About Us

POA is an excellent example of how it takes only a few people to make a difference in a community. Thirty years ago there were very few animals welfare organizations that focused on dogs and cats.

Dogs who ended up in pounds often didn’t come out. Many dog wardens considered it their civic duty to quickly euthanize stray dogs to prevent the inevitable overpopulation when un-spayed and un-neutered animals are left unchecked to reproduce.

Abandoned cats reproduced in astronomical numbers. Communities continually faced a growing population of unwanted dogs and cats, susceptible to contracting and spreading illnesses.

At this time, three friends became aware of this problem and decided to address it by forming a group they named Protectors of Animals.

Organization

POA operates under a Constitution and By-Laws. The POA board, committees and interested members meet monthly.

Volunteers

POA is run entirely by dedicated volunteers. In fact, POA’s By-Laws stipulate that no member, trustee, director or officer of the organization may be paid for the services they perform.

Some of the volunteers take responsibility for the administration of the organization. Others enjoy bringing some of the dogs and cats to schools, community groups, and senior centers to talk about animal care and the importance of spaying and neutering. But the true work that makes POA so highly regarded is performed by the individuals who rescue the animals that others have abandoned. Regardless of the weather, day, or other circumstances, they go out to coax in an often frightened, fearful, abused or abandoned animal. They transport the animal to a veterinarian, administer medication, groom, socialize and train them. Most important, they apply the love, patience and understanding that make a fearful animal learn to trust people again.

POA volunteers are known to:

• Follow up when local police call on Christmas Eve because a stray cat is hanging around a house looking for food.
• Pick up animals that were hit by a car and left to die.
• Tackle the problem of cat colonies near the dumpsters of eating establishments.
• Daily tend to have a heart trap until a terrified cat is safely caught and transported to safety.

Accomplishments

Today POA is one of the oldest and most highly regarded animal rescue organizations in the state of Connecticut.

Since its founding, Protectors of Animals has:

• Rescued and found homes for approximately 14,000 cats and 7,000 dogs
• Served towns and communities by placing impounded animals with responsible owners.
• Instructed countless social, business, and educational groups on animal care.
• Worked closely with veterinarians to ensure animal health and decrease animal overpopulation by spaying and neutering.

Income

Protectors of Animals relies on adoption donations, membership dues, gifts, memorials, bequests, grants and fund-raising events.

Disbursements

All income pays for veterinary bills, spaying and neutering, boarding, food, weekly animal advertising in local newspapers and fundraising events.

Home  |  About Us  |  Cat Adoptions  |  Dog Adoptions  |  Success Stories  |  Pet Care
Events  |  Be A Volunteer  |  Donation Information  |  Store  |  FAQ  |  Contact Us