Heartland Animal Rescue Team
Giving Every Animal a Second Chance
At Heartland Animal Rescue Team (H.A.R.T.), we believe that every life matters, and we are dedicated to building compassionate relationships between people and animals through quality education, professional sheltering, and careful adoptions.
Our Heartfelt Journey
Founded in 1987 by a group of concerned citizens, H.A.R.T. was created to serve as an advocate for stray, neglected, and abandoned animals in the Brainerd Lakes area. Since our humble beginnings, we have grown from a volunteer-run operation into a state-of-the-art facility serving Crow Wing, Cass, and Aitkin counties with a mission to improve the lives of homeless pets.
Providing Compassionate Care
As an open-admission shelter, we provide a safe, nurturing environment for animals in need, supported by a professional staff and the generosity of our community. We are proud to operate as a low-kill facility, working tirelessly to ensure that every adoptable animal receives the medical care, enrichment, and attention they deserve while waiting for their forever families.
Your Partner in Adoption
We believe that adopting a pet is a beautiful, lifetime commitment, and our team is here to guide you through every step of finding the perfect companion. Our adoption process focuses on thoughtful matching, ensuring that each dog or cat is placed with a family ready to provide the love, companionship, and long-term care they need to thrive.
Join Our Mission
Unleashing joy, one paw at a time, is only possible with your support. Whether you are ready to open your heart to a new furry friend, looking to volunteer, or interested in making a donation, we invite you to connect with us at our Brainerd shelter to see the incredible animals waiting to meet you.
- Successful adoption experiences
- Unresponsive or dismissive staff communication
