7 Essential Ways The Siouxland Humane Society Earned Its 2024 'No-Kill' Recognition

The Siouxland Humane Society (SHS) in Sioux City, Iowa, stands as a critical pillar of animal welfare in the region, providing a lifeline for thousands of homeless and unwanted pets. As of the current date, December 17, 2025, the organization continues its mission as the only open-admission, full-service animal shelter in Siouxland, distinguished by its comprehensive approach to pet care and community engagement.

Its recent national recognition as one of the leading 'no-kill' shelters for 2024 underscores a profound commitment to maintaining a live-release rate of over 90%. This achievement is a direct result of its wide-ranging programs, dedicated staff, and the unwavering support of the Woodbury County community and beyond. The SHS is not just a temporary stop for animals; it is a center for rescue, rehabilitation, and responsible pet ownership education.

Siouxland Humane Society: Organization Profile and Leadership

The Siouxland Humane Society (SHS) is one of the oldest and most respected animal welfare organizations in Iowa. Its history stretches back over a century, demonstrating a long-term commitment to the humane treatment of animals in the Tri-State area.

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• Official Name: Siouxland Humane Society, Inc. (SHS)
• Location: 1015 Tri View Avenue, Sioux City, Iowa 51103
• Founding Year: 1889
• Organizational Status: Private, 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization. It receives no city, state, or federal tax dollars, nor any financial support from national humane organizations.
• Shelter Type: Open-Admission, Full-Service Shelter. This means they accept all animals regardless of age, health, or temperament, unlike limited-admission shelters.
• Service Area: Primarily serves the Siouxland area, including Sioux City, Woodbury County, and surrounding communities in Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota.
• Executive Leadership:
  • Executive Director: Jerry Dominicak
  • President (Board of Directors): Rob Powers
• Facilities Milestone: The current facility on Tri View Avenue celebrated its 25-year anniversary in 2024.
• Mission: To provide services and programs that promote the humane treatment of animals in the Siouxland area.

The 2024 'No-Kill' Recognition and SHS's Impact

Achieving and maintaining 'no-kill' status is a significant challenge for any open-admission shelter, but the Siouxland Humane Society has successfully met this benchmark. The national recognition in 2024 is a testament to the effectiveness of its programs designed to address animal overpopulation and neglect.

The 'no-kill' designation is typically defined as a live-release rate of 90% or higher, meaning that 9 out of 10 animals entering the shelter are successfully adopted, returned to their owners, or transferred to rescue partners. The SHS’s partnership with organizations like the Best Friends Animal Society helps them sustain this high save rate, ensuring that thousands of pets receive a second chance each year.

The Surge in Surrendered Pets

Despite the high success rate, the SHS faces ongoing challenges, particularly a recent surge in surrendered pets. As pet owners struggle with economic hardships or housing issues, animal shelters across the country, including the SHS, have seen an increase in animals being brought in. This demand puts constant pressure on resources, making the SHS's core programs more vital than ever for the community and for the animals in their care.

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7 Essential Programs That Drive SHS's Success

The Siouxland Humane Society’s success in pet welfare is built on a foundation of seven key programs and services. These initiatives tackle the root causes of animal homelessness and ensure that adoptable pets are healthy and ready for their new families.

1. Comprehensive Adoption Services: The primary goal is the placement of adoptable pets into loving, permanent homes. Adoption counselors work with families to ensure a good match, strengthening the bond between pets and people. The SHS frequently hosts Off-Site Adoption Events at locations like Petco and Southern Hills Mall to maximize visibility and reach potential adopters.
2. Spay/Neuter Assistance: A crucial component of population control, the SHS provides financial assistance programs to help low-income families afford spay and neuter surgeries for their pets. This proactive approach prevents thousands of unwanted litters annually.
3. Humane Education: The SHS offers quality, age-specific educational programming for the community. These lessons focus on responsible pet ownership, animal care, and the importance of spaying and neutering, fostering a culture of compassion in Siouxland.
4. Veterinary and Food Assistance: The shelter offers a funding assistance program to cover the initial veterinary examination fee for sick or injured pets, helping pet owners who might otherwise be forced to surrender their animals due to medical costs. They also provide food assistance to struggling families.
5. Intake and Surrender Services: As an open-admission facility, the SHS accepts all animals. This service provides a safe haven for pets whose owners can no longer care for them, offering an alternative to abandonment.
6. Volunteer and Foster Programs: A dedicated network of volunteers is the backbone of the shelter's operations. Volunteers assist with animal socialization, cleaning, and general care, while the Foster Program provides temporary home environments for young, sick, or recovering animals, freeing up critical space in the main shelter.
7. Community Fundraising Events: The SHS hosts several vital fundraisers throughout the year to cover operating costs, as they are entirely dependent on donations. Key events include the "Pets on Parade" walk, the annual Quilt Auction, and the "Applicious for a Cause" caramel apple sale, all of which unite the community for a charitable cause.

How to Get Involved and Support the SHS Mission

The Siouxland Humane Society’s continued success and its ability to maintain its no-kill status rely entirely on community support. There are multiple ways local residents can help the organization and the animals it serves in Sioux City, Iowa.

Adoption and Fostering

The most direct way to help is by choosing to adopt a homeless pet. Adoption not only gives a deserving animal a loving home but also opens up a kennel space for another animal in need. If permanent adoption is not possible, consider becoming a foster parent to help socialize and care for animals that are not yet ready for the adoption floor.

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Donations and Supplies

Financial donations are crucial for medical care and operational expenses. The SHS also maintains a "Fetch List" of in-kind donations, including new or gently used supplies like blankets, toys, food, and cleaning supplies, which are always appreciated by the staff and the animals.

Volunteer Work and Education

Individuals can contribute their time by participating in Volunteer Orientations. Additionally, supporting the SHS’s educational outreach helps promote responsible pet ownership throughout Woodbury County and the broader Siouxland area. Staying informed through their quarterly "PAWPRINTS" newsletter is an excellent way to keep up with current events and success stories.

The Siouxland Humane Society remains a beacon of hope and a vital resource for animal welfare in Sioux City. Through its robust programs and the dedication of its staff and supporters, the SHS continues to set a high standard for animal rescue and is well-positioned to maintain its status as a leading no-kill shelter for years to come.