Animal Ark is a Minnesota-based animal welfare organization. We embrace and follow a no kill philosophy in our work to rescue, rehabilitate, & rehome Minnesota’s lost and homeless companion animals every year. Founded in 1977, Animal Ark is a 501(c) 3 non-profit Minnesota corporation.
We accept sick and injured strays from within our immediate area who are in need of medical care. This collaborative relationship created the first No Kill community in Minnesota.
We also work with owners facing difficult situations to find a rescue for their pets through Animal Ark; owner-surrendered animals are accepted from across the state of Minnesota and parts of western Wisconsin.
While nothing can compare to the comforts of home, Animal Ark strives to provide an enriching environment for our shelter animals. Cats are housed in rooms built specifically for small sociable groups of cats. These “condos” feature exterior windows and multiple cat trees and perches to provide a warm, comfortable environment for our feline friends, helping to bring out the best aspects of their personalities. Each dog is provided with a spacious kennel as their own individual space, equipped with a raised cot, blankets, chew toys, and plenty of treats. During the day, our spacious outdoor play yards are utilized, providing a chance for playtime with other dogs and our shelter staff. In the heat of the summer, the dogs have a chance to splash and play in kiddie pools in the outdoor yards, providing entertainment (both for the dogs and the humans that get to observe their hilarious antics) as well as cool relief in the heat of Minnesota summers.
With Animal Ark’s staff providing basic medical care and keeping of our shelter animals, a dedicated group of volunteers provides the next level of care, making the rehabilitation of these wonderful animals possible. Our volunteers provide needed socialization for the companion animals living at the shelter, focusing on the needs of the individual animal based on his or her personality.
–grooming, encouraging healthy hygiene with positive associations with brushing and combing
–playtime, allowing shy cats to come out of their shells and show their true personalities
–comfort, showing love and affection for all of our cats that perhaps need only a little scratch under the chin, or a chance to be held as they lounge over a shoulder or lap.
–exercise, going on a long walk through a nearby park with walking trails, or playing fetch in a large fenced-in yard known as the “Ark Park”, giving dogs a chance to expend some of that built up energy
–socialization, exposing dogs to new situations in a positive way, helping shy dogs become trusting and excitable dogs accustomed to treating new situations with a calm and positive attitude, as well as providing these special dogs with plenty of love an affection
–training, a crucial aspect of any successful adoption, building the foundation to a lasting partnership between a dog and its owner
To maintain a strong relationship with the local community, Animal Ark participates in several community outreach programs and initiatives.
We are honored to have the opportunity to serve these amazing animals, their new adoptive families, and the many communities across Minnesota. The passion and dedication of our staff and volunteers is focused on our main mission and goal: to find responsible, loving forever homes for each animal we have the privilege of welcoming through our doors.
Learn more about animals available for adoption, and other ways to help Animal Ark.
