Heart of Minnesota Animal Shelter

Give a Second Chance. Help us be there for the next animal who needs us.

Every second chance begins with someone who cares.

For the animals who arrive at Heart of Minnesota Animal Shelter (HMAS), that might mean medical treatment, a safe place to recover, or simply the patience and compassion they need before finding a family.

And behind every second chance is a community of people like you.

Your generosity helps make the next one possible. 

Meet Delightful Derek: A Second Chance That Changed Two Lives

Sometimes, the animals who need a little extra care have the most extraordinary love to give.

Bing, now known as Derek, had spent his entire life with one person, ever since he was a kitten. When his owner passed away, he lost the only home he'd ever known. 

When he arrived at HMAS, Derek was also suffering from a painful eye condition that caused his eyelids to turn inward, irritating his eyes and making difficult to see comfortably. Thanks to donor support, Derek had corrective surgery. 

Despite his medical challenges, Derek had something special about him.

When Katie and her family visited HMAS to help relatives find a cat, they weren't planning to adopt another one. But Lisa introduced them to Derek, and he immediately won them over with his gentle personality and affectionate nature.

Katie couldn't stop thinking about him after they left.

"We missed him immediately. We just felt like he belonged to us."

Soon, Derek was home.

Today, he's a beloved member of the family. He welcomes visitors, patiently tolerates the attention of children, and has even become a gentle protector of the family's younger cats and foster kittens.

The cat who once needed extra care now gives it freely to others.

But perhaps the most remarkable transformation is the one Katie describes in herself:

"For me Derek has really healed something in my soul."

Derek's story is one example of what your generosity makes possible. Your support helps HMAS provide medical care, comfort, and a second chance to animals who need us. 

And somewhere, another animal is waiting for a chance like Derek's.

A Second Chance Takes a Community

Every animal who arrives at HMAS brings a different story - and our Central Minnesota community helps make each second chance possible.

Some need routine vaccinations and preventive care. Others arrive sick, injured, or requiring additional medical treatment. All deserve compassionate attention and the opportunity to find a loving home.

HMAS has invested in its facilities, staff, and in-house veterinary services to provide consistent care while managing rising costs responsibly.

But adoption fees don't cover the full cost of caring for these animals.

That's where you come in.

Your donation helps bridge the gap, allowing HMAS to continue providing essential care while keeping adoption accessible to more families.

Your Gift Makes a Difference

Every contribution helps provide the care animals need on their journey toward a second chance.

$25 — Comfort & Care
Help provide enrichment toys, comforting supplies, and daily essentials that make shelter life better for animals in our care.

$50 — Protection & Prevention
Help provide vaccinations that protect shelter animals from preventable illness.

$100 — Medical Treatment
Contribute toward veterinary treatment when unexpected illness or injury occurs.

$250 — Spay & Neuter 
Support spay/neuter surgeries that help reduce animal overpopulation.

These are examples of how gifts support HMAS's overall work. Every amount makes a difference.

Because of You, Second Chances Are Possible

Behind every adoption is an animal given a chance, a family ready to welcome them, and a community that believes every animal deserves a loving home.

And today, more animals are waiting for their own second chance.

We Don't Know Who Will Need Us Next.

But together, we can be ready. 

Derek found his family. Many other animals are still waiting for theirs.

Your gift today helps HMAS provide the care, comfort, and compassion the next animal will need. 

Give a Second Chance. Make the next one possible.

Make Your Gift Go Twice as Far

Thanks to a generous anonymous supporter, MidCountry Bank, and members of our community, every donation to Heart of Minnesota Animal Shelter's Give a Second Chance Campaign will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $5,000!

Your $25 gift becomes $50. Your $100 gift becomes $200.

Together, we can turn $5,000 in community donations into $10,000 to help animals receive the care and second chances they deserve.

About Heart of Minnesota Animal Shelter

Since 1999, Heart of Minnesota Animal Shelter has been passionately devoted to helping animals in need through rescue, shelter, adoption and veterinary services in Central Minnesota.

More than 10,000 animals have found homes since HMAS began—made possible by generations of adopters, volunteers, fosters, donors and compassionate neighbors.    

Learn more about HMAS, meet adoptable animals, volunteer or explore other ways to help at heartofminnesota.org.

Minnesota Licensed Kennel #154054