SFAHS is an open-admission animal shelter -- what does that mean?At Sioux Falls Area Humane Society, we provide a safe haven to animals who would have no other place to go. In the Sioux Falls area, SFAHS is the only organization to accept stray and unwanted pets; a service that is much-needed to prevent neglect and unnecessary suffering. There is no time limit or pre-determined length of stay for any animal in our care, as well as no breed restriction for dogs; we keep every animal's individual needs in mind. The majority of pets are placed for adoption or transferred to another animal rescue when a pet's needs are different than what we are able to accommodate.
Because we never turn our backs on any animal, humane euthanasia is present at our shelter, but only if a safe and humane solution can’t be reached. We have a responsibility to the community to not adopt out animals who could be dangerous, and we have a duty to animals who are suffering to not prolong their mental, emotional or physical pain, even if that means the most humane option for that animal is to provide a dignified and humane end. Pets are always treated with kindness, dignity, and compassion.
We don't judge those that come to surrender their pets to SFAHS. While those that do surrender are typically stereotyped or labeled as irresponsible or careless, we have found that simply isn't true. In most surrender situations, the owners care very deeply about their pets and are trying to do the right thing. Some have realized their current situation is not best for them or their pets, some have fallen on hard times, and some have admitted they did not realize the large amount of responsibility that providing for a pet requires.
SFAHS can provide compassionate end of life services for failing quality of life, or dangerous animals.
I don't support euthanasia, so how can I support you?We do not support euthanasia either. It is never and will never be the first choice.
Until an entire community can meet the needs of every single pet, homeless or not, it will occur -- somewhere. Euthanasia is not the fault of any shelter, public or private.
A community cannot turn a blind eye to the homeless pet issues, responsible pet ownership issues, or unreputable breeders and then be upset when those animals end up in the shelter with aggression, severe emotional, mental, physical, or medical issues and need to have their suffering ended in a humane and dignified way.
By supporting the Sioux Falls Area Humane society, you are supporting a humane community for animals. By getting involved now, you can help prevent future animals from becoming homeless, abused, or severely ill. We look to help the entire community to solve these problems -- not just those housed in our shelter. We continually strive to do what we can to save as many pets as possible, provide resources for pets in the shelter, and continue to improve the education and information available to the public.
As an independent, non-profit organization that relies on donations to help thousands of animals each year, you make the great work we are able to do happen.
Why does SFAHS strive for community collaboration?Despite the many labels for animal welfare organizations, we all share a common goal—to help as many homeless or abused pets as possible. No shelter or rescue group in a community works in a vacuum. In order to address the problem of homeless pets, we need all animal groups and people in the community to work together.
We partner with many local and regional rescues, local veterinarians and pet stores. And we look to you as a partner as well. When you get involved by making a donation, volunteer, foster or even attend an event, your support has a direct local impact for the animals in need and helps us make more community programs and education possible.
When you share education and information about responsible pet ownership, when you adopt, or when you spay or neuter your pet, you are making a difference.
We are not affiliated with and receive no ongoing funding from the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), or any other local, state or national organizations. Donations made to national groups are not dispersed to local shelters. If you wish to contribute to make an impact in your community directly, donate locally and
directly though the shelter here.The Sioux Falls Area Humane Society is supported through the generosity of our community. We are an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit. We are not affiliated with, nor do we receive regular funding from, any national animal welfare organization or any federal, state, or local government agencies.
Thank you for considering a donation to support our mission to be a safe haven and human voice for all animals in need at the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society.
You can
make an online donation here, mail a donation, or you may make a donation in person at our shelter. Our address is:
3720 East Benson Road
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
You can find more information about in-kind donations and other creative ways to support us in the "Donate" section of our website.
We began the initiative in 2019 to adopt out only fixed animals from the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society. Today 99% of animals adopted out of the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society are spayed or neutered before adoption, thanks to generous people who have donated towards this goal.
Where can I get my pet microchipped?Yes. Anyone in the public can come to the SFAHS Adoption Center to have their pet microchipped for just $20. No appointment is necessary to have your pet microchipped.
Every cat and dog that is adopted from the SFAHS is already microchipped.
Does SFAHS provide public vet services?No, the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society is not able to provide public vet services.
Does SFAHS provide public spay/neuter services?No, the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society is not able to provide public spay/neuter services.
Visitation Policy at SFAHSOur visitation policy went into effect in April of 2016 and we have seen major improvements in behavior and health of the animals that are available for adoption, due to decreased traffic. While you may assume decreased traffic is bad, it actually is better for the animals and those who are interested in adopting to have the ability to better see an animal's personality, making a better match for adoption. Our volunteers help provide daily socialization and interaction with every animal.
Why the change in policy in 2016?
It is our mission to provide a safe haven and human voice for all animals in need. This is the only place some of these animals have ever found a warm spot to sleep, food to eat and loving hands to care for them.
We want to be sure they know they are safe and can trust humans.
We are there when they come into the shelter and try to learn as much as we can about them. We treat them as our own pets and love them unconditionally. We are there on their first day, when they may be cowering and unsure of their surroundings. We are there when they finally start to come out of their shell. And we are there to see their wagging tails and purrs when they find forever homes.
Whether they are here 10 minutes or 10 months, we try to show these animals compassion and we do not ever euthanize any animals for space or time concerns.
Our visitation policy is an extension of our attempt to make this a safe haven for the animals in our care. Since we have implemented this policy, our animals are at the front of their cages, ready to spend time with those who are looking to adopt, instead of hiding in the back, overwhelmed by all the faces at their cage during the day.
We have seen no decrease in adoptions due to this policy, but have seen a decrease in animals needing time away to relax from the stress. We've also seen a decrease in sick animals and returns after adoption.
Am I obligated to adopt if I fill out pre-screen paperwork?No, you are not obligated to adopt by filling out the paperwork. We will keep your application active for 90 days from your most recent visit. Should you not find the animal you are looking for in your first visit, you are more than welcome to come back and look again. You will not have to fill out new paperwork if your next visit is within the next 90 days.
What does a stray wait mean?A stray wait is a hold that is placed on an animal that has come in as a stray animal. The length of the holds is determined by the city you live in, not by the humane society. After a stray wait has been completed, if no one has claimed the pet as their own, it is signed over to the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society.
A stray wait is NOT how long an animal will be held before being euthanized; no animals are given pre-determined length of stays or time limits. The SFAHS will never euthanize an animal due to time restrictions, breed or length of stay. If an animal does not meet our criteria for adoption, we may seek other alternatives including but not limited to transfer to another shelter or rescue, behavior modification intervention, and veterinary services.
Where do I go to pick up my lost/missing pet?If you live INSIDE Sioux Falls City Limits, you will need to go to the City Annex building next to the humane society. The building is in the same parking lot as our adoption center. Follow the parking lot to the West. The building says "City Annex" on it.
If you live OUTSIDE Sioux Falls City Limits, you will need to come to the adoption center first before going to the City Annex building to identify your pet.
I found a stray. What do I do?If you have found a stray animal please call Animal Control: 605-367-7000
If I found a pet can I keep it/adopt it?If you are interested in adopting an animal you found, you must first bring it to the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society so it can possibly be reunited with its rightful owner. You will be listed as an interested adopter. If no one claims the animal, you may proceed with adoption if your application is approved. Harboring a stray is illegal in the state of South Dakota.
Why can't SFAHS release any information about pets that have been surrendered?Every person who chooses to surrender their pets to the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society signs a contract agreeing to sign over their legal right to their pet. That pet then becomes the legal property of the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society. When that animal is adopted out, they become the legal pet of the person who adopted. Due to privacy laws, we cannot release any information after this contract is signed.
Why can't SFAHS release any information about pets that have been adopted?When that animal is adopted out, they become the legal pet of the person who adopted. Due to privacy laws, we cannot release any information after this contract is signed. This is also for the confidentiality of the person who adopted the pet.
I have an animal emergency who do I contact?If you are having a veterinary emergency, please contact your personal vet, unless you are a SFAHS foster. Fosters please refer to your emergency numbers listed in your foster packet.
If you have an animal emergency please call City Animal Control at 605-367-7000.