As the leading animal welfare organization in the Upper Midwest, 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.
For the second year in a row, we surpassed a hard-fought goal — saving 90 percent of the animals that come through our doors. This year we placed 95.2 percent of the animals in our care, up dramatically from 59 percent just a decade ago.
Your support has fueled our progress. Over the past 12 months we’ve continued to invest in expanded behavior programs, advanced medical treatments, foster care, and post-adoption support to help even the most challenged animals get a second chance.
We’ve also made strategic investments in programs and infrastructure that will help us serve even more animals beyond our shelter walls. In addition to expanding outreach and transport, we’ve integrated Kindest Cut and its staff into the operations of AHS. We’re now providing spay/neuter and wellness services directly to pets of people in need.
But that’s not all we have to celebrate. This report includes highlights from each of our program areas — and you’ll find accomplishments and aspirations worth cheering throughout.
Your support makes it all possible. Thank you.
More than 95 percent of the animals in our care were placed in homes, reunited with owners, or released to other animal welfare organizations.
Over the past decade, Animal Humane Society’s placement rate has improved dramatically, from 59 percent in FY07 to more than 95 percent in FY16. Placement rate is determined by using the Asilomar Live Release Rate formula, which is calculated by dividing total live outcomes (adoptions, transfers, and returns) by total outcomes (total live outcomes plus euthanasia). Companion animals that remained in our care and those surrendered for end-of-life services (owner requested euthanasia) are excluded from this calculation.
The number of companion animals in our shelters increased by 401 animals in FY16.
The number of companion animals placed increased by 1,257 animals in FY16.
The number of companion animals euthanized decreased by 910 animals in FY16.
*AHS is committed to taking in every animal in need. Unfortunately, some animals come to us with severe or untreatable illnesses or behavior issues that prevent us from placing them in the community. If we cannot help an animal become healthy or suitable for placement, humane euthanasia is the most compassionate alternative. AHS has not euthanized a healthy animal for any reason since 2011. There is no time limit for animals in our care.
For information about these definitions, please see animalhumanesociety.org/stats.
Animal Humane Society helps thousands of dogs, cats, and critters in need find loving homes each year —and no animal is ever turned away. We take in every animal surrendered to us 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.
Although many animals can be placed in our adoption programs as soon as they are vaccinated and sterilized, others require specialized care to overcome health and behavior issues. AHS provides extensive medical treatment, surgery, behavior modification, and foster care to those with special challenges, ensuring that even the most difficult-to-place animals have a chance at adoption.
The success of an animal shelter placement 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. AHS continues to achieve strong results in all three categories.
In the year ended June 30, 2016:
Robust medical and behavioral programs contribute to this continued success, including:
Animal Humane Society offers programs to serve all stages of an animal’s life, including:
Animal Humane Society works with individuals and organizations across Minnesota to create a more humane world for animals. In the year ended June 30, 2016, those efforts included:
Aiding animals in critical situations is core to our work. Animal Humane Society humane agents respond to reports of possible animal cruelty or neglect throughout Minnesota. They receive reports about individual animals that are lacking proper food, water, and shelter. They also participate in larger, more complex cases, aiding law enforcement agencies with on-site investigations and seizures.
During the year ended June 30, 2016, our Humane Investigations team received 1,715 requests for assistance and opened 446 formal cases. Follow-up investigation of these cases took AHS humane agents into 60 counties across the state of Minnesota. Those investigations impacted the lives of 5,304 animals.
AHS took in 8,304 animals from 111 other animal welfare organizations throughout Minnesota and beyond, finding homes for animals that would otherwise face euthanasia in overcrowded facilities.
The support of donors, friends, and advocates makes our work possible. This year our community shared its passion for animals in unparalleled ways:
The Minnesota Charities Review Council’s Standards of Accountability state that at least 70% of an organization’s annual expenses should be for program activity with not more than 30% for management, general, and fundraising expenses combined. Animal Humane Society exceeded this standard by directing 74% of our expenses back into programming for the animals and our community.
For the 12 months ended June 30, 2016
SUPPORT AND REVENUES |
|
| Adoption fees and program revenue | 5,543,402 |
| Contributions | 6,552,706 |
| Wills and estates | 2,448,230 |
| In-kind contributions | 339,377 |
| Special events and promotions | 1,089,824 |
| Investment gain (loss) | 513 |
| Dividend and interest income | 117,097 |
| Other | 474,512 |
TOTAL SUPPORT AND REVENUES |
16,565,661 |
EXPENSES |
|
| Program services: | |
| Rescue and outreach | 1,339,236 |
| Adoption and surrender | 10,742,614 |
| Pet services | 861,981 |
| Supporting services: | |
| Management and general | 1,397,661 |
| Fundraising | 3,161,998 |
| Total supporting services | 4,559,659 |
TOTAL EXPENSES |
17,503,490 |
CHANGE IN NET ASSETS |
(937,829) |
Tom Hoch, Chair
Carolyn Smith, Past Chair
Paul Kaminski, Vice Chair
Maureen McDonough, Secretary
Scott Schroepfer, Treasurer
Scott Aebischer
Dr. Trevor Ames
Dr. Bianca Fine
David Gutzke
Dick Hall
John Huber
Jodi Lux
Susan Palombo
Tim Taffe
Tina Wilcox
Donna Zimmerman
Janelle Dixon, President & CEO
Janelle Dixon, President & CEO
Eileen Lay, Chief Operating & Financial Officer
Lisa Bonds, Chief Advancement Officer
Kathy Mock, Chief Government Affairs & Community Engagement Officer
Animal Humane Society serves animals and people in the seven-county metro area and beyond from its facilities in Anoka, Hennepin, Ramsey, Washington, and Wright counties. The Humane Investigations team provides services throughout Minnesota.