I'm a volunteer dog walker. This is a wonderful place run by very kind, caring people that are doing their best to help these animals. Both the staff and the other volunteers have been great to work with. Very rewarding experience and I would recommend highly for anyone looking for ways to give back to the local STL community.
I have volunteered for the APA for 10+ years as a dog walker, foster and at various fundraising and adoption events. I have adopted three dogs from the APA. The staff is compassionate about what they do. The leadership is trustworthy and always has animal welfare top of mind. I am proud to be a part of this wonderful organization.
I have adopted three of my animal family members from the APA. Every staff member cares about each individual animal and goes to great lengths to care for them, both physically and emotionally. The staff has created a welcoming, clean environment. The APA provides enrichment for the animals and effectively problem solve when they encounter challenges such as being over capacity. My children have attended summer camp here and hope to one day work here. The APA has inspired me to volunteer my time at their facilities. I highly recommend this shelter to anyone looking to volunteer their time, donate money or find their forever family member.
This is an amazing place. Everyone is so invested in helping the animals find their forever home. I’ve never seen a nonprofit this focused on their mission. As a volunteer it’s inspiring to see how the volunteers, caregivers, medical staff, and behavioral team partner to give every animal that comes to the APA the best chance to find their forever home.
I am a volunteer in the cat room. It is the highlight of my week. All the staff are amazing and truly enjoy making the animals' experience at APA the best it can be.
I have volunteered at pack walks a few times and had a great experience with all staff I’ve encountered! Very knowledgeable and patient with both humans and pets!
I have been volunteering for APA-MO since January 2023 as a dog walker and laundry/dishwasher volunteer. The APA-MO is so great about getting dogs adopted and into loving homes. I am so happy to be a very small part of this incredible organization!
I have been fostering with the APA for the past 2 years. I love what they do and have been happy to be a tiny part of this great organization. They are good at communicating , provide great medical care, and care a lot about what they do. Many of my fosters came in very sick and the APA was able to get them stable enough for foster homes and then to be adopted. They have assisted me with medications and information when they need special care.
I was introduced to APAMO by a friend who volunteers to dog walk. I was so moved by the experience that I decided to become a volunteer myself. I can personally attest to the fact that all the staff and volunteers work hard to provide the best care to the animals. I also recently adopted my dog, Teo, from this shelter. He is the happiest pup and I am so grateful to have him in my life.
I have volunteered at several shelters and the APA is by far the best. The staff loves the animals and has their welfare their top priority. I am a volunteer dog walker and have been at the APA for 4 years. I look forward to my shifts of walking the dogs. The volunteer program is very organized, the staff friendly and positive. The APA is always looking for new ways to enhance an animal's stay. The foster program is amazing and has allowed for many animals to be adopted. I can't say enough positive things about the organization.
I appreciate how fiscally responsible the APA is because I know my dollars are used to help animals in need. The team is great, also. Outstanding customer service and dedicated professionals who truly make a difference.
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I have been a dog walker at the APA for about 4 years now. The first thing I did after I retired was to sign up as a volunteer. I look forward to going in each week and seeing all the pups that so desparately need attention and companionship. Its hard to walk away each time without taking one home. Some of the longer- time residents really get to know you and are so excited when you show up at their kennel for some quality time. Its very satisfying and sad at the same time when you come in one week and they arent there...but then you learn they were adopted! What a great organization with a great, caring staff.
I've been walking dogs at the APA for about eight years. The things that impress me most about the APA are:
1. The staff. They are vigilant in keeping the dog and cat kennels clean and sanitary. They know the names of ALL the animals at any given time. They also know the animals' personalities, and their likes and dislikes.
2. The facility. Again, very clean and sanitary and well maintained.
3. The volunteers. All take their "jobs" very seriously and go above and beyond to make sure the animals are exercised and well taken care of.
Previously I volunteered at two other local shelters. I like the APA the best.
I've volunteered at APA since 2018. It's my favorite place in the world to go. Staff are terrific! It's obvious that they take their roles seriously and animal care is their top priority. They've taught me so much about animal care and the animal/people bond. I've had the opportunity to work in many areas at the APA and I find each new one more rewarding that the last.
I walk dogs for the APA and it is a rewarding experience. Rain or shine, the dogs are so happy for the break.
I’ve been an APA volunteer for at least 10 years and the current leadership team has a clear mission and vision and built a path that achieves these. Their compassion for the animals in their care, and for the people who make the process work, show that good business can align with needs other than money. Fulfilling, happiness, enjoyment, engaging and satisfying are just a few of the feelings I’ve experienced volunteering here.
The APA is an amazing organization! We just adopted our dog from the Brentwood location and the staff was so helpful. They do so much for the animals in their care and you can tell everyone there cares so much about the well-being of the animals.
I've fostered several animals through the APA and it's been such a smooth process. The pets continue to receive veterinary care and work toward placement in forever homes. I'm really pleased with the process and look forward to continuing with my foster parent journey with the APA!
I've adopted two wonderful dogs from the APA and have been impressed by their staff while volunteering there doing pack walks and doggie playdates. Despite the terrible animal overpopulation problem and limited resources, the APA staff is always positive, enthusiastic and caring with the animals and so gracious, patient and accommodating to volunteers. I don't know how they do it....but I'm so glad they do!
I was super impressed with the APA as some who adopted from them, a young dog and later a kitten. As soon as I retired, the first thing I did was to sign up as a volunteer helping others select their new friend.
As I became familiar with the operation, I was blown away. There was so much more going on than I ever imagined. We are so fortunate to have such incredible animal care in our community.
I have been a volunteer dog walker at the APA for about 7 years and I have adopted two dogs from them. This is an amazing shelter. Everyone I have worked with is so kind and dedicated to enriching the lives of these animals.
I adopted a wonderful dog from the APA 6 years ago, and I recently started volunteering at the Brentwood site. From the very the start of training I've been incredibly impressed by their thoughtful and caring approach, and how the staff (and volunteers) go the extra mile to make sure the animals in their care get as much good care and love as possible.
I am both a kitty adopter and a volunteer at the APA Brentwood and I recommend them often! They do a great job keeping things clean, the staff are friendly and knowledgeable, and the pets are well cared for.
I have volunteered for, and adopted cats and dogs from, the APA for many years. Among the many great things about this shelter, one that impresses me is their medical service for animals in their care. Some examples: at least 20 years ago, they began pediatric spay/neuter, while other shelters were adopting out intact animals that could contribute to the overpopulation problem. They began treating dogs for heartworm when others did not. Similarly, they adopt cats with FeLV and FIV, making adopters aware of those conditions. They do dentals. They have a hospice foster program. Staff really are committed to providing the best care possible.
I recently adopted Marv (pumpkin spice when I adopted him). He is the absolute best boy!! Everyone at the APA was friendly and helpful! They made adding a new family member so easy! Thank you to everyone at the APA!
As a volunteer at the APA, I can tell how dedicated the staff and other volunteers are to the organization. It is well run, without a lot of the usual drama that sometimes plagues animal welfare organizations. Their open, conversational approach to adoptions ensures that people aren't discriminated against when trying to adopt a pet, as is seen in other organizations. Overall, volunteering at the APA has been a wonderful experience. Highly recommend!
The APA was where we found our sweet Reese. Her rescue, and ultimate journey to our home, would not have been possible without the employees and volunteers that dedicate their time and skills to helping rescue through the transfer program. Reese was transferred to the APA from a shelter that did not have the resources to care for her or find her a home. The amazing veterinary staff cares for her through her many health problems and loved her like their own. The rest of the staff were just as critical in her journey and story. We will be forever grateful to the APA and all they do not only for animals in our community, but for those who would not otherwise of had a second chance.
My spouse and I are both blind. We lost a precious 14-year-old kitty in 2019, and that night it was just way too odd not having a cat around. So, the next day, I went to the APA.
As I was talking to a volunteer, I felt a rub on my leg. Reaching down, I scooped up a black kitty named MIster. He purred and just went floppy in my arms, so I ended up taking him home.
Two months later, I decided to get MIster a friend to play with. This time, they took me into a room with cat scratchers and toys. The first cat I saw didn't interact much, so I asked them if they had one that was a little more interactive. In came Maddie, a ten month old, super friendly girl. She purred and nudged and climbed all over me and I instantly fell in love.
Three years later, our babies are still healthy and happy. The APA was wonderful, from the volunteers to the ones who helped me fill out the paperwork. No awkwardness with the blindness and even while on disability their costs weren't bad at all. One thing I really liked is that they don't limit how many animals you can interact with, like the humane society here does. They even offer two weeks of free vet care at their clinic which I did end up using for Mister.
I would, and have, recommended the APA to anyone who wants to adopt a new companion.
After our Westie passed away in late 2019, we decided to adopt a dog rather than purchase one from a breeder. I learned of APA in 2020 during an online search and read good reviews about it. We found Bobby ("Radwan" on their website) late at night, called and reserved him for adoption. He only was 25 lbs. at the the time. I asked about his history. He had been rescued from a kill shelter in Alabama. A lady in St. Louis adopted him but brought him back one hour later, saying, "I don't want this dog." We were happy to adopt him and bring him home with us. At first he was very shy and timid, and would not allow anyone to touch his head (to pet or scratch behind the ears). He learned housetraining faster than any other dog I've owned. He learned a few commands ("sit" and "leave it" -- I am not big on ruling dogs' lives with dozens of commands...I know how I'D feel). He now has a safe, loving home with a big, fenced-in back yard to run around in, good food, and a loving family. And to think he was unwanted... I was impressed with the APA facility (and its people). Clean, bright, professional, reputable. I have recommended them many times to friends who considered adopting. Thank God for the good work they do.
The APA of Missouri has been very innovative in their engagement of the local community. In addition to being a top notch animal shelter, they've rolled out many new activities to educate and support their "core" stakeholders, while also finding new groups to help. All of this is leading to benefiting even more animals across a wider variety of local St. Louis communities.
We adopted our dog, Dracula, last November. The meeting and the adoption process were easy and the staff knew Dracula very well! He’s been an amazing addition to our family. We love him so much and are grateful for everything the APA does for the animals in their care.
The APA really cares about animals and the community. By offering programs like the Safecare program, fostering, children's programs, adoptions events etc. there is no doubt they are a caring and compassionate organization that truly operates in order to take care of animals. The adoption process is simple and seamless...with their foster to adopt option, they strive to ensure it is a perfect pet match. It does not feel transactional like some other adoption agencies. We LOVE the APA!
We adopted our dog Bella from here just under two years ago. After experiencing a traumatic fostering incident with another shelter which resulted in me getting bitten, I was wanting to get a family dog but terrified of not picking the right fit. The APA has THE best people and culture around making sure you find the right fit for you. With their two week policy around foster-to-adopt I found our best friend and I can’t imagine having any other experience to adopt a dog. Will always always always recommend.
This is a great place to find that forever bundle of love! The people who work here are dedicated to these bundles of love! The picture below is my little Minnie she follows my husband around no matter where he goes!
About a year ago, I picked up my best friend, Roody! I cannot imagine my life without him, and I will forever be indebted to the APA!
We adopted both our wonderful dogs from the APA. Our Great Dane was five years old and surrendered, very sick and we were able to foster and then adopt her. We then adopted a ten week old puppy shortly after both our dogs are wonderful with kids, sweet snuggle buds and the APA was able to help us whether we needed veterinarian help at the clinic or we wanted help choosing the right pet for us. I also used to volunteer as a
Dog walker and how I was able to get my dog fix when I was living in a small apartment in the city before I adopted.
In November 2020, our family lost our beloved chocolate lab, Carly. The house was just too quiet, with her gone, so I began searching rescue sites for a new family member. Posted on the APA (Animal Protective Association of Missouri) site was a darling pup who was named Knick Knack. It was love at first sight! With COVID protocols in place, families weren't allowed to have a lengthy meet & greet with adoptable animals. That said, we were able to visit him in a small room and play for a bit before we were ready to head out and introduce him to his new home. The adoption staff was hospitable and made us feel quite comfortable.
We chose to rename Knick Knack; his name is now Oliver. For puppy vet care, we chose to come to the clinic at the APA. The staff and Veterinarians were wonderful. They answered my many questions with ease and made us feel very comfortable.
Now, a year and half later, Oliver is an almost 80 lb wiggle butt and we couldn't love him more! If we choose to adopt a new family member again, I wouldn't hesitate choosing the APA to help us meet that need.
Sarah (APA Exec Dir) posted a pic of the cutest fur baby on fb. I knew he was meant to be with us. Our little Noel came to his furever home just before Christmas 2018. He is the alpha among our pack. His big brother Channing (a terrier) and the cats want to snuggle and play. Thanks, APA of Mo for bringing us this healthy loving ball of energy.
We had lost our two senior dogs. Our last surviving senior was so depressed. We ended up getting a 6 month pup at the APA. Many people say getting a dog at the shelter is getting someones problem dog. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Our Bailey has been nicknamed BDE (Best Dog Ever) by my husband. The APA is a great place to get your next pet. So easy to adopt and their understanding and love for animals shows. I send all of my friends and family there to look for their new family pet.
My two cats, Nyssa and Turlough were at the APA just waiting for me to find them! Without the APA, I would have missed out on the most amazing part of my life. They were the best companions anyone could ever want, all because the APA took them in and cared for them until the day we met. The APA is a wonderful organization that brings together humans and pets by the wonderful work that they do to rescue homeless animals. I’m forever grateful to them for my fur babies.
I adopted a wonderful dog from the APA 20 years ago and just this year, my father and I found his new best friend there; both experiences were great! My daughter had a birthday party there too - it was incredibly fun, and we loved that the cost helped support APA programs :) We are proud to be supporters of the APA.
This is such a great organization! They truly love animals. They help sponsor spay neuter programs and everyone that I’ve talked to that adopted a dog or cat has been very happy with them.
I adopted a sweet dog from the Missouri APA and he has been a joy! After they rescued him, got him healthy and showed him people can be good, he has joined our family and made our lives better. He is the second dog we have adopted from the APA. They know how to help animals!
The APA is one of the best animal welfare organizations in Missouri. They care deeply for each pet that comes through their doors. I have worked there and the employees are top notch, although I’m no longer a part of the APA I continue to support them. We got our dog, Jake around 3 years ago and I’m so happy he’s joined my family. Without the awesome work of the staff at the APA we wouldn’t have him and for that I’m grateful they continue to do the AMAZING work they do!
I have gotten 2 of my dogs from the A. P. A. They are such a caring, knowledgeable, and selfless group of people. They will do anything to save any animal. I think so highly of this organization. I now foster puppies for them.
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I have adopted several dogs from the A.P.A. I am a volunteer for their Canine Carnival. I also now am a foster for puppies. The A.P.A. provides EVERYTHING needed to foster. They are always available for questions, or any problems that may arise. They are caring, knowledgeable, people who do everything possible to make their adoptions possible.
I foster for the APA of Missouri and have adopted several pets from the facility. EVERYTHING a foster needs is provided by the staff. My pets especially enjoy the Annual Canine Carnival that raises funds for the shelter. Everyone is extremely attentive. I also take my pets to visit Seniors and Rehabilitation Centers through their Pet Reach program! I really enjoy fostering the pets in need of extended care for displaced families.
I volunteer with another animal welfare organization. The APA's transfer program has saved the lives of hundreds of animals in the rural area we serve. With no rescues or shelters in the entire county, thousands of abandoned and neglected animals have no place to go. Oreo and Indy were two of them. A few months ago, we were contacted about some dogs who lost their home due to a fire. Their owner moved away and left them behind. Without anyone in the country to feed them, they barely survived by eating scraps the neighboring school children saved for them from their lunches and tossed to them when they got off the bus in the evenings. They were skin and bones, trying to take shelter in the winter in a burned out trailer with sharp exposed glass in the windows and a large hole in the roof of the trailer which made their bedding wet and even colder when it rained. We were contacted more than two months after they had been abandoned, and they were in rough shape, hungry and cold. We reached out to APA who welcomed them with open arms. They provided them with much needed veterinary care, nutritious food and they love they had been missing. To complete their happy story, APA found them a wonderful home to live forever TOGETHER!
Volunteered here a bit a while ago and adopted my dog from here back in 2008 - she's still going strong! Great facilities, great staff, and healthy animals here.
I host a Public Affairs show on WIL in St. Louis & Stacey Switzer and Jennifer Blome were guests to discuss fundraising events and several programs benefiting the APA. Not only do they have pets for adoption, they have spay/neuter programs, days where kids come in & read to the pets, birthday parties that often end in an adoption & volunteer opportunities. When we spoke, it was time for their Canine Carnival which is their biggest fundraiser. The APA is a great place to get a pet, volunteer & donate some funds.