There are many options for finding a new four-legged friend, from the Humane Society to working with a breeder directly. A new trend starting to heat up is heading to a no-kill shelter: These are animal shelters and animal rescues that don’t euthanize animals after a holding period. The animal is with them until they find it a home, or it goes over the rainbow bridge.
The following is a list of the best local no-kill shelters that can be found in the Twin Cities and surrounding area.
Act V Rescue and Rehabilitation
This rescue was founded and is still run by four animal loving friends out of Bloomington. Aside from rescuing, rehabilitating and re homing animals this shelter is involved with other shelters and rescue centers across the Midwest. Just a couple of other programs they work with are for low income medical assistance which helps families get medical attention and spay/neuter services that could not otherwise afford it and work with Twin Cities Shelters to remove animals that have been there a long time that are at risk for euthanasia. They then place them in a trained foster home to work on things such as training and behavioral modification through positive means.
For their website, click HERE.
Animal Ark
Animal ark is a shelter located in Hastings. This shelter just recently celebrated their 40th year as a no kill shelter. They have a facility that houses both cats and dogs and is staffed mainly by volunteers. They also offer a foster program for people willing to open their homes to animals until they are placed. They work with all their animals on socialization, training, and provide basic medical care along with spay/neuter for every animal that enters their shelter.
For their website click HERE.
N.A.R.S. (Northwoods Animal Rehabilitation Sanctuary)
Located in Andover this rescue focuses mainly on the equine variety. They do have a few dogs, cats, and yes a turkey or chicken running around also. Their work is not only on the physical but the mental well being of all animals. If you would like to stop by make you contact them first as they don’t accept walk-ins.
More information can be found on their website HERE.
Wags and Whiskers Animal Rescue
This rescue is a foster based program where animals are with foster families instead of in a shelter environment. The people doing the fostering then become acclimated to an animals personality and can better match people with the appropriate pet. They also hold several adoption events several time s a month at PetSmart locations if you would like to meet any of the animals.
Click HERE for their website.
Secondhand Hounds
This rescue has an office located in Eden Prairie but all their animals are in foster care. They hold regular adoption events for people to meet their animals and participate in community events as well. All descriptions for each animal on the site is written by its foster family so you get an honest idea of how each animal is.
More information can be found on their website HERE.
Coco’s Heart Dog Rescue
Founded in the memory of Coco the founders best friend she lost as a child. This rescue works though foster families housing dogs until they are adopted. While in the homes they ensure that the dogs receive the best veterinary and home care possible. This is a non breed specific rescue and will works with dogs of any age. They have adoption events in order for people to meet some of their rescues otherwise you apply through their website.
Their website can be found HERE.
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