Our History
Over thirty-five years ago Star of the North Humane Society was created by compassionate individuals determined to provide much needed animal welfare services in your area. We started helping animals in 1978; we officially organized in 1980. Eventually we had a building to provide a shelter for abused, neglected, and unwanted animals.
It was a place where the animals could heal physically and rebuild their trust in humanity. It was a place where people could find their special companions. It was a place where volunteers could see the wonderful results of the work they were doing. Unfortunately, by 2011, it was clear that the aging building was no longer the safe and healthy refuge it was intended to be. With great sadness we found places for the remaining animals and closed the doors for good.
In spite of the loss of the shelter, Star of the North Humane Society has continued to provide many services for the animals and people of Itasca County and the Northland community. Through the hard work of a dedicated group of volunteers we are continuing to help scores of animals to begin their new lives in loving homes.
It was a place where the animals could heal physically and rebuild their trust in humanity. It was a place where people could find their special companions. It was a place where volunteers could see the wonderful results of the work they were doing. Unfortunately, by 2011, it was clear that the aging building was no longer the safe and healthy refuge it was intended to be. With great sadness we found places for the remaining animals and closed the doors for good.
In spite of the loss of the shelter, Star of the North Humane Society has continued to provide many services for the animals and people of Itasca County and the Northland community. Through the hard work of a dedicated group of volunteers we are continuing to help scores of animals to begin their new lives in loving homes.
Board of Directors
Cindy Mahon
President Before Cindy became a Board member she was a foster home for Star of the North animals. Besides being President of the Humane Society, she is currently doing a great job as the Star of the North Spay/Neuter Program Coordinator. She recently attended training to became a Minnesota Humane Agent. Cindy lives with her husband, three children, two dogs and a cat. |
Pam Olson
Secretary Pam lives in Grand Rapids with her family and four pets. She has three dogs and a cat, Zoey, who was adopted from Star of the North in 2009. Lacey is a 3-year-old Golden Retriever and Rockford is a 15-year-old Lab. Beau is a one-year-old lab/golden/chessy mix that was adopted from Star of the North too. |
Krystal Laurs
Director Krystal moved to Grand Rapids in 2012 with her husband and 3 kids. Her husband was in the military for 9 years and that's when they rescued their boxer Duke. Krystal has been working on the Pet Food Pickup and Distribution. |
Sheryl Doro
Treasurer Sheryl retired after 32 years of teaching and thought she would engage in some relaxing volunteer work with the humane society. "Although it's not what you would call 'relaxing', the work is interesting, challenging, and rewarding." Sheryl also volunteers as an EMT with Remer Ambulance so she's never bored. |
Our Future Goal
Help our community to raise funds for a new shelter to serve Itasca County and the surrounding area.
Star of the North Humane Society is a foster-based humane society operated entirely by volunteers. Although we do not currently have a shelter, our volunteers help with rescuing and rehoming unwanted companion animals. All the animals taken in by us are placed in foster homes until they can find their new homes. We also facilitate a low-cost spay/neuter program for people with a household income of less that $40,000, and we distribute donated pet food to local food shelves, small rescue groups, and needy individuals. When you call, please leave a clear message. There is no one to take your initial call, but we make every effort to respond as soon as possible. If you have submitted an application to volunteer, foster, or adopt, your application will be processed as soon as possible and you will receive an email or phone call confirming the status.
218-245-3732
218-245-3732
Star of the North Humane Society is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization that exists through the generosity of donors, supporters, and volunteers. Information regarding operations of SNHS can be obtained by submitting your request to [email protected]