ESTABLISHED: 1950s

LOCATION: 101 22nd St SE, Austin, Minn. 

On Facebook: Mower County Humane Society. 

Aoptable animals listed on petfinder.com

Who they are: Non-profit 501 (c)(3). They receive no federal, state or local money and operate by fundraisers, donations and volunteers.

“Because we don’t have paid employees, our adoption rates are some of the lowest in the area; a fully vetted dog is $125 and a fully vetted cat is $50 or two cats for $75,” says Carey Sharp, kennel manager.

PASSION: “The animals get to you,” Sharp says. “When you can connect with them you know you’re making a difference, so finding a suitable home is imperative. The application process is
rigorous. Dog adoption is a three-day process while cats
are same-day.”

VOLUNTEER COMMITMENT: “We need more volunteers.” says Sharp. “We have 140 cats and about 25 dogs,” All volunteers start by scrubbing kennels, washing dog blankets and food bowls, bleaching floors and scooping litter boxes before they can socialize with the animals. She says they want volunteers to get to know them first.

BY THE NUMBERS: In 2016, 144 dogs and 154 cats were adopted.

IN ACTION: In September, the shelter hosts the annual Walk-a-Thon Around Mill Pond. There are games, drawings, food and time for dogs and humans to socialize. An annual pasta supper in February also raises money for the shelter.

HOW TO HELP: There’s an extensive wish list at http://awos.petfinder.com/shelters/MN78.html. They need IAMS Lamb Meal & Rice dry dog food, bleach, paper towels, garbage bags, sheets, towels and cash.

Nicole L. Czarnomski is a freelance writer in southeastern Minnesota.