Due to the extremely high number of dogs and cats currently being sheltered, Minneapolis Animal Care & Control is asking for the public’s help in finding new homes for all of its adoptable animals.
As of January 11, the City’s animal welfare division was at capacity, with 98 animals being housed – a 47 percent increase from this time last year. This number includes animals at the City’s shelter and those being cared for through Animal Care & Control’s foster program, which is also facing capacity issues. In just 11 days, 139 animals were brought to Animal Care & Control, which is a 57.5 percent increase from the same time in 2022.
Of the animals being housed, 36 were brought in as legal cases or protective custody (a 58 percent increase from 2022). Forty pets were surrendered by their owners (a 67.5 percent increase from 2022), with many of those owners citing housing issues as the reason.
Animal Care & Control is seeking people who are willing to adopt or foster any of its adoptable dogs and cats. They’re particularly interested in seasoned pet owners who can take care of dogs that require more experienced handlers. New animals are being made available to adopt every day, as Animal Care & Control staff examines strays and gives them full medical workups. All adoption fees will be waived until this spring–and animals will be completely vaccinated, sterilized, micro-chipped and ready to go!
Beginning January 23, Minneapolis Animal Care & Control will no longer require appointments for animal adoptions. Anyone wishing to adopt can just visit the shelter at 212 17th Ave. N. from 1-5 p.m., Monday through Friday. They will be partnered with a staff member or a volunteer “matchmaker” to help them find the right pet.
Appointments had been required since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Even with this requirement, 2022 was a record year for Animal Care & Control with more than 900 adoptions.
Vaccinations and other services performed by Animal Care & Control will continue to require appointments. Those appointments can be made online or by calling 311.
Minneapolis Animal Care & Control works with residents to create safe and healthy communities for people and animals. Its staff includes two veterinarians, three veterinary technicians, four animal care technicians and a dozen animal control officers who, among other things, rescue animals, enforce laws pertaining to animal welfare and investigate animal crimes. In addition to staff, volunteers spent more than 7,000 hours of their time working with animals at the shelter.
Animal Care & Control accepts every animal regardless of health, age, breed or behavior. Staff are committed to providing humane care and always strive to do what is right for each animal in our care. When animals cannot be adopted by the general public, staff calls on the help of partner rescue groups and sanctuaries to help.
More info on adopting animals, volunteering and supporting Animal Care & Control is available at minneapolismn.gov/resident-services/animals-pets/.