Our mission is to increase the quality of life of all dogs and cats in the communities we serve.

Protectors of Animals was formed in 1975 to rescue abandoned, abused and stray cats and dogs. Today we are one of the oldest and most respected animal welfare organizations in the northeast. You will not find a more dedicated, experienced or thorough resource for improving the lives of Connecticut cats and dogs.

We serve towns and communities by matching homeless animals with responsible owners. Along the way, we have instructed countless social, business, and educational groups on animal care and worked closely with veterinarians to decrease animal overpopulation by spaying and neutering.

Volunteers Make Us Run

POA is run primarily by dedicated volunteers. They provide the administrative support for the organization, foster homeless animals and provide medical care for the shelter animals. They facilitate medical care, administer medication, groom, and socialize the animals. Most importantly, they offer love, patience, and understanding that give a fearful animal the ability to trust people again. For many abandoned animals, the POA “frontline” volunteer who rescues them is their first contact with a caring touch. This hands-on approach makes POA animals great pets.

The Next Chapter for POA

We have rescued and found homes for more than 14,000 cats and 7,000 dogs, but there are still thousands of abandoned and surrendered dogs and cats. The limited availability of affordable spay/neuter services is fueling this problem. The need for the POA Spay/Neuter Clinic is more urgent than ever.

 

 

Board of Directors

Jody Macrina
President

JoAnn Azzara
Member

Jordan Price
Member

 

Stacey Doan
Vice President & Secretary

Jim Byrne
Member

Mukesh Sharma
Member

Zach Stewart
Treasurer

Ron Plante
Member

Beth Smith
Member

 

 

Staff

 

Pamela Knoecklein
Director of Shelter Services

Kerry Bartoletti
Grant Writer

 

Over 300 Treasured Volunteers
 

Campaign Committee

Jody Macrina
President

Ron Plante
Committee Chair

Kerry Bartoletti
 


 

Stacey Doan
Vice President & Secretary

Donald Pendagast
Fundraising Consultant

Elaine Decker
 

Pamela Knoecklein

Zach Stewart
Treasurer

Elizabeth Abbe
 

Michelle Dixon