Why adopt from AHS?

Adoption is an act of love.

A dog, cat, and critter from Animal Humane Society

Animal Humane Society is here for animals that have nowhere else to go. They arrive at our shelters for a variety of reasons, but no matter the circumstances, they’re all patiently waiting for the same things: love, security, and a family to call their own. 

That’s where you come in. 

When you adopt, you’re giving one loving animal the second chance they deserve — and freeing up shelter resources to help another animal in need. 

Thanks to our amazing adopters, AHS is able to find placement for more than 90% of the animals in our care every year. We are so fortunate and proud to serve a community that widely supports animals through adoption. 

Here are just a few more reasons to adopt from a shelter or rescue organization:

1. Adoption costs less

Adoption fees are much lower than what you’d pay to purchase a pet from a breeder. Plus, animals adopted from AHS are already spayed/neutered and up-to-date on vaccinations and parasite treatments — a significant savings in vet fees.

2. Adoption helps more than one animal 

@animalhumanemn Adoption means providing an animal with love, security, and a family to call their own. 💜 Here are just a more few reasons to adopt from a shelter or rescue organization:   ✨ Reduce pet overpopulation: every animal adopted from AHS is sterilized. Fewer unwanted litters means less homeless animals in need!   ✨ Fights puppy mills: dogs purchased from a pet store or online seller often come from puppy mills or irresponsible breeders. These factory-like facilities will continue to operate until people stop supporting them.   ✨ Ongoing support and lower cost: AHS offers a free veterinarian visit with participating clinics within 30 days after adoption, as well as a free 30-day trial of pet insurance. PLUS there's a significant savings in vet fees since animals adopted from AHS are already spayed/neutered and up-to-date on vaccines! Ready to meet your potential future best friend? Visit ahs.mn/adopt 🐾 #animaladoption #adoptdogs #rescueanimals #shelteranimals #minnesota #animalrescue #adoptableanimals ♬ Try Something New - Alex Arias & Alexander Julius Wright

Adoption fees support our overall operating expense and provide the financial resources needed to care for other animals requiring lifesaving medical care and behavioral rehabilitation, like surgery for Luna and critical veterinary care for the 22 dogs seized by our Humane Investigations team.

Adoption fees also support investigations into animal cruelty, education programs in schools, and so much more. Learn more about 

3. Adoption helps reduce pet overpopulation

Every animal adopted from AHS is sterilized, the only permanent and most effective way to stop unwanted animals from being born.

Fewer unwanted litters means less homeless animals in need!

4. Adoption fights puppy mills

Dogs purchased from a pet store or online seller often come from puppy mills or irresponsible breeders, and purchasing a pet from these sources financially supports that practice. 

These factory-like facilities will continue to operate until people stop supporting them. Choosing to adopt makes the world a more humane place for animals.

5. Adoption at AHS means you’ll receive ongoing support

AHS offers a free veterinarian visit with participating clinics within 30 days after adoption, as well as a free 30-day trial of pet insurance. 

Additionally, if a health issue should present itself within 30 days after adoption, AHS has a free treatment policy. We also offer a 60-day adjustment period to ensure you and your new pet are the perfect match. 

A dad and his daughter look at a dog to adopt at Animal Humane Society

Ready to adopt your new best friend?

Animal Humane Society has a variety of animals that are ready to be adopted into your family. View our list of animals available for adoption, or stop into one of our three shelter locations. 

You can also read Happy Tails stories from previous adoptions from AHS!

View adoptable animals


Questions?

If you have questions about the adoption process or animals that are listed on our website, please contact our Pet Helpline at 952-435-7738 or send us a message.

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

Contact the Pet Helpline