At H.A.R.T. (Heartland Animal Rescue Team), we believe every animal deserves a safe place to call home and a family to love them. Through compassionate care, dedicated volunteers, and the generosity of our community, we rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome homeless pets while giving them the second chance they deserve. Whether you're looking to adopt, volunteer, or donate, you're helping us unleash joy—one paw at a time.

There are many meaningful ways to support Heartland Animal Rescue Team and help animals in need. Whether you choose to donate, volunteer at the shelter, contribute supplies, or help spread the word, your support provides comfort, care, and hope to pets waiting for loving homes. Every contribution makes a difference.
As a nonprofit animal shelter, HART depends on the generosity of our community to care for animals in need. Your donation helps provide food, safe shelter, veterinary care, and daily support for pets while they wait for loving homes. Every gift—large or small—makes a meaningful difference.
Make a DonationFrom walking dogs and socializing cats, there are many rewarding ways to volunteer and make a difference in the lives of animals waiting for loving homes.
volunteer your timeAt HART, our mission is to improve the lives of homeless, abandoned, and surrendered animals while supporting the people who care about them. Whether you're looking to adopt a loving companion, need to surrender a pet you can no longer care for, or are searching for ways to help our shelter, we're here to provide compassionate care and guidance every step of the way. Explore our pet services below and see how, together, we can give every animal the opportunity for a safe, healthy, and loving future.
At HART, we believe every pet deserves a loving forever home. Our adoption program carefully matches dogs and cats with families who are ready to provide a lifetime of care, companionship, and commitment. Whether you're looking for a playful puppy, a gentle senior cat, or your next best friend, our team is here to help you find the perfect companion and guide you through every step of the adoption process.
Learn More About AdoptionsWe understand that life circumstances can sometimes make it impossible to keep a beloved pet. HART provides a compassionate and respectful pet surrender process for families who have exhausted all other options. Our experienced staff works with pet owners to evaluate each situation, ensuring every accepted animal receives the care, medical attention, and opportunity to find a safe, loving new home. Appointments are required, and surrender decisions are based on the animal's health, temperament, and available shelter space.
Learn More About SurrendersTO BUILD COMPASSIONATE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN PEOPLE AND ANIMALS THROUGH QUALITY EDUCATION, SHELTERING AND ADOPTIONS
Together with the co-operation of the community, HART strives for a time when every animal receives the care they need, and all people receive the support they seek.
Heartland Animal Rescue Team (HART) has been operating a nonprofit animal shelter in Crow Wing, Cass and Aitkin counties, since 1987.
Learn More About HART
Stay up to date with everything happening at HART! Visit our News & Announcements section for the latest shelter updates, upcoming events, adoption specials, fundraising campaigns, volunteer opportunities, and important announcements. Check back often to see how your support is making a difference in the lives of homeless animals throughout our community.


Nothing means more to us than the kind words of the people who have adopted, volunteered, donated, or supported HART. Their experiences reflect our commitment to providing compassionate care for every animal and helping pets find loving forever homes. We invite you to read their stories and see the difference your support helps make every day.
