Your support is important!

It is the generous support of our donors that enables us to pursue our 40 year old mission, which is as crucial today as when we were founded all those years ago—to educate the public about the humane care and treatment of animals, promote spay/neuter, and encourage the adoption of homeless animals.

What does it take to run APS? What does it take to secure our financial health? To allow for expansion of education, adoption and outreach activities? And continue to be an advocate for and care giver to the homeless animals of Durham County?

It takes you to run the Animal Protection Society of Durham. It costs more than $1,200,000 to manage the Durham County Animal Shelter and the Animal Protection Society’s programs annually. We are a non-profit organization that relies on $500,000 in donations from individuals in the community in order to fund these programs.

Annual Fund

The funding priorities of the APS are diverse and constantly evolving. That’s why the financial support and flexibility afforded by unrestricted gifts are so important. Such gifts are directed to the areas most in need. However, if a person wants to designate their donation for something specific, he or she can do that.

Medical Fund

This fund supports all routine medical care and veterinary services, initial heartworm treatments, spay/neuter surgery for shelter pets, antibiotics and other medicines. More than 75% of all animals that come through our doors receive medical attention and this fund provides APS the resources necessary to provide animals the proper care.

Tiffany Fund

This fund assists with needed emergency medical care for stray, homeless and abandoned animals that arrive at the Durham County Animal Shelter. As an open access shelter, we often get in animals that require medical treatment for infections, infestations, abuse and neglect. Unfortunately, we also see some that have extensive injuries or serious medical conditions the treatment of which, because of our limited funds, presents us with real challenges. Sometimes heartbreaking decisions have to be made to euthanize otherwise adoptable animals because the diagnosis and/or treatment of remediable conditions is beyond our financial capabilities. This fund provides the resources for specialized medical or surgical treatment that will save lives.

Wish List

The APS maintains a list of items needed for operation of many aspects of the shelter. Such items include: foods, treats, toys and bedding for dogs and cats: collars and leashes; disinfectant, soap and bleach; latex gloves and medical supplies; mulch for the trail and other exterior areas; and office supplies. Click here to see the latest list of needs.