Starting Aug. 24, the City’s animal shelter will be open until 7:30 p.m. This expanded service is part of Minneapolis Animal Care & Control’s ongoing effort to address a nationwide trend of an extraordinary amount of animal intakes at shelters across the country.

MACC itself has seen an animal intake increase of about 30% since 2019 and is on track to increase from 2022 by almost 20%. These increases have meant that current MACC staffing levels cannot keep pace.

This week during Mayor Jacob Frey’s budget address, it was announced that MACC will receive funding for two additional animal care technicians who can serve as resources for supporting animal rehabilitation, adoptions and assisting with the modified hours.

Right now, the shelter’s weekday hours are 1-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Starting next week, the shelter will stay open until 7:30 p.m. every Thursday. The regular Thursday evening hours replace the once-a-month Saturday hours.

MACC staff want to note with the Thursday hours that the last adoptions of the day will begin at 7 p.m. to make sure those wanting to adopt are aware of when to arrive with these extended hours.

Minneapolis Animal Care & Control works with residents to create safe and healthy communities for people and animals. Its staff includes two veterinarians, three veterinary technicians, four animal care technicians and a dozen animal control officers who, among other things, rescue animals, enforce laws pertaining to animal welfare and investigate animal crimes. In addition to staff, volunteers spent more than 7,000 hours of their time working with animals at the shelter. More information on adopting animals, volunteering, and supporting Animal Care & Control is available on the City website.