Our Mission
Find out about the "Third Door" solution for animals without other rescue options
Sponsor
Help provide our animals with care they need by sponsoring an individual animal.
Ashley featured in United Kingdom's Daily Mail
Ashley the paraplegic Home for Life resident recently earned international fame when her story was picked up by a United Kingdom newspaper called the Daily Mail.
An update on Igor
Igor loves to be held and to cuddle like the sweet teddy bear he resembles. He is a favorite at outreach events like "The Faces of Home for Life" at the Mall of America during the holidays. Igor thoroughly enjoys himself and gets as many pats and hugs as he can from our supporters and volunteers. He has also visited some of the nursing homes we go to each month for the Pet Peace Corps.
Why doesn't Home For Life® adopt out its animals?
When we formed Home For Life®, we were trying to fill a niche in animal welfare not currently being met. For example, in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area, which is our primary service area, there are more than 75–80 groups focused on adoption. Meanwhile, in the entire country, there are only a handful of organizations that cater to unadoptable animals.
Every day, we answer approximately 100 phone calls and emails from all over the country inquiring about our services. Instead of competing with the other excellent adoption organizations in our area, we decided to focus on an area that few have addressed.
Every day, we answer approximately 100 phone calls and emails from all over the country inquiring about our services. Instead of competing with the other excellent adoption organizations in our area, we decided to focus on an area that few have addressed.
How is Home For Life® supported?
Home For Life® depends on the support of sponsors, donors and foundations. Shortfalls are made up, out of pocket, by our own board members. Fund-raising is always a major concern as we do not receive any government subsidization.
Where do Home For Life® animals come from?
Our residents hail from all over the country. They are referred to Home For Life® by other rescue groups, shelters, and private parties. At our Star Prairie facility we currently house 60 dogs and 150 cats, 30 of whom are positive for feline leukemia. The facilities can accommodate up to 250 animals at one time.
When will Home For Life® be expanding?
We have had lots of interest from all over the country from people wishing to establish a Home For Life®facility in their region. It is our ultimate objective to have a facility in every part of the country.
However, our first priority is to complete the capital campaign for our Star Prairie prototype, and to refine the protocols for management and care of the animals. Then we will export the proven methods and build a new facility where the methods will be actualized in each new region.
In the meantime, we have been exporting the concept of long term, quality care through the many nationwide contacts with whom we currently collaborate on behalf of the animals.
However, our first priority is to complete the capital campaign for our Star Prairie prototype, and to refine the protocols for management and care of the animals. Then we will export the proven methods and build a new facility where the methods will be actualized in each new region.
In the meantime, we have been exporting the concept of long term, quality care through the many nationwide contacts with whom we currently collaborate on behalf of the animals.
Why are tours by appointment only at Home For Life®?
The sanctuary is a permanent home to our many cats and dogs. Without some control over the flow of visitors, we fear that unexpected guests could disrupt the tranquil mood we attempt to maintain. Additionally, since our animals are not caged, we need to guard against the possibility of a guest accidentally allowing incompatible dogs to mix, or cats to get loose.
Equally as important, we want to schedule the tours to allow our staff to give the maximum amount of attention to sponsors and donors, so that these guests can spend more time on the aspects of the sanctuary that interest them most.
Finally, security is an issue, and it is our responsibility to protect our residents and staff. Tours are available to our sponsors and donors, and can be scheduled by calling our toll free number:
1-800-252-5918.
Equally as important, we want to schedule the tours to allow our staff to give the maximum amount of attention to sponsors and donors, so that these guests can spend more time on the aspects of the sanctuary that interest them most.
Finally, security is an issue, and it is our responsibility to protect our residents and staff. Tours are available to our sponsors and donors, and can be scheduled by calling our toll free number:
1-800-252-5918.
Whatever happened to River & Smokey?
Did you know that in the U.S., up to 90% of animals will lose their homes during their lifetimes? Most animals surrendered to shelters are just 2 ½ years old. Shelters and rescues work hard to find new homes for these animals, but only 24% of them get adopted each year. The adoption numbers for older dogs are much more grim, let alone for senior pets who are bonded pairs and hope to stay together. Statistics like these make clear how rare it is for a dog or cat to land in a stable, loving, lifelong home.