This year – and every year – Animal Humane Society has a lot to be grateful for. We couldn’t do the important work we do without the support of every person who’s had a hand in our mission – from volunteers to adopters to donors. 

As we enter the season of reflection, we'd like to share with you just a few of the people and partnerships responsible for helping us make a difference this year. Join us in giving thanks to all the dedicated and compassionate individuals who contribute to our mission of creating a more humane world for animals. 

1. AHS staff and volunteers

With more than 300 dedicated staff, 800 shelter volunteers, and 200 foster volunteers, we couldn't be more grateful for the individuals who give their time, talent, and passion to our mission. From long-standing volunteers like Joan Corbett – celebrating 25 years of service – to new team members eager to make an impact, everyone plays a crucial role in our work. 

Our staff are always looking for ways to engage our community – whether offering new programs or implementing a process that enables easier access to our services. 

This year, we introduced several exciting initiatives, including online scheduling through our Veterinary Centers and two new education programs, Furry Friends & Films and Coffee & Companions. We also brought back a beloved program for our youngest animal lovers, Furry Tales. 

Rachael Dashiell, Community Programs Manager, said:

“Whether it's watching a child interact gently with Crouton (our bunny ambassador) or witnessing training school students working to strengthen the bond with their dog under the guidance of our trainers, I never stop feeling lucky that I get to be part of it. I'm so thankful to work for an organization that understands and prioritizes the importance of that human animal bond and the impact our pets have on our lives.” 

Dedicated volunteers at each site allow AHS to make a significant impact in the lives of the animals and people we serve. Our volunteers work alongside us every day to lighten the load and make a difference. 

We see their work in clean dishes and laundry, sterilized surgical instruments, affectionately distributed treats and toys, walked dogs, safe and loving homes for animals requiring time to grow and heal, and an engaged future generation of animal lovers. 

We're also thankful for our Temporary Pet Housing volunteers, who open their homes and hearts to animals whose guardians are experiencing a short-term crisis, such as extended hospital stays, family emergencies, or a sudden change in their living situation.

Tabitha Ewart, Community Outreach Manager, said:

“Through our Temporary Pet Housing program volunteers, we have been able to send more than 150 pets back home with their families who were experiencing a short-term crisis. It takes a special type of person to care for another’s pet, and we deeply appreciate all our volunteers who spend time with and love our foster pets.”

2. Partner Organizations

AHS is proud to partner with a variety of organizations both locally and nationwide to better serve our community and help even more animals. 

More than 30 local rescue organizations partner with AHS to place animals experiencing high levels of fear, anxiety, and stress in the shelter environment – ensuring these animals are given the time and space they need to thrive outside of the shelter. AHS also works with organizations across the country to transport animals from areas where shelters and rescues are overpopulated, freeing up resources for the source shelter and providing a life-saving ride to thousands of animals each year. 

And not all of our partners are pet related. Because serving animals means caring for the people who love them, too, several of our partner organizations provide critical care and services to people. This year, AHS:

• Expanded the number of human social service agencies we partner with to provide temporary housing for pets of people experiencing a short-term crisis – ultimately allowing us to care for and reunite more than 150 beloved pets with their owners. 
• Joined forces with six local organizations via The Minnesota Pet Coalition to ensure domestic violence victim-survivors never have to choose between their own safety and their pets’ well-being.
• Announced a partnership with Second Harvest Heartland to distribute pet food and cat litter through food shelves – enabling us to utilize SHH’s robust storage, logistics, and transportation capabilities to reach more pet parents in need.

Caroline Barlow, Outreach Liaison, said:

“This year, thanks to our partnership with Second Harvest Heartland, free pet food popups allowed AHS to distribute more than 7 tons of pet food  – equating to more than 100,000 meals  –  and provided much-needed pet supplies at no cost to more than 150 pet-owning families throughout the Twin Cities.” 

We're honored to collaborate with these incredible partners doing great things for pets and people alike. 

3. Our animal loving community

Our community plays an invaluable role in our efforts to do more for animals and the people who love them. Animal lovers are critical in helping us achieve our goals. 

You advocate for the animals who are abused and neglected. This year alone, our Humane Investigations team assisted in more than 700 cases of neglect and cruelty, rescuing hundreds of animals in dire situations. 

You champion sick and injured animals to make a recovery or provide a safe, loving space for those in need through transport, foster, or adoption. You inspire children to learn empathy and compassion, and encourage us to reach beyond our walls to support pet parents in need with essential pet supplies and veterinary care.

None of our lifesaving work would be possible without our donors. 

 “The funds and resources donated to AHS go towards providing medical and behavioral care before our animals are ready to find their families! This ensures my team and I have the resources to complete an animal’s general exam on top of any condition we find that would require treatment. With your kind-hearted donations, we’re able to make sure thousands of animals get the care they need before being sent home with their loving families. Thank you!”

We are profoundly thankful for the people, partners, and community who make our work possible. Your compassion inspires us daily and reminds us why we do what we do. Together, we’ll continue creating a brighter future for animals and the people who love them.