The Best Minnesota Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2026

Humane Society of Freeborn County

he Humane Society of Freeborn County is a 501(c)3 non-profit, charitable organization. We are dedicated to providing the means for the prevention of cruelty to animals, to enforcing all laws designated for the protection of animals, to promoting responsible pet ownership, and to placing all adoptable animals into responsible homes. Together we can control overpopulation in our community with the education and assistance programs we provide. The Freeborn County Humane Society was founded in September of 1976, by a small group of animal lovers who wanted to make a difference in the abandoned and unwanted pets of Freeborn County. We did not have a formal meeting place or a place to shelter the animals that were taken in. We did, however have a shelter fund, which was building up slowly but surely. We met several different places and kept the animals we took in foster homes, which were difficult to find. We had several foster home events trying to get people to foster, but that is hard to do when you take in an animal to foster as you get attached to them and do not want to give them up. We bounced around for many years and to many places. We were given up on a couple of times, and asked the public for help in keeping the Humane Society going. Finally we got together a great group of people who were truly dedicated to helping the Freeborn County pets. We still struggled with fostering and meeting places but finally got a small office space where we could hold meetings and maybe once in a while, sneak in a cat or two to foster at the office. In 2006 the city hired an animal control officer who was really pushing for the city and the Humane Society to work together for the animals. Our director got together with the animal control officer and started brainstorming on the city shelter. They worked it out to where the city and the county would take in animals and when the city animal's time was up, the Humane Society would take them over and try and get them adopted out. When we got them, they were checked over by the vet and given their shots and spayed or neutered. We applied for spay/neuter grants to help with these surgeries. The animal control officer left to take another job and that left our director at the shelter. She talked to the city officials and started working on a plan to where the shelter would be run by the Humane Society but still be the property of the city as a no-kill shelter. It was a long process but was finally put into effect. The city and the Humane Society were given an award for this joint venture in 2009.

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Lakes Area Humane Society

The Lakes Area Humane Society (LAHS) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, formed in 1989 by a group of concerned citizens wishing to make a difference for animals in our community. Some of our services include: • Adoptions and Reuniting Lost Pets • Impounding and Surrender Service • Adoptions Counseling • Prevention/Education • Behavior Counseling and Training • Microchipping

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Mower County Humane Society

Founded in 1950, and located in Austin, Minnesota, the Mower County Humane Society (MCHS) is an all volunteer, non profit, donation funded, fully independent no kill shelter. The mission of the Mower County Humane Society is to provide care and shelter to homeless dogs and cats from Mower County, Minnesota until they can be placed in responsible forever homes, and to reduce the number of unwanted, homeless dogs and cats in Mower County, Minnesota by promoting, facilitating, and sponsoring spaying and neutering activities.

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Great River Rescue

Our History Great River Rescue is a private, non-profit, companion animal shelter located in Bemidji, Minnesota. We make every effort to save, care for, and find homes for each animal that comes through our doors. We provide high-quality care and enrichment for shelter pets, and get them into homes with loving and responsible pet owners. Additionally, we now offer low-cost spay/neuter services through our Pet Fixers program. Great River Rescue is supported by our community, who believe in our work and have always been by our side. Since our inception in 1977, Great River Rescue has helped thousands of animals get a second chance at life. We are very proud of these and many other efforts that have made our dream a reality and now allows us to provide even greater quality service for more than 350 animals per year. Great River Rescue is located in Bemidji, Minnesota, but we have no geographic restrictions for our services. Our services are available for anyone in need. For more details about the services we provide, please visit the services section of our website. Our mission at Great River Rescue is to transition dogs and cats to loving homes, serve as a community resource, and advocate for kind, responsible pet care. Great River Rescue envisions a society of responsible animal guardians in which every animal is treated with respect and care. Our values are care, compassion, and empathy for animals and people; accountability to high standards of professional and ethical behavior; and respect and kindness with every decision and interaction. Our Facility We built our current facility on Carr Lake Road SE in 2000. Mike Hesch, from Hesch Construction, volunteered his services for this project, and we are eternally grateful for his generosity. The shelter was able to raise $165,000 of the necessary $225,000 for the project. A loan was taken out for the remaining costs, which has since been completely paid off, largely due to our community’s donations! Since then, we have made several improvements to the facility including new flooring and paint in 2020. In 2021, we completed a remodel project to convert one of the dog kennel rooms into a visitation and exam room. The cost of that project was also covered by community donations and grant funding. We are constantly looking at ways to improve our facility to better serve the animals and the community.

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Heartland Animal Rescue Team

Heartland Animal Rescue Team (HART) was founded in the spring of 1987 by a group of concerned citizens in the Brainerd Lakes area. At that time there were really no advocates for the unwanted, stray, neglected and abused animals. HART started out with very little money and a handful of volunteers who were willing to do everything from foster care to raising money and whatever else was needed to succeed. From 1987 to 1990 HART operated with volunteers and foster homes. In 1990 a generous donor donated money to rent a store front in Brainerd. That was the opportunity HART needed to get the animals in the eyes of potential adopters. In 1992 HART purchased the building on Dellwood Drive in Brainerd. After many hours of volunteer labor and many dollars worth of donated materials, HART opened the doors to the shelter we all know today. At that point HART was financially stable enough to hire five (5) staff members including an office manager, kennel manager and three (3) kennel assistants. HART also secured impound contracts with thirteen (13) local municipalities to house impounded animals. That was the backbone to the financial stability HART needed to operate. It was also a step forward in helping the original mission of helping animal. HART maintained a successful business over the years. The annual income budget increased from $10,000 in 1992 to the present annual income budget of $480,000. As the business was growing financially it was also growing in many other areas. An education program was developed and implemented, serving all ages, public awareness was heightened and shelter care had become top-notch. In the spring of 2014 HART underwent an extensive renovation of the shelter. The cost of the renovation was about $500,00 and the shelter is state of the art today. HART has a staff of thirteen including an executive director, shelter manager and office manager.

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Animal Shelter Of Linn County

The Animal Shelter of Linn County has been open since 2003. In the last three years, we have received 1168 dogs and 553 cats. 259 dogs were adopted, 266 dogs claimed by owners, 348 dogs sent to rescue. 275 cats were adopted, 28 cats claimed by owners, 23 cats sent to rescue. We euthanize only when an animal is a physical threat to people, or as a humane act due to severe illness. We are not part of any city, county, state, federal government or any other organization. We are financially dependent on fundraisers, donations and adoptions. We have never received any large donation from any bequest or trust. The shelter's yearly budget is over $90,000.00, not counting service and goods donations. Of this amount, approximately $8,000.00 comes from $1.00 per citizen from the cities of Brookfield, Bucklin, Laclede, Marceline and Meadville. Most of the remaining $82,000.00 is raised by volunteers and individual donors. We are licensed yearly under the Missouri Department of Agriculture. Our facility is inspected multiple times each year by a Department of Agriculture official. The shelter has passed this inspection without any deficiencies the past five visits in a row. The Animal Shelter of Linn County is located a mile south of Brookfield on Highway 11. We are open to the public from 11:00am. to 4:00 pm Tuesday through Friday and 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Saturday. Adoption fees are $125 per dog ($60.00 of this is paid to the veterinarian for the rabies shot and for spaying or neutering). Cat adoptions are $40 with all of this amount paid for the same veterinary services as dogs. There are reduced fees for animals not requiring these veterinary services or for special circumstances. If you have a lost pet or are looking for a new pet, please come by the shelter during public business hours or call the shelter (660) 258-3322. We welcome visitors.

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Precious Paws Humane Society of Chisholm

ENRICHING THE LIVES OF OUR SHELTER ANIMALS While nothing can compare to the comforts of home, Precious Paws strives to provide an enriching environment for our shelter animals. Founded in 1991 as Hibbing Animal Shelter and Humane Society (Our Corporate Name). Re-established in Chisholm in 2011 as Precious Paws Humane Society of Chisholm. We are a professionally managed volunteer shelter. Cats are housed in rooms built specifically for small sociable groups of cats. These “condos” feature exterior windows and multiple cat trees and perches to provide a warm, comfortable environment for our feline friends, helping to bring out the best aspects of their personalities. Cats who prefer personal space enjoy their privacy in individual, multi-level kennels. Each dog is provided with a spacious kennel as their own individual space, equipped with a raised cot, blankets, chew toys, and plenty of treats. With Precious Paw's staff handling basic medical treatment(s) and providing daily care, a dedicated group of volunteers provides the next level of care, making the rehabilitation of these wonderful animals possible. Our volunteers provide needed socialization for the companion animals living at the shelter, focusing on the needs of the individual animal based on his or her personality.

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The Marshmallow Animal Shelter

The Marshmallow Animal Shelter is a non-profit animal shelter located in Detroit Lakes, MN that was created to serve as a public resource for stray, abandoned, and rescued companion animals. One of the main goals of The Marshmallow Animal Shelter is to help educate the public about the benefits of spaying and neutering animals so that we can put an end to the nightmare of unwanted cats and dogs. Our shelter operates as the impound primarily for cats and dogs found within the city limits of Detroit Lakes but also assists the following cities when called upon: Audubon, Callaway, Frazee, Lake Park, Mahnomen, and Waubun. In addition, we routinely take in animals from Becker County that are found outside of city limits, as they have no other place to go. Please note that we do accept cats and dogs that are found outside the above areas but only when the agency responsible for them cannot accept them. Only a designated official can bring these animals to our shelter once approval has been received. The majority of our animals are brought to us as “strays” and are held for five (5) business days. After that hold period is up, we have the right to have that animal euthanized. This is how most pounds/shelters operate because they have little resources to care for these animals. We wanted to give area animals more of a chance at finding new homes, therefore we only euthanize if there are extenuating circumstances. We are proud to share that our shelter was awarded a certificate by The Best Friends Network in recognition of achieving no-kill status during calendar year 2022 by exceeding a 90% save rate for cats and dogs. We have so many wonderful stories that we can share of animals surviving and going on to loving homes because our shelter and supporters gave that animal another chance at life. Because we are committed to caring for these animals until we can find them appropriate homes, many are with us for a very lengthy period. We do not give them time limits. But to give them such extended care requires support from our public. On average, we have around 70 cats and 20 dogs to care for while they wait to find new homes and families. In addition to finding homes for these pets, the Marshmallow Animal Shelter also works closely with local and regional service dog training programs and police departments and has had several shelter dogs go on to help people or places in need. The staff and volunteers of the Marshmallow Animal Shelter work hard every single day providing for the animals that have no other place to go. Please help us continue to care for them and provide a safe haven until they find new families and homes!

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Humane Society of the Lakes

It is the mission of the Humane Society of the Lakes to provide services for abandoned or unwanted animals while they await lifelong homes. Our vision is that all animals are treated with dignity and respect. The Humane Society of the Lakes operates a no kill shelter for animals of the Becker County Area

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PJ's Rescue

PJ's Bully Rescue is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming as many bully breed dogs (and others) as possible. Our mission is to provide a safe and loving environment for these dogs until they find their forever homes. Click here to learn more about our organization and the animals we rescue.

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Martin County Humane Society

We are the Martin County Humane Society - also known as the Carl Nettifee Memorial Animal Shelter. As an animal control officer in Fairmont many years ago, Carl pioneered the ideals of which we operate. The City of Fairmont and the Martin County Humane Society constructed the shelter in Carl's honor. We shelter stray and homeless animals in Martin County and take owner surrenders as space allows.

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Rescue 55021

We are a small group of dedicated volunteers with varying skills and experience working with animals. We saw the need for local rescue in our community and united with our common interest and goal to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home. Proudly established November 26, 2016.

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Humane Society of Otter Tail County

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.

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Pope County Humane Society

Pope County Humane Society Animal Shelter was established in 1985 and incorporated in 1987. Our organization was started by June Iverson, Lorraine Gandrud, and Willow Feigum in June's barn. In 2004, they raised enough money to build the beginning of our physical location that we have today with the help of many volunteers. We have had one expansion since then and are hoping to keep expanding. We We are a501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to caring for lost, abandoned, and stray animals. Our shelter is run by a crew of dedicated, hardworking staff, that put their hearts into caring for every animal that comes through our door.

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Paws + Claws Rescue & Resort

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Range Regional Animal Rescue

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Heart of Minnesota Animal Shelter

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La Crescent Animal Rescue

Established in 2005, La Crescent Animal Rescue (LAR) is an all-volunteer, non-profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to the protection and welfare of animals in La Crescent, Minnesota. We are a committed to providing a no-kill shelter, which means we are always seeking volunteers and foster homes as well as permanent homes for our animals. La Crescent Animal Rescue continues to endure largely due to our wonderful, passionate, committed team of volunteers. Volunteers help create a safe, healthy and more enjoyable experience for our animals while greatly easing the workload required to maintain our no-kill rescue shelter. Volunteering also provides the chance to make new friends, both four-legged and two-legged, and help spread the word about the mission of the shelter, fundraising events, and the animals available for adoption.

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Morrison County Animal Humane Society

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Blue Earth Nicollet County Humane Society

The Blue Earth Nicollet County Humane Society (BENCHS) is a local, independent, 501c3 non-profit in Mankato, Minnesota. BENCHS was established in 1969 and in 2010 BENCHS opened its doors at its current location on North River Drive. Each year, BENCHS cares for thousands of homeless, injured, abandoned, and abused animals. We are a limited admissions shelter, caring for and treating all healthy and treatable pets. BENCHS utilizes best practices and participates in lifesaving programs. The first community service BENCHS provided to the public, the BENCHS Food Shelf, began in 2006. Donations of pet food are received from area businesses and community members. Community members are able to come twice monthly for pet food. In 2017 BENCHS began partnering with other rescues to transport dogs and cats to Minnesota from southern states. Not only have we found homes for numerous dogs and cats who were homeless, we also began taking on more heart-worm positive dogs. For dogs in Texas a heart-worm positive result is a deadly sentence in many shelters. With the support of our donors, we are able to give them a second chance on life. In 2020, the cities of Mankato and North Mankato began contracting with BENCHS to provide animal care services on their behalf. We now take in an average of 57 stray and lost animals a month. We are proud of the fact that over 200 cats and dogs were reunited with their families in 2022. Being microchipped is the key to a successful reunification. Helping to control the pet population has long been a part of the BENCHS vision. For many years, we have required that our adopted cats and dogs be spayed or neutered. We partnered with many other agencies to perform those surgeries for us. In 2020, we remodeled Elin’s Surgical Suite at the shelter and hired a part-time veterinarian to perform those surgeries in-house. We are now able to perform almost all of our own spay/neuter surgeries, with the exception being those needing a specialized surgery at a vet clinic. In 2021, we broadened that vision by opening our BENCHS Outreach Clinic for Rescues in July. We are currently servicing five areas rescue organizations by performing low-cost spay/neuter surgeries for the animals in their care. Surgeries are performed by our two in-house veterinarians. In 2022, BENCHS completed 1,151 spays and neuters on rescue cats and dogs! The Blue Earth Nicollet County Humane Society is not only about caring for animals, but also about humanity. The love and comfort of a pet sustains a person through the most difficult of times, providing unconditional friendship and love. Properly caring for a pet instills in children a sense of responsibility and compassion which remains throughout their lives. The services of an animal shelter reach all segments of society, from the wealthy to the destitute, from preschoolers to the retired, and those who are shut in. The shelter operates with limited paid staff, and relies on the generosity of donors and volunteers to maintain quality care for the pets it accepts and places. The only funding or support BENCHS receives from national animal welfare or humane associations comes through grant applications for new programs. We rely heavily on the help of our community. With the generous donations from our members, we are able to provide shelter, food and love to animals awaiting a permanent home. Now is the time to get involved and make a lifesaving difference.

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Save the Brays

STBDR is a Minnesota based rescue focusing on rescuing and rehabilitating donkeys (and occasionally mules) in need. Donkeys have long been called stubborn and thought of as nothing more than beasts of burden. The reality is, they are so much more and are becoming increasingly popular. With increased popularity comes increased population. Sadly, what follows an increase in the number of unwanted animals. Whether the reason is owners not understanding donkey behaviors, an inability to care for their animals, unexpected life events or one of any number of other reasons, many donkey owners are giving up their animals. These donkeys and mules need a place to land safely or they risk being sold for slaughter. STBDR is here to try and help as many as we are able, whether it be our help, donors help, the public's help, or other rescues' help, these wonderful animals deserve happy endings.

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Emotional Rescue LLC

Emotional Rescue specializes in homeless dogs that need medical care. We rehabilitate the body, mind and soul of dogs that had no one to care for them.

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Warrior Dog Rescue

Warrior Dog rescue is a non-profit organization based in Savage, MN that is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and finding adoptive homes for dogs that have been abandoned, abused, or neglected. We are celebrating our 6th year in rescue and have saved over 3,400 dogs to date. When we reflect on that number we think that each one of those dogs had a foster hero that YES to saving them! We think about all the visits to the vet, the training, the full food bowls, walks, belly rubs, and all the healing that was given to each of them through the love and safety we were able to provide. Knowing that we were able to help them heal and be ready to love their forever family is a blessing beyond compare. Our storybook is filled with all the Warrior Dogs who have come into our lives and forever imprinted on our hearts. The Warrior Dog family continues to save these sweet souls because they all deserve to the know the gift of love and safety. There is still work to be done and by the grace and selflessness of our volunteer and foster teams, along with our generous donors we will continue. There are so many pups even as you read this that are alone and sick, abandoned in kill shelters and on roadsides, living a life filled with fear and abuse. We are steadfast in our commitment to continue to make a difference, one dog at a time.

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Northern Lakes Rescue

Our Vision is to be a voice for those who are voiceless. We hear them with our hearts and give them a voice. Looking into the eyes of a rescued animal will speak volumes; watching those eyes light up will have an everlasting impact on you and the rescued animals. We aren't a typical rescue as we don't take in dogs and put them in kennels until they're adopted. All dogs we rescue are placed in loving foster homes that teach them to be the best dog they can be. Our journey doesn't end with adoption, either. We are here for you to support you in integrating your new member into your home, cheer new triumphs, and help with struggles. You don't adopt a dog from us. You adopt a family.

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Rescued Pets Are Wonderful

Rescued Pets Are Wonderful is a non-profit, no-kill, volunteer animal rescue organization serving the Twin Cities metro area. We are dedicated to rescuing dogs and cats left homeless for whatever reason ‚focusing on the ones with major medical issues or of senior age. These are the ones that are usually overlooked because they are not ‚highly adoptable. They are also the ones that cost the most to the organizations. We believe they are the most in need of help!

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The Rescue Crew

The Rescue Crew is a Minnesota-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal rescue organization that is 100% volunteer operated and foster-based. The Rescue Crew strives to prevent the unnecessary euthanasia of companion animals by finding them loving forever homes.

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Stevens Community Humane Society

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A Dog's Dream

Welcome to A Dog's Dream, a compassionate and dedicated dog adoption agency. Our mission is to provide a loving and nurturing environment for retired breeding dogs, ensuring they find their forever homes where they can enjoy a well-deserved retirement filled with love and care. At A Dog's Dream, we specialize in finding homes for retired breeding dogs who have dedicated their lives to producing healthy and happy puppies. These remarkable dogs have served as breeding dogs, bringing joy and companionship to countless families. Now, it is our mission to ensure that they receive the same love and attention they have given throughout their breeding careers. Our agency is comprised of a team of passionate individuals who are committed to the welfare of breeding dogs. We work tirelessly to match each dog with a loving and suitable adoptive family, taking into consideration their unique needs, preferences, and compatibility. Our adoption process involves thorough screening, including veterinary checks and meet&greet visits, to ensure that each dog finds a safe and caring environment for their retirement years. When a retired breeding dog comes into our care, we prioritize their health and well-being. They are provided with comprehensive veterinary care, including medical treatments, vaccinations, and spaying or neutering if necessary. Our experienced veterinarians and staff closely monitor their health and provide any necessary treatments or medications to ensure they are in optimal condition for adoption. While our dogs have often spent a significant portion of their lives in kennels or breeding facilities, we understand the importance of providing them with a comfortable and enriching retirement experience. We focus on their emotional well-being, providing them with a loving and nurturing home-type environment, regular exercise, and socialization opportunities with other dogs and humans. Our dedicated team of trainers work closely with each dog to address any specific needs or behavioral challenges, helping them transition smoothly into their new homes. We recognize that adopting a retired breeding dog requires a special commitment and understanding. These dogs may have unique needs or adjustments to make as they transition from a breeding environment to a loving home. That's why we offer ongoing support and guidance to our adopters, providing resources, training assistance, and a supportive community to ensure a successful and fulfilling adoption journey. At A Dog's Dream, we believe that every retired breeding dog deserves a peaceful and loving retirement. We are dedicated to finding them the perfect forever homes where they can relax, be cherished, and receive the love and care they deserve. If you are ready to open your heart and home to a new dog, we invite you to explore our adoption process and meet the wonderful dogs waiting for their well-deserved retirement. Together, we can make a profound difference in the lives of these incredible dogs, providing them with the love, care, and happiness they deserve after their years of service as breeding dogs. Join us in giving these loyal companions the retirement they've earned and experience the joy and gratitude that they can bring into your life.

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Headwaters Animal Shelter

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The Babinski Foundation

The Babinski Foundation was established in 2010 by Donald and Elizabeth Babinski owners and founders of Babinski Properties which owns multifamily housing in Minnesota, Florida and South Dakota. He and his wife Elizabeth were working tirelessly to get the animal shelter opened which was their dream, but Donald Babinski passed away August 11th, 2014 before the shelter could open. Elizabeth continued where they left off and the Foundation opened in January 2016 in Pequot Lakes, MN. Elizabeth passed away on November 13th, 2020. Donald and Elizabeth’s dream was finally realized, and Donald and Elizabeth’s surviving family and friends will continue to work hard to fulfill their mission.

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Paws and Claws Humane Society

The Paws & Claws Humane Society (PCHS) of Rochester, Minnesota does not receive money from government agencies to help meet expenses for the shelter and care of companion animals in need of happy homes. Instead, PCHS relies on donations from concerned individuals for much of its operating revenue. History Timeline of PCHS 1974: Marge Mourning began helping area unwanted animals by taking out a small ad in the local newspaper, then finding new homes for those unclaimed. 1976: Marge Mourning establishes Paws & Claws. Rescued animals were all placed into caring foster homes. 100% volunteer staffed. Paws and Claws funded by Membership dues and donations only. 1979: Paws and Claws Incorporated as a 501[c] [3] Nonprofit. 1988: Salem Corners Property purchased, [30 dogs in a kennel facility] 1989: Marge Retires and new board formed. 1990: Office established on 1st Ave. SW (now City Market). Hired 1st paid staff (1 employee). Cats boarded at area kennels awaiting adoption. Post Bulletin features weekly adoptable pet. 1992: Initiated free monthly spay/neuter programs with area Veterinarians. 1994: Cat Shelter moved to location south on 1st Avenue (near old KTTC bldg.). 50 to 75 cats housed and cared for. Initiated Active community education programs: schools, youth groups. 1996: Paws and Claws has Pet of the Week spot weekly on KTTC-TV. Expanded Public education and public relations 1999: Cat Shelter Expanded and moved to Eastwood Rd. Facility [65+ cats]. Community Spay/Neuter Fund initiated and Guardian Angel Program Started. 2001: Dog Shelter moves to 7th Street location (old Cascade Clinic). Housed 40 – 45 dogs on site 2002: Paws and Claws begins selling city animal license tags. 2004: New Strategic Plan created and implemented. 2005: Land donated to Paws and Claws for new building. Hired first shelter manager. 2006: Consolidated Cat and Dog Shelters into the rented 7th Street Facility (both dogs and cats). 2007 – 2010: Emphasis on Capital Campaign to raise funds to build a permanent new shelter. 2011: Board decides to build new 3 million dollar shelter on prime donated land. Board obtains mortgage. Architect and Builder selected. 2012: Construction of new shelter begins at 3224 19th St NW. 2013: New shelter grand opening in July. 2014 – 2015: Number of adoptions increases to over 1000 per year. 2016: “Burn the Mortgage Campaign” begins. 2017: Entire Mortgage payed off. 2018: Number of adoptions increases to over 1300 per year.

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Watonwan County Humane Society

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Pennington County Humane Society

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Mesabi Humane Society

The Mesabi Humane Society is a chapter of the Minnesota State Humane Society and is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization. We have been serving and caring for animals since 1978 and opened our current facility in 1986. We are a no-kill shelter and only use humane euthanasia when it is medically necessary. We: • provide animal control services to most of St. Louis County, Minnesota • respond to hording situations, sometimes rescuing as many as 76 animals • shelter as many as 605 animals/year • Deworm, spay, neuter, vaccinate, and deliver other veterinary medical care for abandoned and surrendered cats and dogs in our care and • offer community education to children and adults.

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Wadena County Humane Society

Wadena County Humane Society was founded in 1997 through the efforts of dedicated local volunteers. We accept owner surrenders, strays, and animals at risk for euthanasia at other crowded shelters when we have space. We provide medical care and behavioral support to abandoned pets. Adopted pets go home with heartworm and flea/tick preventatives, are up to date on vaccinations and microchipped. WCHS is 100 percent independently funded -with NO relationship to the Humane Society of the United States- and relies on generous donor contributions and the love and labor of volunteers. Thank you for all you give and for every animal you save!

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Hawk Creek Animal Shelter - Humane Society of Meeker & Kandiyohi Counties (HSKMC)

The Humane Society of Meeker & Kandiyohi Counties (HSKMC) is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to help abused, neglected, abandoned and stray animals as well as to educate the public on the proper care of animals and to promote the spaying and neutering of companion animals. Our organization was started in the early 1970’s in conjunction with the veterinary practice of Drs. Molnau and Olson. That precedent continued until Sept. of 2002 when the HSKMC took over the area previously occupied by the Small Animal Clinic on Trott Avenue. On October 1, 2003 that building was sold and the HSKMC itself became homeless. On March 1, 2004, we re-opened in the building that formerly housed snow plows. And finally, on October 28, 2009, we were HOME AT LAST in our new 5000+ square foot building, equipped to house and care for animals. We currently are funded by a lump sum dollar amount from Kandiyohi County, Meeker County and the City of Willmar for impounding and boarding their stray animals. Animals are held 5 days, giving it a chance to be claimed by its owner at the HSKMC. When the 5 days are up, the HSKMC takes over the care and expense of each animal. In addition, money comes in via adoptions, pet claims, donations, fundraisers and other promotions. We incur expenses which include: the supplies needed to care for the animals, vaccinations, spaying/neutering of the animals and microchipping as well as many other miscellaneous expenses, facility expenses and paid staff to care for all the animals we take in. Additionally, we provide much more in the way of animal care than many other shelters. Donors and volunteers also help provide the financial support and labor required to operate the HSKMC. Through the volunteer program we have been able to give many animals a second chance as well as offer a discount on spaying and neutering, give adults and teens the opportunity to do community service in a safe place and provide educational programming through the schools and supervised tours. We need new members to help us continue to save animals. If you are interested in becoming more involved, please call (320) 235- 7612 or email [email protected]. You can also visit our membership page for more information.

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Winona Area Humane Society

Since 1992, the Winona Area Humane Society (WAHS) has been dedicated to improving the lives of our community's companion animals by providing humane care to adoptable shelter dogs and cats, and offering public services to pet owners in need of support. Our no-kill animal shelter does not receive municipal or federal funding to carry out our mission. Thanks to fundraising, grants, and generous donations, our passionate hands-on staff & volunteers are able to care for at least 14 dogs and 50 cats at a time, and place an average of 227 cats and dogs in loving forever homes every year.

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