APAA, founded in 1994, is one of the best-known animal charities on the Algarve.

 

Over the years, it has rescued hundreds of animals and re-homed many of them in Portugal, the UK, Belgium, Germany and Holland. Unfortunately, the rescue centre had to close in 2008 as the land on which it was situated was put up for sale. 

 

Despite an extensive search, no suitable alternative premises were found and so the emphasis changed from rescuing animals to helping to pay for sterilisations, castrations, and emergency or urgent treatments and operations.