by many in the animal rescue community. Despite the demanding nature of this volunteer work, Renee finds it deeply rewarding. She shares, “it is so rewarding to see them come full circle. To watch them progress and become healthy and then go to a good home.”
The dedication and love shown by the Koehne family have made a profound impact on our community and the lives of countless kittens. Renee, Brittany, and Virgil, your tireless efforts and heartfelt commitment are truly inspiring! Thank you for all that you do for APS-FH and the animals in our care! ... See MoreSee Less
4 CommentsComment on Facebook
Congratulations Nikki and Renee!
Both these ladies are the absolute best!!!
Thank you Renee and Nikki for all that you do!👏🙌
🎁Thank you so much Max and Neo for your generous donation! Are you in need of high-quality pet gear? Look no further than Max and Neo! Their donations are making a huge impact on rescues and shelters like ours every day. Support a company that gives back- Thank you, Max and Neo! 😽 ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
We love saving lives in collaboration with Project Freedom Ride. This happily home story is VERY personal because sweet Pearl (formerly Irene) found her forever home with our Executive Director Cristin Felso her husband Paul, dog Honey, and two cats Chicken and Winston. We loved helping Pearl and Roman reunite and seeing the beautiful connection that obviously still exists between them.
#transportsaveslives
#APSFH
#adoptashelterdogsWhen we tell you our adoptions are personal we mean it. We aren’t just adopting you a dog .. we’re welcoming you into the PFR Family. Roman was surprised with a Pearl (formerly known as Irene) reunion earlier this week. It was so kind of her new parents to take time to meet up with Roman. He had such a special connection with Pearl … we all did. It did his heart good to see she is absolutely spoiled rotten and living he best life!
Animal Protection Society of Friday Harbor
#projectfreedomride #apsfh #fosteringsaveslives #rescuelife #shihtzu ... See MoreSee Less
7 CommentsComment on Facebook
We love you all too!! 💕
Such a sweet reunion!🐾❤️🐾
I love this!❤️
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Shout out and many Thanks to Move It Now Junk Removal! They do excellent work and are always reliable. Plus, they generously donated some of their time to help us clean up clutter around the shelter. We highly recommend them! ... See MoreSee Less
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
A dedicated and compassionate crew. When we were dumped with an incredible amount of snow just overnight they picked up and delivered dog diapers to my home, slogging down my long windy driveway in over a foot of snow, so my 15 yr old Airedale could remain comfortable and clean until I was able to get to town. I can't say enough about their good hearts and top notch work ethic.
Thank you! It's always a pleasure!
Observations* from a new employee on the Animal Care Team:
1. Kittens move verrry quickly. They’re almost freakishly fast! 🏍
2. It’s best to always shuffle your feet while cleaning a kitten room. You think the floor is clear before putting down your foot, but then it’s not. 😬
3. Anything can be a kitten toy, including a piece of pine kitty litter or your shoe.
4. You might become a kitten’s climbing tower, and denim might be as grippy as sisal.
5. Like Frenchie said in TV show “Our Flag Means Death,” kittens have knives in their feet. 🏴☠️
6. It’s possible to sweep a floor thoroughly while a kitten rides on your bent-over back. 🐈⬛
7. A kitten might see your lower neck as an optimal suckling option. 🍼
*🐱^ above observations (and photo) courtesy of one of our newest hires, Amy H!☺️ ... See MoreSee Less
5 CommentsComment on Facebook
yes yes yes -- second all of that --- and add: It's possible to sweep with a straw broom with a kitten attacking it then riding it around the floor .....
Spot on!
😻😻
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😊💞We are thrilled to be co-hosting “Paws In the Park” for a 2nd year in a row alongside @IslandRec ! Join APS-FH and Island Rec on Saturday July 27th, from 10am - 11am, at Linde Park for this fun community event! 💞😊
🐾 Bring yourself, and your (well behaved, and comfortable in this environment) pets of any kind, and join us for a community pet parade, costume contest, and pet-safe arts & crafts!
🐾 Prizes will be given for:
- Best Pet Costume
- Most Original
- Best In Show
- Best Partner Costume (Pet & Owner Costume Theme)
🐾 After the “parade” and costume contest, pets are invited to create pet safe original artworks!
🐾 To participate, pre-registration is required and can be done at the following link:
islandrec.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=41
The number of participants is limited to 25, but all are welcome to come and watch the fun! This event is all ages.
✨a pet-friendly reminder: it is important to us that pets who participate in this event are clearly comfortable doing so. Whenever putting your pet in a “costume” or outfit, please look to your animal for signs of their comfort or discomfort, and follow their lead. All dogs at the event should be socialized and comfortable in groups of people, kids, and other dogs. Additionally, please advise weather day of event, and adjust accordingly to protect your pets✨
🐾 Swipe through the photos here to see:
(1) Event advertisement in Island Rec’s Summer Recreation Guide
(2 & 3) Photo collections from last year’s “Paws In the Park” ... See MoreSee Less
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