About Animal Humane Society

Every year, Animal Humane Society provides direct care and services to help nearly 100,000 animals in need across Minnesota.

As one of the nation's leading animal welfare organizations, AHS is transforming the way shelters care for animals and engage their communities. From innovative medical and behavior programs to investments in outreach and advocacy, we’re advancing animal welfare and creating a more humane world for animals everywhere.

More than a shelter

AHS is more than a shelter. We are the first choice for families who must rehome a beloved pet and a second chance for animals who have nowhere else to go. 

In addition to helping animals find loving homes, AHS provides services and support to help people keep and care for the animals they love, from behavior and training classes to low-cost veterinary care, temporary pet housing, and food support. Plus, we work with individuals and organizations across Minnesota and beyond, advocating for the health and safety of animals, no matter where they are.

Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity (DEI) is essential to our mission and shapes our culture, our work, and the services we provide.

Is Animal Humane Society a no-kill organization?

Although our placement rate exceeds the 90 percent benchmark often used to qualify a shelter as no-kill, we do not identify as a no-kill organization.

AHS has an open admission philosophy, which means we accept every animal that is surrendered to us regardless of health, age, breed, or behavior.

We care for thousands of animals in need of homes each year. Every animal receives a medical and behavioral evaluation upon admission. Many animals can be placed in our adoptions programs immediately, but we provide behavior modification, medical treatment, and foster care to many others, ensuring that even the most difficult-to-place animals have a chance at adoption. There is no time limit placed on animals in our adoption centers. Due to severe or untreatable illnesses or untreatable behavior issues, we sometimes face the difficult decision to euthanize an animal — but only when we’ve exhausted all other options.

We continue to make great strides in increasing our placement rate year after year. During our 2020 fiscal year, more than 93% of the animals entrusted to our care were adopted into homes, reunited with owners, or placed with other animal welfare organizations.

Learn more about how we define our work.

How is Animal Humane Society funded?

AHS is an independent nonprofit organization that serves Minnesota and the Twin Cities metro area. We are not affiliated with or funded by any other national group and we do not receive any financial aid from the city, state, or federal government. Most of the funds necessary to operate our organization are raised through donations and bequests, special events such as the Walk for Animals, adoption fees, and merchandise sales in our adoption centers. AHS is a 501(c)(3) organization. Read more detailed information in our financial reports.

Mission

To engage the hearts, hands, and minds of the community to help animals.

Vision

To compassionately and responsibly create a more humane world for animals.

Core Values

Be good to animals. Partner with people. Lead responsibly with compassion.
 

For caring, compassionate advice and resources to address all your animal concerns.

Contact the Pet Helpline