• Bringing Your Pet to Us
• Consider All Your Options
• Euthanasia & Cremation
• Deceased Stray or Wild Animals

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Bringing Your Own Pet to Us

You must be a Schenectady County resident in order to bring an animal to the APF. You’ll be asked to show identification with your current address.  There is a minimum $25 fee for surrendering each animal. This fee is to help defray the costs that the shelter will incur, as each animal made available for adoption will have received over $300 worth of care. Please consider making an additional donation to help offset the cost of animal care. The APF relies entirely on donations to operate the shelter.

We can accept dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, guinea pigs, rabbits, gerbils, hamsters, rats, mice, ferrets and chinchillas. We are not equipped to shelter large animals, reptiles or other exotic pets. We are not licensed to accept wild animals. For information on where to take these animals, please call us at 374-3944, ext. 101.

Remember that when you bring any animal to the shelter, you give up ownership and rights to the animal. Temperament, health, age and kennel space are all factors that determine an animal’s adoptability. As long as the animal remains healthy, good-tempered, and space is available, we will keep him and do our best to place him in a loving, permanent home. You will not be provided with information on the animal's status once you surrender the animal.

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Consider All Your Options

If the decision to give up your pet is based on behavioral issues, please consult your veterinarian or call the shelter for help first. Perhaps training could help. His behavior may also be the result of a medical problem.

If you are giving up a pet because you are moving, we may be able to help you find a new rental property where your pet will be welcome. Please call 374-3944, ext. 101 to receive our pet-friendly rental property list.

You might ask family, friends, or coworkers if they know of a good home for your pet. We advise against placing “free to good home” ads in the newspaper. It is best to ask someone you know first.

You might also want to contact another shelter or rescue group (especially if you have a specific breed of dog), to see if they may be able to place your pet for adoption. Call us at 374-3944, ext. 101 for a list of other organizations, or go to www.petfinder.com  for more information.

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 Euthanasia & Cremation Services

Making the decision to euthanize a beloved pet can be very difficult. The APF offers the services of its trained staff, when available, to carry out this procedure with compassion and care. If you wish, you may be with your pet during the procedure. Private euthanasia availability is limited and is strictly scheduled by appointment only.

We offer onsite cremation services, including private cremation in which you will receive the ashes of your pet. Please allow at least 7 business days for the return of ashes, as only one animal is cremated at a time. We offer a variety of handcrafted solid wood urns available for purchase; orders arrive in approximately one week. 

Please call Tuesday through Friday between 12 and 4 pm to inquire about the availability of all euthanasia services.  Note that these services vary dependent upon staff availability, so it is strongly recommended that you call first at
374-3944, ext. 101.

Please contact your veterinarian if you are in need of euthanasia services before or after the hours of 12 to 4 pm, Tuesday through Friday.

 

Prices for Euthanasia and Cremation

DOGS

CATS and RABBITS

SMALL ANIMALS

Other Deceased Animals
If you have found a deceased stray animal, contact your city or town hall for removal. If you have found deceased wildlife, you may also want to contact your local health department. In Schenectady County, call 518-386-2818. If you have found a dead bird, you may also call the dead bird hotline at 1-866-537-BIRD (2473).