This is a series of diaries highlighting animal rescues around the country and noting and celebrating the work they do to help animals who have no voices but ours to speak for them. I have decided to make this a daily series because there are so many wonderful rescues out there who need human help and weekly just doesn't seem to be enough. I have long wanted to start a rescue but lack the resources or time available to do so right now so this is my attempt to do my part. Today's rescue is courtesy of
NinepatchI hope that these rescues will benefit from the kindness and benevolence of the community here at Daily Kos. They are amazing organizations and worthy of Kossack attention and care.
I am here, alive and all around you
I have no voice
In your trees, your air, your fields, your oceans, your world
I have no voice
I am a mother, a father, a protector, a soul
I have no voice
I can walk, crawl, sing, fear
I have no voice
You must be my voice
Cleveland Animal Protective League
The website is here
You can donate here
Adoption info is here
Our Mission
The Cleveland Animal Protective League’s mission is to foster compassion and end animal suffering.
Animal Admissions
In addition to animal adoptions, we also provide admission services for those who must give up a pet or turn in an animal.
Animal Admission Services
To provide you and your pet with the best service, we need you to make an appointment for admission. To schedule an appointment, call 216-771-8825. An appointment enables us to gather important information about your pet’s history and will decrease your wait when you arrive.There will be a small fee charged to bring an animal to the APL. This will be discussed at the time you schedule your appointment. If you cannot pay the fee, please speak to an Intake Associate. Because we are the humane society for Cuyahoga County, fees are double for out-of-county residents..
Animal Admission Hours
Monday to Friday – 10 am to 6:30 pm; Saturdays – 10 am to 5 pm; Sunday – Closed.
Please call 216-771-8825 for an appointment to surrender an animal or pet.
Note: We are legally unable to accept stray dogs – they must be referred to Cleveland City Kennels. Click here for City Kennel information.
Additional Animal Services: To assist those when it is time to say good-bye to a beloved pet we offer private cremation services, allowing you time to select a final disposition. Click here for information on cremation services.
Humane Investigations
The Cleveland APL’s Humane Investigations team works diligently to end animal cruelty and neglect through education, investigation, and prosecution of offenders. Our officers are empowered to enforce the State of Ohio animal protection laws within the jurisdiction of Cuyahoga County (ORC 959) and Cleveland Municipal animal protection laws. Improper care of animals, including lack of sufficient food, water, shelter and veterinary treatment, is against the law and may be prosecuted to the fullest extent of law!
Get more information about how to report animal cruelty.
About Volunteering at the APL
Volunteers are the heart of our organization and are vital team members who help us to achieve the impossible, fulfill our mission, inspire us to be our best, and advocate for animals and their care throughout our community.
Turn your compassion into action and get involved today!
View current volunteer opportunities
Volunteer Testimonials
“The hours I spend at the APL are among the best of my week. I work with the dogs, mostly, getting to know their personalities, giving them love and affection (and cookies!) while they wait to be adopted. Sometimes I even introduce them to potential adopters. And I get to be part of a team – staff and volunteers alike – who love the animals as fiercely and care about their welfare as passionately as I do. The best part? When we receive a message or photographs from an adopter telling us that our canine (or other furry or feathered) friend has fit perfectly into the family, is being spoiled and loved, and really has found his or her ‘happily ever after.’ I love being able to play even a tiny part in finding an animal its forever home!” – Barbara Reitzloff, APL Volunteer
“Sometimes I’ll hear a potential adopter in our Cat Adoption room say how sad it is to see all the cats in cages waiting for homes. I see it very differently though. First, I am grateful those cages are there—I think, ‘What would have happened to these cats without the APL?’ I am thankful for every cat that has found its way to the APL because I know, without a doubt, every animal is better off than where it was before—neglected, abandoned or with an owner who could not properly care for it.
While it is not ideal for any animal to be in a shelter, I know that every animal at the APL receives the care, compassion and love it deserves from the staff and volunteers while waiting for its next home—and I feel lucky that I get to be part of that experience.
There really are no words to describe how rewarding it is to watch a shy or fearful cat ‘warm up’ over the course of a few weeks because of the attention and loves she gets from our volunteers or see an injured cat brought in by a Good Samaritan regain its strength and charm his way into the heart of his new ‘Mom’ or ‘Dad.’
So for me, I’m never sad when volunteering in our Cat Adoption room. To me the cages represent a second chance for those animals and I feel privileged that, for a short time, I get to be part of their journey to their ‘Forever Home.‘“ – Christine Gill, APL Volunteer
Cold Noses, Warm Hearts (Fur Ball 2014)
Saturday, November 1, 2014
Festivities Begin at 5:30 p.m.
The InterContinental Hotel Cleveland and Conference Center
Please join us for the tail-wagging event of the year. Enjoy wonderful food stations, fabulous live and silent auction items and a surprise guest appearance from a VIP (Very Important Pooch)—or two!
Proceeds from this event benefit the Cleveland APL’s Second Chance Program.
Purchase tickets Donate an Auction Item! Become a Corporate Sponsor!
Every year more than 14,000 animals arrive at the Cleveland APL, one of Northeast Ohio’s largest humane society. Some are surrendered by owners who can no longer care for them, some are strays, while others are rescued by the APL’s Humane Investigations team from abuse and neglect.
As a private, nonprofit organization, the APL receives no government funding and relies solely on donations to operate the shelter, investigate animal cruelty, provide medical care for our animals, and educate the community.
We care for every friendly, healthy animal until we find them a new family…and thanks to our Second Chance Program, we’ve extended that commitment to an increasing number of animals with treatable illnesses and injuries.