MINNEAPOLIS — There are many things that go into operating an animal shelter, but the ultimate goal is pretty simple: finding wayward dogs and cats a home where they can reach their full potential and live a life filled with love. 

The city of Minneapolis is investing in that goal by pumping more than $600,000 from its 2024 budget to improve day to day operations at the Minneapolis Animal Care and Control (MACC) facility, located at 212 17th Ave. N. 

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More than $365,000 of that money will go toward funding more staff (two animal care technicians and a customer service representative) and increasing MACC’s food, materials, and supply budget by $90,000 to keep up with an increasing shelter population. Another $250,000 will go toward shelter expansion and renovations. 

Along with facility and staffing upgrades, 2024 brings a renewed effort to place animals in a forever home. To do so, MACC has: 

  • Lowered dog and cat adoption fees for non-Minneapolitans
  • Eliminated dog and cat adoption fees for Minneapolis residents
  • Reduced cat adoption fees for non-Minneapolitans
  • Reduced adoption fees for exotic birds and other small animals

Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey visited the shelter Tuesday to talk about the increased funding, and shared that he adopted his cat Rhonda from MACC nine years ago. 

“I know firsthand the life-changing impact animal shelters can have on the pets they serve and the families they go home with," Frey said. "MACC does an incredible job taking care of our furry and very loveable residents. I’m proud to support their ongoing efforts with more than $600,000 in additional funding this year.”

Anyone interested in adopting a pet can visit the MACC facility Monday through Friday between 1 and 5 p.m. On Thursdays, hours are extended two hours to 7 p.m. 

For more on MACC and the adoption process, check out this website.

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