#83 in United States, #9 in North Carolina, #3 in Durham
2117 East Club Blvd, Durham, NC 27704
Service areas:
Durham County, Braggtown, Trinity Park, Joyland, South Durham, Raleigh, Wake County, Brier Creek
"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
Does your dog ever growl when you walk by their food dish? Maybe they get possessive of treats, carrying them far away and giving you side-eye when you start to approach — or snarling at your other pets or children if they get too close.
As almost every dog owner is aware, the nose of a dog is an amazing thing. Just as they can pick up sounds we can’t hear, their sense of smell and ability to pick up scents is well beyond ours. In fact, dogs have 40 times the number of olfactory receptors as humans.
More than 80 million Americans rely on their service dogs to help them navigate the world. Task-trained assistance animals perform a huge range of life-changing—in many cases, life-saving—services: These dogs act as eyes for visually impaired handlers, provide mobility support, alert to seizures and blood sugar crashes, interrupt anxiety attacks, remind their people to take medications, and so much more.
You thought those dreaded middle-of-the-night potty breaks were over. You were finally free from cleaning up puppy puddles. Then, suddenly, your furry friend starts having accidents again. It's frustrating, right? This puppy potty training regression is more common than you think. Don't worry; we'll help you get your pup back on track. We'll cover the common causes, offer practical solutions, and give you actionable steps to tackle this challenge together.
It's a cringe-worthy moment every dog owner dreads: your furry friend chowing down on something truly disgusting. If your dog has a penchant for poop, you're dealing with coprophagia. It's more common than you think, and thankfully, often manageable. This article explores the reasons behind dirty dog syndrome, from instinct to learned behavior. We'll also give you practical tips to help break this unpleasant habit.
Do you have a water-loving dog looking to burn some energy? There are countless dog parks to visit throughout our country — but some of them become far too hot in the midday sun to be safe for your pets to play. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best dog water parks throughout the United States! At these locations, your pup can frolic, splash, and swim to their heart’s content.
Herding dogs are amazing, intelligent companions. But that also means they need more than just a simple game of fetch. Finding the right toys for herding dogs is key to keeping them happy and stimulated. This article explores some of the best toys for herding dogs, including options specifically for breeds like Border Collies and Australian Shepherds. We'll help you discover the perfect herding toys for dogs to tap into their natural instincts and keep them entertained for hours.
Does your dog destroy every toy you give them? Is your house littered with remnants of fabric and stuffing of all different sizes? Are you tired of investing in “indestructible” toys only for your pup to still dismantle—or worse, get bored of—them in just a few days?
Everyone knows dogs need exercise, but how much is enough? Walks are great, but creating a truly balanced fitness plan means understanding your dog's specific needs. This post helps you develop a daily exercise calculator for your dog, considering breed, age, and lifestyle. We'll cover fun activities, understanding exercise intensity, and recognizing when your pup has had enough. Let's create a plan that keeps your dog happy and healthy!
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Many dogs have gotten a bad reputation over the years for being "dangerous breeds." Rottweilers are among them. Like pit bulls and other large, blocky-headed types of dogs, these powerful and beautiful animals are often assumed to be aggressive.
Does your dog suddenly transform into a barking, lunging Tasmanian devil on walks? It's stressful for both of you. If this sounds familiar, you might have a reactive dog. Understanding what is a reactive dog is the first step to calmer walks. We'll explore the common triggers and give you actionable strategies to manage and modify this behavior. Let's turn those stressful walks into enjoyable outings.
Does your dog display reactivity to other pets or people? Maybe they’re a new rescue pup and are still settling into your home. Or they were sick growing up, so you missed their critical socialization period. Possibly they’ve had a bad experience after being raised as a normal puppy.
Do you have a reactive dog or suspect you may have one? You’re not alone!
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
From 2009 to 2020, there was a 40 percent increase in the development of public dog parks. Designated spots for canine exercise have become commonplace in every major city in North America — many pet owners won’t even consider renting an apartment that doesn’t have its own fenced-in pet area for their canine companions.
Thousand Oaks, California has been a safe haven for Sniffspot host, Jen, since childhood. Having grown up in busy Santa Barbara, Jen, an introvert from an early age, would seek out solitude and serenity away from tourists attractions and droves of people visiting from elsewhere. “My grandparents own 60 acres about a 30 minute drive from here, and I grew up spending every summer and every holiday visiting them on the ranch,” Jen explained. “In Santa Barbara, we wouldn't go to the beach on the weekend because that's where everybody was, so you'd find places off the beaten path where the tourists weren't. For me, the ranch was just my happy place.”
Ellen is the host of Country Pasture Getaway, one of Sniffspot's most popular sniff spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great sniff spot host.
Just 20 minutes outside of the busy city of Portland, Oregon, and settled right on the banks of the Columbia River, you’ll find what countless visitors have flocked to the area in search of – mountain views, crisp, clean air, and running water for miles. What you might not expect to find, however, is a hidden oasis designed just for dogs and their people, owned and operated by a farming couple and enjoyed by visitors on two legs, and four.
Fran is the host of Ranch Setting, one of Sniffspot's most popular spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great Sniffspot host.
Looking for a space to play with your dog no matter what the weather’s like outside? Look no further than our list of the best indoor dog parks in the United States! These climate-controlled spaces are growing in popularity as pet ownership increases throughout the country. As a bonus, many of them also offer dog training, boarding, grooming, or daycare services on the premises.
Searching for the best off-leash dog parks near you in the United States? Whether you're looking for public dog parks with open spaces or private, fully-fenced areas, this comprehensive guide has you covered. Discover top-rated parks across the country, plus essential tips on what to bring and what to expect for your next adventure.
Looking for the perfect dog park near me in Las Vegas? You're in luck! This guide explores all the best options for your pup, from public dog parks to private dog parks near me on Sniffspot. We'll help you find the ideal spot for playtime, socializing, and fresh air. Plus, we'll cover essential etiquette and safety tips to ensure a happy visit for everyone. Get ready for some tail-wagging fun!
Looking for the perfect dog park? Whether you need a wide-open public space or a private, fenced-in spot, this guide will help you find the best dog parks across the US. We'll cover top-rated public parks, the perks of private dog parks, and even explore Sniffspot locations – giving your pup a safe and fun place to play. Ready to find your dog's new favorite spot? Let's go!
Ready to discover Portland's best dog parks? Whether you're looking for a public park or the unique experience of a private Sniffspot, this guide has you covered. We'll help you find the perfect spot for your pup, with tips on what to bring, how to prepare, and even understanding dog body language. Plus, we'll explore some top Portland dog parks, including public and Sniffspot options, so you can plan your next dog-friendly adventure in the City of Roses.
Discover the German Shepherd Dog, a breed celebrated for its intelligence, loyalty, and versatility. Known for its impressive size and smooth, graceful movements, German Shepherds excel in various roles, including as guide, therapy, bomb detection, and police dogs, while being a devoted family companion.
Discover the Labrador Retriever, a breed celebrated for its playful nature, affectionate temperament, and trainability. Labradors are known for their friendly demeanor and adaptability, making them perfect family companions and versatile working dogs. As one of the most popular types of retrievers, Labs are ideal companions for various lifestyles and are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as an excellent breed for families.
Discover the Golden Retriever, a popular breed celebrated for its affectionate, playful, and trainable nature. Considered a large dog, Golden Retrievers were originally bred in Scotland for hunting and retrieving game beginning in the 1860s. Today, they're recognized by the Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club (AKC) as one of the most beloved companion dog breeds.
Think American Staffordshire Terriers are tough? Think again. While their muscular build might intimidate some, these dogs are known for their playful and loyal personalities. This guide draws on the experience of nearly 10,000 AmStaff owners to reveal the truth about this often misunderstood breed. Want to learn more about caring for an American Staffordshire Terrier? You're in the right place.
Discover the Australian Shepherd, an AKC breed celebrated for its trainable, playful, and affectionate nature. Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd is actually a native breed to the United States, originally developed to breed on farms and ranches. Considered a medium dog, Australian Shepherds were bred for herding beginning in the 1950s. As one of the high-energy breeds, Aussies are known for their boundless energy and need for regular exercise, including aerobic exercise.