Mission, Philosophy & Services

Mission, vision, philosophy and services statements:

Portage APLMission Statement:

Portage Animal Protective League is a private, non-profit organization, dedicated to the advancement of animal welfare and responsible pet ownership.  In support of the mission, we: 

• Shelter and find safe homes for injured, abused, surrendered and abandoned animals
• Uphold and enforce all animal cruelty laws
• Reduce pet overpopulation through spay/neuter programs
• Educate the community on the social responsibility associated with pet ownership

Vision Statement:

We envision an educated and caring community that recognizes and respects the rights of animals to receive humane and compassionate treatment and actively supports efforts to ensure their welfare.

Philosophy:

The Portage APL is a “limited access, unlimited stay” shelter. This means that adoptable animals remain at the shelter until the right home is found. All animals admitted to the shelter receive the love and care they deserve. We do not give or sell any of our shelter animals for research.

Portage APL does not euthanize any adoptable animals in order to make room for more animals. That is why we are called a “limited access” shelter. However, there are some circumstances under which we may euthanize. These include:

• Veterinary recommendation due to medical condition
• Animal has seriously injured a human
• Animal has killed another animal
• Ordered to do so by law enforcement authorities
• Animal has serious behavioral problems that have not responded to our behavioral training interventions
• Serious quality of life issues

SERVICES:

Adoption Center – Adopting a pet is an exciting experience. But it
is also an important responsibility. Our staff is happy to help you choose the right pet for you or your family. Our application process helps you answer questions to help you find the right pet to fit your lifestyle.

Spay/Neuter Services – All shelter animals are spayed or neutered.
Low cost clinics are available to spay/neuter cats. Cat and dog spay/neuter certificates are available at the shelter. Additionally, Portage APL is active in “CNR” (catch-spay/neuter-release) to help address the feral cat population in the county.

Animal Safe Haven – All animals admitted to the shelter receive love
and care. There is no limit on the amount of time an adoptable animal may stay at the shelter.

Humane Education – Speakers are available to visit schools and civic
groups to talk about the shelter and the animals in need of care.

Pet Therapy – Shelter animals make regular visits to local
retirement homes and provide pet therapy opportunities to visitors at the shelter.