Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Pet Adoption & Animal Welfare Services in St. Louis
Founded in 1922, APA Adoption Center has been a leader in animal welfare and community support for over a century. Our mission focuses on connecting people and pets through adoption, wellness, and education programs designed to strengthen the human-animal bond. We pioneered initiatives like the first therapeutic animal visitation program in 1983 and the Domestic Violence Pet Assistance Program in 1998, demonstrating our commitment to innovative solutions. Our team of experienced professionals, including certified animal welfare administrators and veterinary specialists, delivers high-impact services such as spay/neuter operations, community outreach, and crisis housing support for pets.With a proven track record of placing thousands of animals in loving homes annually, we maintain rigorous standards for ethical care, transparency, and community engagement while continuously expanding our programs to address evolving needs.
Services
Pet Adoption
Wellness Care
Spay/Neuter Services
Foster Programs
Animal Education
Details
- Year established: 1922
Highlights and features
- We've placed 6,000+ animals in loving homes annually through our expert matching process
- Our PACT model ensures balanced care for animals and community needs
- We offer comprehensive wellness services including needs-based financial assistance
- Our team includes Certified Animal Welfare Administrators with decades of combined experience
- We pioneered St. Louis' first therapeutic animal visitation program in 1983
Services
Pet Adoption
Our expert adoption program matches pets with loving families through a comprehensive screening process. We provide pre-adoption counseling, post-adoption support, and educational resources to ensure successful lifelong partnerships. The service includes behavioral assessments, medical evaluations, and personalized matching based on lifestyle compatibility.
Wellness Care
Comprehensive wellness programs include preventive care, vaccinations, and medical treatment for pets. We offer sliding-scale fees based on financial need and operate an on-site clinic staffed by experienced veterinarians. Services cover routine checkups, chronic condition management, and emergency care referrals.
Spay/Neuter Services
Affordable spay/neuter operations target underserved communities through mobile clinics and partnerships. The program reduces pet overpopulation while improving animal health. Services include pre-surgical evaluations, surgical procedures, and post-operative care instructions for pet owners.
Foster Programs
Our foster network provides temporary housing for pets awaiting adoption. Volunteers receive training, supplies, and medical support. The program accommodates special needs animals, nursing mothers, and pets requiring socialization before adoption through structured care plans.
Animal Education
Educational initiatives teach responsible pet ownership and animal welfare principles. Programs include school curricula, senior citizen outreach, and online courses covering pet care, behavior training, and humane treatment practices for all age groups.
People
Sarah Javier
Chief Executive Officer
Nonprofit leader with 15+ years in animal welfare, holding a master's in public policy. Serves on the Association for Animal Welfare Advancement's board and DEI Council. Recognized as St. Louis' Most Influential Business Woman in 2023.
Kim Brown
Chief Operations Officer
Veteran with combat medic background and dual degrees in HR management and nonprofit administration. Certified Animal Welfare Administrator with expertise in shelter operations and team development.
Angela Garcia
Director of Veterinary Services
Missouri native and University of Missouri veterinary graduate with private practice experience. Specializes in preventive care and dermatology, committed to improving shelter animal health through comprehensive medical programs.
Kitty Lawrence
Director of Community Programs
Combines veterinary medicine expertise with mental health counseling background to develop community-focused initiatives. Manages programs connecting human and animal well-being through outdoor activities and environmental conservation efforts.
Amber Webb
Director of Client Services
Certified Animal Welfare Administrator with 15 years in animal welfare. Operates a homestead with rescue animals and beekeeping operation focused on environmental sustainability and community education.
Questions
What adoption services do you offer?
We provide pet adoption matching, pre-adoption counseling, and post-adoption support with medical evaluations and behavioral assessments.
Do you offer veterinary care?
Our wellness clinic provides preventive care, vaccinations, and medical treatment with sliding-scale fees based on financial need.
How can I become a foster parent?
Complete our training program to provide temporary care for pets needing special attention before adoption.
What educational programs are available?
We offer school curricula, senior citizen outreach, and online courses covering responsible pet ownership and animal welfare.
How do you support low-income families?
Through free spay/neuter services, financial assistance programs, and the Pet Partners outreach initiative for underserved communities.
Can I volunteer at your facility?
Yes, we offer volunteer opportunities in animal care, community outreach, and special events.
Videos
Reviews (5)
Alissa Jackson
Jun 04, 2022
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We adopted an adorable kitten named Lundi and the staff was amazing! Lundi loves her new forever home and we love her
Sophia W.
Jun 03, 2022
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I adopted my cat from here in late January, and it was the best decision of my life! I love this place and all of the support I have received. I appreciate the clinic there as well and appreciate the friendliness of employees at the APA. Thank you for making my life so much better!
Rhiannon Kiker
May 23, 2022
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I had been wanting to adopt another cat for a while, so when my husband asked me if I wanted one, we made plans within the week! I looked online and found Boy, and fell in love with him. We went to the APA and left with him 45 minutes later! I'm so glad we found him; he has been living with us for just a short few hours and we can already tell he was meant to be with us. The process itself was very easy, and I was impressed with how clean the facility was.
The staff clearly cares deeply for the animals, because they all seemed very comfy and relaxed in their little cat condos--you could tell they weren't stressed just from being there, unlike some shelters. Overall, it was a great experience, and we're so happy that Boy is already so comfortable with us!
The staff clearly cares deeply for the animals, because they all seemed very comfy and relaxed in their little cat condos--you could tell they weren't stressed just from being there, unlike some shelters. Overall, it was a great experience, and we're so happy that Boy is already so comfortable with us!
Lisa Elliott
Apr 10, 2022
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Adopted two sweet girls from here. They made the process very easy and quick. Because of Covid, everyone was wearing a mask and you weren't allowed to walk around freely inside. Instead you went online to see what pet you wanted to adopt, then got a call to verify who you wanted to adopt and then paid over the phone. After that you went to the APA and was met by an employee at a table set up right inside the front door. We were able to get the pups quickly without any issues. Everyone was friendly and took Covid precautions. Would adopt from again, but currently still loving my 2 pups from here.
Karen Howe
Feb 19, 2022
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Very helpful and friendly staff! And now I'm a proud adopter of a beautiful cat who is beautiful and a sweetheart! Many thanks to the staff for their thoroughness and knowledge.
