Animal Humane Society

Adoption and SurrenderAHS helps thousands of dogs, cats, and critters in need find loving homes each year. AHS's commitment to open admission guarantees safe refuge to every animal that comes to us for help. Innovations and investments in medical treatment and behavioral rehabilitation ensure that we can help animals with even the most significant challenges. As a result, AHS now places nearly 90 percent of the animals entrusted to its care, up from 59 percent in 2008. The success of AHS's shelter program is reflected in three key measures: the total number of animals admitted for rehoming, the percentage of animals with live placements (placement rate), and the average length of stay in shelter. In the year ended June 30, 2024: 12,875 companion animals came into AHS facilities. 11,053 of those animals more than 86% were placed in homes, reunited with owners, or released to other organizations. The average length of stay for animals in shelter was 10.9 days.In FY24 AHS took in more animals from cruelty cases than ever before more than double the number in FY23 and nearly four times as many as FY22. Unfortunately, many of these large cases involved advanced illness and incredible suffering, and humane euthanasia was the compassionate outcome for 369 of the 844 animals from these cases. This contributed to the decrease in our overall placement rate, which fell below 90% for the first time in more than a decade. Overall placements included 8,957 animals adopted, 823 animals reunited with owners, 1,162 cats returned to field, and 111 animals transferred to partner organizations. Robust medical and behavioral programs contribute to this continued success: 7,209 animals received spay/neuter surgeries before adoption. AHS veterinarians diagnosed and treated 11,389 conditions. AHS Shelter Behavior programs readied 3,161 cats and dogs for placement.

Pet ServicesAHS offers programs to serve all stages of an animal's life, including: More than 45 family-friendly pet training classes each week, along with one-on-one training and socialization sessions, therapy animal courses, playgroups, and rabbit agility classes. 1,286 pets attended classes and private training sessions through AHS's training programs. A free Pet Helpline (952-HELP-PET) that handled 75,161 incoming calls, providing caring, compassionate advice and resources to help with everything from solving behavior problems to finding pet-friendly housing. Compassionate end-of-life services, including owner-requested euthanasia for 1,203 pets and a weekly pet loss support group. Online resources for pet owners, including a pet resource library at animalhumanesociety.org.

Community EngagementAHS works with individuals and organizations across Minnesota to create a more humane world for animals, including: Outreach to under-engaged communities, including education programs and free or low-cost services that empower low-income pet owners and improve the lives of pets. A pet food pantry that distributed more than 30 tons of cat and dog food and 7 tons of cat litter to Minnesota families in need. Temporary pet housing that provided foster care for 99 animals from 63 families experiencing temporary hardship. Education programs that foster humane values and compassion for animals, including day camps, a youth club, and other activities for kids and families serving 5,391 participants. A Community Cats program focused on reducing euthanasia and providing alternative solutions for feral and free-roaming cats through return-to-field and trap-neuter-return programs. This program served 1,162 cats. A partnership with the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota that provided emergency care for 13 injured and orphaned wild animals. A robust volunteer program that enlists 711 active volunteers in providing animal enrichment, foster care, shelter support, and other assistance. In addition, 218 volunteers provided foster care for 1,006 animals before adoption.

RescueAiding animals in critical situations is core to AHS's work. AHS's humane agents respond to reports of possible animal cruelty or neglect throughout Minnesota. They receive reports about animals that are lacking proper food, water, and shelter. They also participate in larger, more complex cases involving cruelty, with on-site investigations, forensics, and seizures aiding law enforcement agencies that seek AHS assistance. During the year ended June 30, 2024, AHS's Humane Investigations unit received 1,492 requests for assistance and opened 1,197 formal cases. Follow-up investigation and forensics of these cases took AHS agents into 80 of Minnesota's 87 counties. Those investigations impacted the lives of 8,823 animals.AHS took in 2,655 animals from other animal welfare organizations throughout Minnesota and other states, finding homes for animals that would otherwise face euthanasia in overcrowded facilities.

Affordable Veterinary CareAHS's Veterinary Centers in St. Paul and Golden Valley provide low-cost spay/neuter surgeries and full-service veterinary care on a sliding fee scale, expanding care to animals whose options would otherwise be limited.In the year ended June 30, 2024, AHS's vet centers provided 13,577 services to the public, including 5,895 medical and wellness appointments, 1,131 dental and specialty surgeries, and 6,551 spay/neuter surgeries.