Paws and Claws Humane Society
Our Mission
Paws and Claws Humane Society is dedicated to providing humane protection and shelter for abandoned or lost companion animals while actively seeking loving, permanent homes. We advocate for the well-being of all animals through education, responsible pet care, and the promotion of spay and neuter programs.
Our Story
Founded in 1976 by Marge Mourning, Paws and Claws began as a volunteer-driven initiative to find homes for area animals in need. Today, we continue that legacy of care as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization serving southeast Minnesota, relying on the generous support of our community to operate without government funding.
How We Care
We believe every animal deserves a second chance at life and a comfortable environment while awaiting their forever family. At our facility in Rochester, our dedicated team and volunteers provide medical care, socialization, and a safe harbor for hundreds of cats and dogs each year. Our commitment to animal welfare extends beyond our walls as we work to educate the public on responsible pet ownership.
Your Perfect Match
Adopting an animal is a lifetime commitment, and we are here to ensure that every placement is a successful, joyful partnership. We prioritize thoughtful matching to help you find a pet that truly fits your lifestyle, personality, and home. Our team is here to guide you through the process, ensuring you feel confident and supported as you welcome a new member into your family.
Join Our Community
Are you ready to meet your new best friend? We invite you to view our adoptable cats and dogs online or visit our facility by appointment to discover the unique personalities waiting to meet you. Whether you choose to adopt, volunteer, or donate, your support makes a profound difference in the lives of the animals who need it most.
- Passionate and dedicated staff
- Community outreach and resource support
- Inconsistent medical communication post-adoption
10/16 - MIDWEST ACCESS: October 16, 2026
Today on Midwest Access, we are heading to Hairball, learning about the Harvesting health expansion, placing our bids for the love of fur babies, getting a sneak peek of a gothic horror classic, and getting our home ready for winter.
10/16 - Midwest Access: Paws and Claws Humane Society 37th Annual Fall Charity Fundraiser on October 23
Place you bid for the dogs or place your bid for the cats. It's a fun night out in Rochester that gives animals a second chance.
10/7 - Midwest Access: VCA Animal Hospitals Pet of the Week: Iris
We're going to meet a beautiful cat named Iris from Paws and Claws Humane Society who is looking to find her fur-ever home.
9/26 - Paws and Claws Humane Society hosts pop-up adoption event in Rochester
Paws and Claws Humane Society brought adoptable pets to Tom Kadlec Honda to help more dogs and cats find homes.
9/9 - MIDWEST ACCESS: September 9, 2026
Today on Midwest Access we are heading to Wabasha for a new season at Widespot, finding out how to learn for LIFE, talking to a Groovy Garden Guru about jumping worms, hearing more about Free Dental Day and looking for a new home for Ollie the cat.
9/2 - Midwest Access: VCA Animal Hospitals Pet of the Week - Blue
Paws and Claws Humane Society introduces us to Blue, a very good boy who has not let losing a leg to a train keep him from being sweet, attentive, affectionate and obedient.
8/5 - Midwest Access: PCHS Pet of the Week - Chako presented by VCA Animal Hospitals
Meet the dog sweeter than chocolate, and softer than a cloud. Chako the lab is the Paws and Claws Humane Society Pet of the Week presented by VCA Animal Hospitals,
7/15 - Midwest Access: PCHW Pet of the Week - Parker
This week, Char from Paws and Claws Humane Society in Rochester introduces Jessie to Parker, the 4-month-old gray tabby that is cuter than a button and in need of a new home.
7/8 - Midwest Access: PCHS Pet of the Week - Dreamy
Char from Paws and Claws Humane Society joins us with Dreamy, the adorable 2 1/2-year-old female black spaniel, Cavalier King Charles mix who loves to lounge in laps.
6/2 - How to Donate (and Shop) the Paws and Claws Rummage Sale
Paws and Claws is hosting their annual rummage sale this weekend. Here's how you can donate your items (and shop).
5/3 - Paws and Claws Pet Walk returns to Rochester
The annual pet walk fundraiser put on by Paws and Claws Humane Society in Rochester was back on Saturday at Cooke Park.
4/23 - Missing Dog From Paws and Claws has Been Trapped and is Safe
We're so happy that Winnie, the dog who had been missing from Paws and Claws for a month, is now back at the shelter, safe and sound!
10/14 - We have two Theo‘s in our care. This Theo is housed over at Rochester Animal Control. He’s been working with a Trainer and doing fantastic! Theo is described as having the “personality of a lab“. He is energetic, friendly, and only needs an occasional correction. He’s a beautiful dog. Theo has had absolutely no interest. Hopefully, sharing these videos will change that. To adopt Theo or meet him to see if he’s a potential new family member, apply online, and we will set up an appointment with one of the officers.
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10/14 - Bianca and Bomber bombing around at Rochester Animal Control Shelter MN where they are housed. Both dogs are less than a year old and have found themselves in search of new homes. Please share so they have the opportunity to grow up in a home and not in a shelter. Www. Pawsandclaws.org
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10/13 - If you’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting a ball-loving and toy obsessed Labrador retriever, then you will appreciate our Barry. Barry was found out on his own and never claimed. If there is anything that Barry likes in this world, it’s a toy. He loves running around our play yard playing fetch and playing keep away. He is a good listener who can be easily enchanted by a squeaky toy. Barry can get over excited to get hold of a toy and will sometimes jump up to try to get the toy. He’s not aggressive at all, but definitely assertive in his desire to have the toy. He has been by other dogs and does not seem bothered by them. Of course, Barry would need to do a meet and greet with any potential siblings. In his kennel here, we have kept stuffed animals, beds, and blankets away from Barry as he will chew on them to entertain himself. He loves de-stuffing dog toys. Barry is looking for someone who will take him out for a long play session every day to keep his body and mind stimulated. In a fenced area like our play yard, Barry will actually run around and entertain himself. He’s definitely not a couch potato! If you know of someone or if you are a crazy lab lover, Barry would love to meet you. We are open 2-7 today
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10/11 - The cats were lying around while our volunteers ran the rummage sale. Can’t blame them. We had so many nice shoppers. Thank you!
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10/11 - We are here at our shelter, 3224 19th St. NW. in Rochester with our pop-up rummage sale. Everything is priced to sell! We will be here until noon. Don’t miss out! Money is raised from this will go to our spay and neuter fund. Altering companion animals is the best way to stop pet overpopulation and the subsequent suffering at its source.
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10/9 - Here’s a couple updates on Willow (formerly Velma). She’s a mom to a little nursing kitty baby 😂😂😂
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9/28 - Coco is new to us and is a 3 year old Shepherd mix. Coco is very friendly and is food motivated. She is an attentive listener and keeps her kennel clean. Shepherds are smart dogs, and Coco should catch on fast to training. If you are looking for a loyal family member, this girl fits the bill.
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9/27 - It’s been a while. Been out of town and under the weather, but here you go, it’s Sunday with the cats. All these cats live in an open colony room. They all are adult cats where you can see what their personalities are already like. They could be integrated into your home with other feelings or wouldn’t mind being spoiled, as you’re one and only. There are so many cats of dogs in need out there. If you could share, you could make a life-changing impact in the life of a homeless animal.
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9/27 - Our auction crew is keeping busy putting together a magical night. Here are some more of their beautiful baskets to be featured at the silent auction portion of our Fall Fundraiser on October 23rd. Please plan on joining us. Tickets at available on line or in person at our office and at the door. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/paws-and-claws-annual-charity-auction-tickets-1998491985326
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