My Nonprofit Reviews
Cat lover
Review for Animal Humane Society, Minneapolis, MN, USA
I started as a volunteer at the Animal Humane Society in the 1980s. Between 1984 and 1996, we adopted three cats from them. Each time, we received help in selecting the best cat to fit our particular situation. We had a chance to visit with several different cats in private rooms and talk to volunteers who knew the cats. Twice we adopted adult cats, because the Society does not put an age limit on cats accepted for adoption. Also, animals who are on the adoption floor remain there until they are adopted; there is no "kill by" date. All adopted animals are now spayed/neutered before leaving the facility, one of the real ways we can attack the problem of stray and unwanted animals. The Society is currently raising money for a low-cost spay/neuter clinic in their Golden Valley building to serve people who already own pets but cannot afford the surgery.
I have also been a contributor to the Society, and have increased my donations as my circumstances have allowed. I like that the Society provides services to help adopters with their pets after the adoption: puppy training classes, advice on behavioral issues, and so on. I also like their program for taking carefully selected animals to assisted living/nursing homes: my elderly mother greatly benefitted from such visits. And finally, they provide many tours and education on proper care of animals for school groups; summer camps for children interested in animal-related careers, etc. I am constantly amazed at the range of services and programs that are available. Even a pet-loss support group when your pet has died. Are some animals euthanized? Yes, because some animals come in with overwhelming health issues, or are feral animals, and so on. But I would rather they be humanely euthanized than roam the streets and die from injury, hunger, or our cold winters.
People also need to know that the Animal Humane Society has two humane investigators who work with police around the state of Minnesota to investigate animal abuse, puppy "mills", animal hoarding situations, and so on. They are the only two full-time human investigators in the state.
The Animal Humane Society is my number 1 charity, and I support them completely.
More Feedback
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
volunteering, adopting cats, touring the facility, meeting with the staff, reviewing printed materials, attending informational sessions.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
provide more money for humane investigators, for the planned low-cost spay/neuter clinics, and for education of children and prospective adopters.
Was your donation impactful?
Definitely
How likely is it that you would recommend that a friend donate to this group?
Definitely
How likely are you to donate to this group again?
Definitely
What specific problem, purpose, priority, or project prompted your gift?
Bound for Home, a program to get surrended animals into adoptive homes more quickly. Low-cost spay/neuter mobile clinic and on-site clinic in the works. Humane investigation officers.
What would you tell others about this organization?
If you care about animals, this is one organization where the effect of your donation will be maximized. You can pick specific areas/programs to support, if you wish.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
