Giving Every Animal a Second Chance—Because Every Life Matters
Frequently Asked Questions
Adopting a pet is a responsibility to take seriously and the staff at H.A.R.T are here to help you make the best decision for you, and your future pet! Read the articles below to find helpful information on the H.A.R.T adoption policies, and some things to consider before adopting a pet in Brainerd/Baxter.
What is the process when an animal comes into the shelter?
When an animal comes to the shelter it is held according to how it came in. Impound and stray animals are legally held for seven (7) days, unless they are sick, injured or very aggressive. A personally owned animal that is surrendered will be given an adjustment time in the quite area of the shelter before being put up for adoption. All animals put up for adoption will be temperament tested, heartworm tested, feline leukemia tested, vaccinated, and wormed as well as started on heartworm and flea\tick preventative
Is HART a “No-Kill” Shelter?
HART is “Open Admissions” Shelter, which means all stray animals are taken in if room allows. No STRAY animal is discriminated against on intake because of age, medical issues or temperament. HART does impound for area municipalities and that includes having to euthanize the injured, sick and dangerous animals in our care.
Why does HART charge an adoption fee, when they could just find “good homes” for the animals?
Giving a pet away makes it very “disposable”. Every animal that is adopted from HART has been; altered (if age appropriate) vaccinated, wormed, heartworm or feline leukemia tested, given heartworm, flea & tick preventative and cared for on an average of twenty-one (21) days. Care and medical expenses are very costly.
How long are animals held in impound before going to the adoption floor?
All animals are held a minimum of seven (7) days unless they are injured, ill or aggressive to the point of putting staff in danger. HART contracts with several municipalities for impound services and abides by their contract.
What number do I call when I find a stray?
Contact your local law enforcement 218-829-4749 to see if you are in an impound pickup area, or HART at 218-829-4141.
What do I do if I see animal abuse?
Contact your local law enforcement agency 218-829-4749 or the state humane agent at 612-772-9999. You will need to be very specific on location of animals and be willing to give your information as well. It will be kept confidential, but investigators will need it.
