Our mission is to prevent and alleviate animal suffering through shelter, adoption, education and community outreach; to support the enforcement of animal welfare laws; and to strengthen the human/animal bond.
MVHS serves the animals and people of Dakota and Scott Counties, and the surrounding area.
We are funded (50%) by adoption, surrender, and impounding fees , as well as (50%) by contributions and fundraising activities, and grants (when we can get them). We are NOT government supported, and we do NOT receive funds or support from any other humane organization. We are a private non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation. (Donations are tax-deductible.)
We operate with a small paid staff and over 150 volunteers, including our Board of Directors.
Please check our News and Announcements page for current events, and our newsletter Animal Tails.
Our location and hours of operation are here and at the bottom of each page.
Founded in 1981
MVHS was founded in 1981 by volunteers who fostered animals in their homes, while raising money for a shelter. By 1991, enough had been raised for the group to purchase the old Burnsville Police Department building (enough for down-payment and start-up expenses, anyway!).
Some of our accomplishments:
- Over 25,000 animals adopted since 1991.
- Over 2,800 animals placed in new homes every year.
- No time limits for animals awaiting adoption. It is our policy to shelter and place as many healthy non-aggressive animals as we have space to care for.
- Animals never sold to labs.
- Our Seniors/Community Outreach program brings pets to visit people in senior centers and nursing homes.
- We provide educational seminars on animal behavior and care for pet owners, and speakers and materials on animal welfare for dozens of schools and community groups. Speakers are available in the immediate Dakota county area to address schools or groups (Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, Scouts, etc.).
- Animal Cruelty and Abuse investigations throughout the Minnesota Valley area.
- We provide animal impounding services for Dakota County cities.
- More than 150 veterinarians participate in our spay/neuter program.
- We have over 150 volunteers who participate in our program services areas and fundraising events..
- Our Animal Tails Newsletter published three times a year.