Minnesota Valley Humane Society

The P.A.W.S. Program (Pet Adoption Without Surrender) is ideal for people giving up their pets who are not in circumstances requiring the pet to be immediately surrendered. In this program, the pet is kept in its current residence yet promoted for adoption via the Minnesota Valley Humane Society.

Individuals interested in adopting an animal in the P.A.W.S. Program should call the Minnesota Valley Humane Society at 952-894-5000 for additional information on the animal and contact instructions.

The PAWS Program is growing! We have now expanded the already successful PAWS Program to include exotic pets. We understand it's hard to find a place to surrender an exotic pet, and even though MVHS can't accept them, we want to give owner's an option to help in the re-homing process. Just like the regular P.A.W.S. Program this program is only effective if you have the time and energy to devote to finding a good home for your companion animal. Through effective preparation, advertising and screening, you can play a critical role in finding a life-long home for your pet.

Your initial package will include helpful information on preparing your pet for adoption, screening potential adopters, and advertising your pet. Your pet’s picture and information will be posted on our website (visited by thousands of people each week) and prominently displayed in our shelter’s adoption area. When callers or visitors are interested in an Exotic P.A.W.S. Program animal, we provide your information so they can contact you directly.

Some animals have a greater chance of being adopted from their own home than from a shelter setting. The stress of being around other animals and the separation from their family may change their demeanor in a way that makes them less appealing. Despite the efforts of our staff and volunteers, some animals undergo personality changes while in a shelter environment. By enrolling your pet in the P.A.W.S. Program, you will have the opportunity to be involved in choosing your pet’s new family. The Minnesota Valley Humane Society helps by providing a kit that shows you how.

Your initial package will include helpful information on preparing your pet for adoption, screening potential adopters, and advertising your pet. In addition, you will have access to Minnesota Valley Humane Society’s outreach network. Your pet’s picture and information will be posted on our website (visited by thousands of people each week) and prominently displayed in our shelter’s adoption area. When callers or visitors are interested in a P.A.W.S. Program animal, we provide your information so they can contact you directly. Program participants also receive special discounted services such as obedience training, microchip implants and ID tags.

P.A.W.S. Frequently Asked Questions

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P.A.W.S. Enrollment Packet (pdf version)

Exotic P.A.W.S. Enrollment Packet (pdf version)

For more information, please call the Minnesota Valley Humane Society at 952-894-5000 or email DanielleV@MVHSpets.org.