Asociacion Protectora de Animales El Refugio

The Asociacion Protectora de Animales (A.P.A.) "El Refugio" was founded on December 2, 1998 and is a non-profit Civil Association that assists a population of 360 dogs and 40 cats. These animals arrive at this institution victims of accidents, serious diseases, old age and the most varied situations of mistreatment and abandonment. Once they are recovered, they are vaccinated and spayed or neutered and then given up for responsible adoption. Currently we have an average weekly intake of ten puppies and four adult dogs. Our mission is that all animals can find a family, but the reality is that many of these dogs and cats will never be adopted since they are left with sequelae, are ... read more The Asociacion Protectora de Animales (A.P.A.) "El Refugio" was founded on December 2, 1998 and is a non-profit Civil Association that assists a population of 360 dogs and 40 cats. These animals arrive at this institution victims of accidents, serious diseases, old age and the most varied situations of mistreatment and abandonment. Once they are recovered, they are vaccinated and spayed or neutered and then given up for responsible adoption. Currently we have an average weekly intake of ten puppies and four adult dogs. Our mission is that all animals can find a family, but the reality is that many of these dogs and cats will never be adopted since they are left with sequelae, are many years old, blind, handicapped, etc. For these reasons, El Refugio is the only home that many of them will ever know and we work daily to give them the best quality of life possible. Over the years we have developed a series of strategies that allow us to take on this daily challenge, taking into account the responsibility we have with the animals under our care and in our community: Volunteer Program: They are a team of highly committed, dedicated and solvent volunteers who work on an honorary basis in the different activities of El Refugio (repairs, cleaning, walks with our dogs, socialization, among others). Space is limited. Godparents Program: aimed at those people who, although they cannot adopt, take responsibility for one or more of our animals by contributing a special fee for their needs. Educational Outreach Program: since the beginning, educational campaigns and guided tours for children and adolescents from different educational centers have been carried out, and we are in the process of developing a more ambitious educational project that will include teachers, teacher training students and the general public in order to deepen the awareness work related to animal rights, animal welfare, responsible ownership, adoption, etc. Adoption campaigns: these are fundamental pillars in raising awareness about responsible animal ownership and the importance of adoption. These campaigns are organized throughout the year and at various locations in Montevideo. Spay/neuter campaigns: we perform low-cost spay/neuter campaigns, as well as assist in spay/neuter campaigns in several other locations in Montevideo. We also spay/neuter as many animals as possible in the area, often free of charge since El Refugio is located in a critical neighborhood. Attention at the door: we offer first aid, vaccination and deworming at low cost or even free of charge to urgent cases in the area. Intervention, confiscation, and veterinary assistance in serious cases: in addition to assisting animals under our care, we also help by providing assistance and transfers for animals in the area when the owners cannot really afford it