The Humane Society of Otter Tail County was started by Carol Schaaf and Pam Swenson. Stray animals had nowhere to turn and they created the solution. The first site was the Bob and Mary Swierzek farm south of Fergus Falls in 1979. The facility consisted of some dog houses and the use of a barn for shelter. The organization was formed and incorporated in the same year.
Shortly after incorporation the State of Minnesota leased to the Humane Society a small building and a caretaker's house on the grounds of the Fergus Falls Regional Treatment Center. At that time the treasury consisted of $37.50, some donated materials, and dog food. All animal care was provided by volunteers. All funding was done through donations and fundraisers conducted by volunteers.
Gradual growth and monies from government funding sources such as Otter Tail County, and CETA allowed the hiring of employees. This kept the Humane Society running. In 1985 the State of Minnesota decided that the building was needed for another venue, making a new site necessary.
A veterinary clinic building on Pebble Lake Road became available. Mel Olson spearheaded a fund raising campaign that made purchasing the clinic possible. There was an addition built onto the clinic in 1988.
Soon the Humane Society outgrew this building. It was decided that building new was a better option than remodeling the existing site. Once again a successful fund raising campaign and a small loan secured funding. Our current facility was constructed and opened in May 1994.
Mission and Vision
To provide temporary shelter and care to stray, abandoned, and surrendered animals for the purpose of placing every adoptable animal in a caring permanent home. To promote the humane treatment of all animals and promote responsible pet guardianship.
Adoption Policy
Please note that there is an adoption fee in order to cover the costs of vaccinations, de-worming, and disease screening of all of the animals who come to us. In order to be considered for an adoption you must:
• Fill out an adoption application, subject to the Humane Society of Otter Tail County's approval
• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have the knowledge and consent of all adults living in your household
• Provide a valid ID with a current address and year of birth.
• Provide your landlord's name and phone number (or lease) or other proof of consent to have pets on the property.
• Provide verification that all current dogs and cats in the home are up-to-date on vaccinations.
Adoption Fees:
Humane Society of Otter Tail County has a variable adoption pricing policy. The adoption fee depends on various factors including animal type, breed, age, size and demand.
The price of dogs and puppies range between $125 and $350. Cats and kittens range between $50 and $100. The price of each animal is displayed along side each animal's bio. You can view all adoptable animals by clicking here.
All adoption fees include age appropriate vaccinations, dewormer, and microchip implants. Any unaltered animal is also subject to an additional spay/neuter deposit described below.
Spay/Neuter Policy:
All animals leaving the shelter that are not already spayed or neutered are subject to our spay/neuter policy. A spay/neuter deposit will be collected at the time of the adoption. The deposit is 100% refunded when proof of alteration is submitted by the given deadline. The spay/neuter deposit depends on the sex and animal type and ranges between $50 and $100.
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