Animal Humane Society

Adoption and SurrenderAnimal Humane Society helps thousands of dogs, cats, and critters in need find loving homes each year and no animal is ever turned away. AHS takes in every animal surrendered regardless of its health, age, breed, or behavior. This commitment to open admission guarantees shelter and care to thousands of animals that would otherwise have no safe refuge. The success of Animal Humane Society'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. Although our adoption and surrender programs were curtailed by COVID-19, AHS continues to achieve strong results across all three metrics. In the year ended June 30, 2020: 17,954 companion animals came into AHS facilities. 17,179 of those animals more than 93.4% were placed in homes, reunited with owners, or released to other organizations. The average length of stay for animals in shelter was 8.9 days.Placements included 15,021 animals adopted, 1,051 animals reunited with owners, 852 cats returned to field, and 255 animals transferred to partner organizations.Robust medical and behavioral programs contribute to this continued success: 10,066 animals received spay/neuter surgeries before adoption and 8,748 more were sterilized for pet owners and other rescue groups through our public Veterinary Centers. Spay/neuter and other non-essential surgeries were prohibited by executive order for six weeks at the onset of the pandemic. AHS veterinarians diagnosed and treated 18,348 conditions. AHS Shelter Behavior programs readied 704 cats and dogs for placement.

Pet ServicesAHS offers programs to serve all stages of an animal's life, including: Animal Humane Society Veterinary Centers performed 8,748 spay/neuter surgeries and provided 4,476 wellness exams and specialty procedures, all at reduced costs for people in need. Spay/neuter and other non-essential surgeries were prohibited by executive order for six weeks at the onset of the pandemic. More than 100 family-friendly pet training classes each week, along with one-on-one training and socialization sessions, therapy animal courses, playgroups, and rabbit agility classes. 1,161 pets attended classes through AHS's Training School. A free Pet Helpline (952-HELP-PET) that handled 102,540 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 2,354 pets and a weekly pet loss support group. Online resources for pet owners, including a lost and found pet bulletin board and behavior resource library at animalhumanesociety.org.

OutreachAnimal Humane Society 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. These programs served more than 9,831 families in Frogtown and East St. Paul. As a result, 933 animals received spay/neuter surgeries and 956 pets were served at free wellness clinics. Education programs that foster humane values and compassion for animals, including day camps, a youth club, and other activities for kids and families. AHS educational programs served 4,592 people, including 337 students through educational programs in schools and 844 in day camps. 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 1,051 cats. A partnership with the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota that provided emergency care for 33 injured and orphaned wild animals. A robust volunteer program that enlists more than 1,800 active volunteers in providing animal enrichment, foster care, shelter support, and other assistance. Volunteers contributed 115,317 hours to AHS and provided foster care for 1,501 animals before adoption.