I lost my pet, what do I do?

You must personally come to the shelter during normal business hours to look for your lost pet. We cannot guarantee that the front desk staff or volunteers who are answering the telephone are aware of every animal in the shelter. In addition, the breed may be identified differently than the one you have identified for that animal.  Please bring a PHOTO and description of your pet.

If you have lost an animal you are solely responsible for personally coming into the shelter and identifying the animal. You will be required to provide proof of ownership.

PLEASE DO NOT SEND EMAIL MESSAGES REGARDING LOST ANIMALS.
CONTACT THE SHELTER DIRECTLY EITHER IN PERSON OR BY PHONE.

Other things you can do if your pet gets lost

I found a stray animal. What do I do?

If you have found a stray or abandoned animal within Durham County you are legally required to report it to the shelter within 24 hours (Durham County Statutes section 4-166[a] ). No abandoned or stray animal may be adopted, sold, placed, kept or given away except through the county animal shelter. If you have found a lost, abandoned or stray animal contact the Durham County Animal Shelter at (919) 560-0640 or Durham County Animal Control at (919) 560-0630. (Note: If you need the animal picked up contact Animal Control.)

PLEASE DO NOT SEND EMAIL MESSAGES REGARDING LOST ANIMALS.
CONTACT THE SHELTER DIRECTLY EITHER IN PERSON OR BY PHONE.

How do I report an injured animal or animal cruelty?

Reports of injured animals or animal cruelty are to go directly to Durham County Animal Control at (919) 560-0630 during normal business hours. Outside of business hours call 911 to report injured animals or animals that pose an immediate public danger. The Animal Protection Society of Durham does not handle animal cruelty complaints and can not pick up injured animals. If you find an injured animal and determine it is safe to pick up you can bring it to the shelter during our normal hours. However, please be aware that picking up an injured animal is generally not recommended and is at your own risk. Durham County Animal Control and the Animal Protection Society of Durham handle animals and issues in the county of Durham, NC only. If you have a concern in another area contact the local animal control or local legal authorities.

DO NOT SEND EMAIL MESSAGES TO THE DURHAM SHELTER OR APS TO REPORT INJURED ANIMALS OR ANIMAL CRUELTY.

Can I bring my pet into the Durham Animal Shelter to be spayed / neutered?

No, the APS of Durham will not spay/neuter a pet you bring in, but low-cost spay/neuter certificates can be purchased at our front desk as part of the Friends of the Animals Spay/Neuter program.  These certificates are accepted by select local veterinarians.  Prices are $40/$55 for cats; $54/$75 for dogs (male vs. female). Payments must be made in cash only. 
Other spay/neuter options

I'd like to volunteer. How do I start?

Click here for information on volunteering. You may also email the Volunteer Coordinator.

How do I become a foster parent?

If you are interested in becoming a foster home parent you will need to fill out a Foster Application and e-mail it to volunteer@apsofdurham.org or drop it off at the Durham County Animal Shelter (2117 E. Club Blvd). An APS representative will then contact you with more information.

To learn more about fostering, you can download the APS Foster Manual.