Minnesota Valley Humane Society

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the main difference between the Minnesota Valley Humane Society and the many organizations that solicit funds from me through the mail like the Humane Society of the United States, PETA, American Humane Association, Friends for Animals, etc.?

A. The Minnesota Valley Humane Society operates a shelter which receives and houses animals with a trackable adoption program and deals directly hands-on with animals and their problems. MVHS efforts provide immediate and critical services such as sheltering for the unwanted, abandoned, abused, and injured on a regional scale.

Q. If I make a gift to a national organization like HSUS, American Humane Association or PETA, does MVHS receive a portion of my gift?

A. No. There is no national organization which financially supports local shelters. MVHS is like over 3,000 other humane shelters in this country in being a non-profit independent organization which takes in funds to provide services and programs for their individual communities.

Q. Where does the money come from to support the animal welfare services and programs provided by Minnesota Valley Humane Society?

A. MVHS does not receive tax funding nor United Way funding. Our organization is funded by gifts from individuals, businesses and private foundations. The majority of our funding is from individuals. Funding is in the form of cash donations, bequests, trusts and endowments, and fees.

Q. Does the Minnesota Valley Humane Society sell animals for scientific experimentation?

A. Never. All animals are accepted for a nominal fee to the MVHS shelter. We are a safe haven for the sick, homeless and abused. Under no circumstances are our animals utilized for experimentation or research.

Q. Does MVHS have a speaker's bureau?

A. Our staff and volunteers are able to provide informative programs to schools and community groups on a number of topics. One priority of our education programs is to provide responsible pet ownership in an effort to reduce the number of homeless animals and increase awareness of pet overpopulation.

Q. How long are animals kept at the shelter prior to adoption?

A. There are no time limits on animals awaiting adoption from the Minnesota Valley Humane Society.

Q. Can MVHS help me if I am having problems with my pet?

A. Yes. MVHS has Behavior and Training Staff to assist with behavior issues. We also have numerous fact sheets available on our website.

Q. Does MVHS have dog obedience training?

A. Yes. MVHS offers a full slate of dog obedience classes to help you and your dog or puppy understand each other. Information on our classes can be found elsewhere on our website.