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North Carolina

Durham

Animal Protection Society of Durham

David Adams

March 19, 2025

Dog Rescues & Shelters

Animal Protection Society of Durham

#83 in United States, #9 in North Carolina, #3 in Durham

2117 East Club Blvd, Durham, NC 27704

https://www.apsofdurham.org/

adopt@apsofdurham.org

Service areas:

Durham County, Braggtown, Trinity Park, Joyland, South Durham, Raleigh, Wake County, Brier Creek

The Animal Protection Society of Durham (APS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that has been helping animals in our community since 1970, and has managed the Durham County Animal Shelter since 1990. APS relies on donations from caring individuals and corporations to feed, shelter and provide medical attention for the nearly 5,000 stray, surrendered, abandoned, abused and neglected animals we care for each year.

Mission and Vision

We strengthen bonds between people and animals through community engagement and compassionate care for animals in need.

Adoption Policy

APS of Durham is open to the public for adoptions and animal visitations. All adoptable animals will be posted on our website under Adoptable Cats, Adoptable Dogs, or Other Animals (small pets). We also post pictures, videos, and stories about our adoptable animals on our Facebook and Instagram pages, so stay tuned in to those as well. Each adoption is approved on an individual basis. Staff & Volunteers will help you learn about any dog, cat, rabbit, guinea pig or other animal you may be interested in adopting and will provide care, love and support throughout your entire adoption process.

https://www.apsofdurham.org/dogs/

Testimonials

See all testimonials

"Thirteen years ago, I was blessed to adopt my dog Norman from Animal Protective Services of Durham. The staff and volunteers are dedicated to the care and safety of all their animals."

— cheryl a.

Volunteer / foster, Supporter

"As Durham County’s only animal shelter, APS does so much with the limited resources it has. The staff pour their hearts and energies into every animal that comes through the door, and also work hard to connect with the broader Durham community—finding new locations and events to showcase adoptable dogs and cats, providing a food pantry to those struggling to take care of their pets, and using local and social media to get the word out about APS’ amazing animals. APS also has a wonderful network of volunteers who walk dogs, socialize cats and pocket pets, assist with play groups, and foster everyone from bottle babies to hospice seniors. I’m on my second APS alum and couldn’t wish for better companions!"

— kristin l.

Volunteer / foster

"I had worked for NC - Animal Protection Society of Durham for a number of years & now, currently volunteer by keeping the cat section of their website updated. I have witnessed this organization grow & become more & more efficient, productive, devoted, caring & loving with ALL the animals brought here! (including injured or sick) They go above & beyond to help ALL animals find loving homes! Have a play/exercise yard, behavioral specialists, basic training specialists, daily dog-walking, off-site events, MANY foster homes, & more. I would never hesitate to recommend NC - Animal Protection Society of Durham!"

— carrie m.

Volunteer / foster

"I am always so impressed by the passion and drive of the staff and volunteers. Volunteers are dedicated to the animals in the shelter - they donate their time, money, energy, love, creativity, and so much more to make sure animals have enrichment, walk time, days out of the shelter, and are promoted on social media and other platforms. Staff at APS are endless - their drive, the energy they give, the amount of themselves that they put into their work each and every day. This organization does so much to support our community and they're furry friends. We are better off with them supporting the animals of Durham."

— emma b.

Volunteer / foster, Supporter

"APS of Durham treats both animals and their volunteers as the treasures they are. They listen to suggestions from their volunteers and they find new ways to try and help all creatures in their care. I feel lucky to have been trained by APS and lucky to be able to volunteer there."

— carmen r.

Volunteer / foster

"The Durham APS is awesome. I've been volunteering there since 2012. I've been fostering kittens during the busy kitten season since 2017 and love it. I also adopted my current 2 dogs from there. The staff are stupendous working with the community and the volunteers with the highest level of respect. They really care about the animals that come through their doors. The volunteers rock, everyone ready to step up where needed. This shelter feels like a big family!"

— stacie w.

Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan

"Love taking care of cats at the shelter every week.I also love that they do everything they can to help all the animals that come in. Being a foster for their cats/kittens is so rewarding."

— susan f.

Volunteer / foster

"I have been a volunteer at the shelter for three years. The staff there is so dedicated to helping as many dogs as possible. They go above and beyond despite being an open admission shelter for the county. The comraderie of the volunteers is incredible."

— kerry s.

Volunteer / foster

"I volunteer as the APS of Durham walking dogs, fostering and fundraising. Our volunteer community works tirelessly to support our severely underfunded community shelter that takes in EVERY animal surrendered/found as a stray. PLEASE help us save more lives!"

— allison k.

Volunteer / foster, Supporter

"I started volunteering at APS of Durham in 2016. I needed something to do after my 37 year career as a Paramedic ended unexpectedly due to c-PTSD. Going from 100 mph a day to 0 mph a day was very challenging, but the shelter dogs made a difference for me. Our shelter has made significant progress over the years, and we are on the cutting edge of good animal welfare. We are working diligently to reach no-kill in our community as we are the only open admission shelter in the County. When I started, I knew very little about animal sheltering and dog behavior. I’ve since done quite a bit of self education and value the importance of exceptional treatment of our animals in all areas from management, daily care technicians, behavior staff& volunteers, to adoption counselors. I’m proud of the service our shelter provides to the community and to the animals entrusted to our care. Very strong organization! Finally, I adopted my Great Dane from APS and the experience was wonderful. It took me six years to fall for that one dog. Believe me, I love every dog that touches my life there and would take them all home. You know?"

— robert l.

Volunteer / foster

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David Adams

March 19, 2025

Dog Rescues & Shelters

David Adams

About the author

David Adams is a man of many passions, but his love for dogs stands above all. He is not only a dog lover, but also the founder of an innovative platform called Sniffspot. This unique platform connects dog owners with private property owners who are willing to rent out their space for off-leash playtime. While the idea of Sniffspot was initially conceived by his wife, Rebecca, David has been the driving force behind its remarkable success, tirelessly overseeing its growth and development. David's dedication to providing safe and enjoyable spaces for dogs to play, explore, and socialize is evident in his unwavering commitment to Sniffspot. He strongly believes that dogs need ample space and opportunities to stretch their legs and have fun. As a result, he has worked tirelessly to build a network of private property owners across the country who share his vision and are willing to offer their space for the benefit of dogs and their owners. Despite his busy schedule, David always finds time to indulge in his passion for the great outdoors. He loves nothing more than exploring new hiking trails and embarking on thrilling outdoor adventures. Whenever he is not working on Sniffspot, he can often be found hiking or visiting multi-acre fenced sniffspots with his two beloved dogs, Soba and Toshii. He is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys the fresh air, breathtaking scenery, and the sense of freedom that comes with being in nature. David is based in Salem, MA.

All testimonials

"Thirteen years ago, I was blessed to adopt my dog Norman from Animal Protective Services of Durham. The staff and volunteers are dedicated to the care and safety of all their animals."

— cheryl a.

Volunteer / foster, Supporter

— kristin l.

Volunteer / foster

— carrie m.

Volunteer / foster

— emma b.

Volunteer / foster, Supporter

— carmen r.

Volunteer / foster

— stacie w.

Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan

"Love taking care of cats at the shelter every week.I also love that they do everything they can to help all the animals that come in. Being a foster for their cats/kittens is so rewarding."

— susan f.

Volunteer / foster

— kerry s.

Volunteer / foster

— allison k.

Volunteer / foster, Supporter

— robert l.

Volunteer / foster

About Sniffspot

Sniffspot is a community marketplace that enables anyone to rent land by-the-hour as a safe and private dog park.

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Sniffspot provides the best experiences and fun for you and your dog. Our dog parks are designed for the ultimate dog exercise. Our private spaces help you minimize distractions or triggers and maximize time with your dog. We provide off leash enrichment - exploration and activities you can't get anywhere else; wear your dog out for days. We make it easy to have playdates. Socialize your pup in a controlled, private spot - it's great exercise and it's fun for you and your dog.

Animal Protection Society of Durham

Mission and Vision

Adoption Policy

Testimonials

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters By Specialization In Durham

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See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Other Cities Near Durham

David Adams

About Sniffspot

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