The AAPS was first incorporated in 1972 to address the need for an animal shelter in the South Eastern region of Melbourne, Victoria.  The shelter handles mainly dogs and cats and aims to return as many as possible to their owners or re-home them to good homes.

Under the leadership of Elizabeth [Betty] Hardy AAPS was established by a group of people genuinely concerned about animal welfare, but dissatisfied with the policies and practices of existing animal welfare organisations and local councils - particularly their methods of euthanasia.
 
AAPS is a community-based, non-government, not-for-profit organisation which relies upon volunteers and community support for both the Animal Shelter and its five Opportunity Shops which provide essential financial support for the Shelter.