Sarah Valek

Incorporated in 1913, the Cleveland Animal Protective League (APL) is a private, 501(c)(3), nonprofit humane society and progressive leader in animal welfare. The five-room cottage, located on Willey Avenue in Cleveland, that opened as the APL’s first shelter in 1917 is now a nearly 40,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art animal resource center and shelter. While much has changed over the years, our commitment to creating a more humane community for animals and people alike has remained steadfast. Our mission is to foster compassion and end animal suffering. Every day, we rescue abused and neglected animals, offer shelter to homeless pets, promote compassionate and responsible pet guardianship, and strive to elevate the status of companion animals in our society. We never turn companion animals in need away due to their age, health, or temperament. This year, thousands of injured, abused, or homeless animals will come through our doors. Once inside, they receive the food, shelter, and medical care they so desperately need. For some, it is the only human kindness they have ever known. We have achieved 100% placement of healthy, friendly animals, and through our Second Chance Program, we now provide additional care to animals with treatable illnesses and injuries and modifiable behavioral issues. There are no time limits at the APL. Friendly, healthy animals, and animals whose illnesses and injuries we can treat will stay in our adoption centers until they find their new home.