Midlands Humane Society (MHS) stands as the central hub for animal welfare and companion animal protection in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and the broader Pottawattamie County area. Since opening its doors in 2015, this 501(c)(3) non-profit organization has fulfilled a critical role as the region’s first and only humane society, dedicated to nurturing the bond between humans and their pets while providing a safe haven for animals in transition.

Essential Contact Information and Location

Navigating to the facility requires a clear understanding of its physical layout, as it shares a building with other municipal services. The Midlands Humane Society is located at the following address:

  • Address: 1020 Railroad Ave, Suite A, Council Bluffs, IA 51503
  • Primary Phone: 712-396-2270
  • Official Website: midlandshumanesociety.org

It is vital for visitors to distinguish between Suite A and Suite B. While Suite A houses the Midlands Humane Society—which handles adoptions, surrenders, and community programs—Suite B is home to Council Bluffs Animal Control. While the two entities work in close coordination, they are separate organizations with distinct administrative functions.

Operating Hours and Monthly Closures

The shelter maintains consistent public hours, though it integrates critical staff development periods that affect accessibility.

  • Monday through Friday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
  • Saturday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Sunday: Closed

Important Note on Training Days: On the third Wednesday of every month, the facility is closed to the public. This scheduled closure is dedicated to staff development, training, and facility maintenance, ensuring that the team remains equipped with the latest animal care protocols and safety standards.

The Mission and History of Midlands Humane Society

The vision for a dedicated humane society in Council Bluffs was set in motion in 2006. At that time, a group of local animal advocates recognized that the community lacked a comprehensive resource for homeless and stray animals beyond basic municipal impoundment. After years of fundraising, planning, and community organizing, the facility officially opened in 2015.

The core mission of MHS is to protect and nurture companion animals while enriching the lives of the people who love them. This dual focus acknowledges that animal welfare is as much about supporting pet owners and the community as it is about the animals themselves. As an independent non-profit, MHS does not receive operational funding from national organizations like the ASPCA or the Humane Society of the United States; instead, it relies on local donations, grants, and service fees to maintain its high standard of care.

Animal Adoption Process in Council Bluffs

Adopting a pet from Midlands Humane Society is designed to be a transparent and supportive experience. The organization utilizes an "open conversation" model for adoptions, moving away from rigid, exclusionary applications toward a system that matches animals with homes based on lifestyle, temperament, and specific needs.

Step 1: Visiting the Shelter

Prospective adopters are encouraged to visit during public hours to view available animals. The shelter typically cares for between 150 and 200 animals at any given time, including dogs, cats, kittens, puppies, and occasionally small animals like rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters.

Step 2: Interaction and Consultation

Once a visitor identifies a potential pet, they can meet the animal in a controlled environment. Staff members and volunteers provide insights into the animal’s history, health status, and behavioral traits observed during their stay.

Step 3: Application and Open Conversation

The adoption application serves as a starting point for a discussion. Staff members review the application to ensure that the adopter’s living situation aligns with the animal’s needs (e.g., activity levels, compatibility with children or other pets).

Step 4: Finalization and Transition

Once approved, the adoption is finalized with a contract and payment of fees. Adopters receive all medical records and guidance on helping the pet acclimate to their new home.

Adoption Fees and Included Medical Care

MHS ensures that every animal leaving the shelter is set up for a healthy life. The adoption fees are structured to cover a fraction of the actual cost of care, which includes high-quality food, medical exams, and behavioral enrichment.

  • Dogs: Adoption fees generally range from $150 to $450, depending on age, breed, and size.
  • Kittens (up to 5 months): Approximately $150.
  • Adult Cats (6 months to 6 years): Approximately $100.
  • Senior Cats (over 6 years): Reduced fees, often starting at $50.

Standard Medical Inclusion for All Adoptions: Every dog and cat adopted from MHS is:

  • Spayed or neutered.
  • Microchipped for permanent identification.
  • Dewormed and treated for fleas/ticks.
  • Current on age-appropriate vaccinations (including Rabies and Distemper/Parvo).

Community Programs and Pet Owner Support

Beyond rehoming animals, Midlands Humane Society provides several essential services to the Council Bluffs community to promote responsible pet ownership and prevent animal surrender.

Low-Cost Microchipping

For a small fee, pet owners can bring their animals to MHS for microchip implantation. This service provides a permanent, indisputable means of identification. Unlike collars or tags, which can fall off or be removed, a microchip ensures that if a pet is lost and taken to a vet or shelter, their owner can be identified immediately.

Public Pet Food Pantry

Recognizing that economic hardships can sometimes make it difficult for families to feed their pets, MHS operates a small pet food pantry. This resource is intended for temporary assistance to help keep pets in their original homes rather than being surrendered to the shelter due to financial crisis.

Pet Cremation Services

Dealing with the loss of a pet is a difficult experience. MHS offers compassionate cremation services for the public. Owners can choose between communal cremation or private cremation, where the pet's remains are returned in an urn. Prices for these services vary based on the pet's weight and the type of cremation selected.

Animal Control Coordination

The Council Bluffs Animal Control division is responsible for picking up stray or lost animals within city limits. All animals collected by Animal Control are brought to MHS for their mandatory 72-hour holding period. During this time, owners can reclaim their lost pets by providing proof of ownership and paying any applicable impoundment or boarding fees.

Volunteer Opportunities and Community Engagement

The operations at MHS are heavily supported by a dedicated network of volunteers. Community members can contribute their time in various capacities, each vital to the shelter's success.

  • Animal Care and Enrichment: Volunteers assist with walking dogs, socializing cats, and providing the mental stimulation necessary to reduce shelter stress.
  • Event Support: Helping at off-site adoption events, fundraisers, and community awareness booths.
  • Fostering: This is one of the most impactful ways to help. Foster volunteers provide temporary homes for animals who are too young for adoption, recovering from surgery, or needing a break from the shelter environment. In 2024, nearly 500 animals were placed in foster care through MHS programs.
  • Facility Maintenance: Assisting with cleaning, laundry, and general upkeep of the 1020 Railroad Ave location.

Statistical Impact and Financial Transparency

Midlands Humane Society maintains a high level of transparency regarding its impact on the Pottawattamie County community. Based on 2024 reporting, the organization achieved an 85.5% live release rate, a testament to their commitment to life-saving efforts.

Key Annual Statistics:

  • Admissions: Over 2,800 stray and relinquished animals admitted.
  • Reclaims: Nearly 400 animals reunited with their original owners.
  • Adoptions: Over 1,750 animals placed in new, loving homes.
  • Medical Procedures: Over 1,300 spay/neuter surgeries performed to combat pet overpopulation.

Financially, MHS operates as a lean organization where the majority of expenses are directed toward animal care and program services. Revenue is generated through a mix of grants (from partners like PetSmart Charities and Petco Love), program fees, and community donations.

How to Support the Midlands Humane Society

As a non-profit, MHS relies on the generosity of the public to continue its mission. There are multiple ways for individuals and businesses to provide support.

Monetary Donations

One-time or recurring financial contributions can be made via the official website. These funds are used for emergency medical care, facility utilities, and specialized food for neonatal kittens or senior animals.

The "Wish List" and Chewy Registry

The shelter has ongoing needs for supplies. Donors can purchase items from a curated wish list, often available through platforms like Chewy or Amazon. High-priority items typically include:

  • High-quality dry and wet food for puppies and kittens.
  • Non-clumping cat litter.
  • Durable dog toys (like Kongs).
  • Cleaning supplies (paper towels, bleach, laundry detergent).
  • Training treats for dogs.

Fundraising Events

MHS hosts several annual events, such as galas and community walks, which serve as both revenue sources and opportunities to educate the public about animal welfare issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Midlands Humane Society a no-kill shelter?

While MHS strives for a high live-release rate (consistently over 85%), they do not use the specific "no-kill" label in a way that would prevent them from making difficult decisions based on an animal's untreatable medical suffering or severe aggression that poses a public safety risk. Their focus is on saving every healthy and treatable animal.

What should I do if I find a stray animal in Council Bluffs?

If you find a stray animal within city limits, you should contact Council Bluffs Animal Control at 712-328-4656. If you find an animal outside of business hours or in the county, contact the Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s office. All stray animals are eventually housed at the MHS facility during their holding period.

Can I surrender my own pet to MHS?

Yes, MHS accepts owner-surrendered pets by appointment, depending on space availability. They encourage owners to first explore rehoming resources and behavioral tips provided on their website to see if the pet can remain in its current home.

Are there any age requirements for volunteering?

MHS offers various volunteer opportunities, including youth programs. However, specific age requirements apply for direct animal handling for safety reasons. Interested individuals should consult the volunteer coordinator via the MHS website for current age policies.

How long is the holding period for stray animals?

By law, stray animals brought in by Animal Control are held for 72 hours to give owners a chance to reclaim them. After this period, the animals undergo a medical and behavioral assessment to determine their eligibility for adoption.

Summary of Midlands Humane Society Impact

The Midlands Humane Society is more than just an animal shelter; it is a vital community resource for Council Bluffs and Pottawattamie County. By providing essential services such as affordable adoptions, microchipping, and a pet food pantry, MHS addresses the root causes of animal homelessness and supports the human-animal bond. Whether you are looking to add a new member to your family, seeking assistance for a current pet, or looking for a meaningful way to volunteer, MHS offers a professional and compassionate environment dedicated to giving every companion animal a second chance.