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[DULUTH, MN] Since early 2025, City of Duluth leadership has worked with Animal Allies Humane Society’s executive and board leadership to explore a pilot partnership under which Animal Allies would assume responsibility for animals brought to the City’s animal shelter through animal control.

The program would be a fee-for-service agreement similar to agreements already in place between Animal Allies, other area municipalities, and St. Louis County. Both the City and Animal Allies are hopeful the pilot program will evolve into a long-term service contract.

“Currently, Saint Louis County, Hermantown, Proctor, and Rice Lake already contract with Animal Allies to care for the dogs and cats that come into their possession,” said Animal Allies Executive Director Julie Waltenburg. “It’s a service that benefits those dogs and cats because they receive outstanding care in our facility, and our organization has the built-in volunteer base and foster network necessary to ensure the best quality of life for these animals.”

Duluth City Administrator Karla Culhane emphasized that the pilot program is a positive step for the City. “Being able to step away from the animal care business and allow Animal Allies to provide that service would be beneficial and sustainable for both the animals and the City,” said Culhane. “The City can continue to fulfill its statutory obligation of providing animal control within City limits, while Animal Allies provides the subsequent animal care. Anyone familiar with their organization knows they do it better than anyone else.”

“As a city, we want to improve how we handle animal control issues, which include aggressive animals and off-leash complaints,” said Duluth Police Chief Mike Ceynowa. “Historically, animal care needs often took precedence because they directly impact quality of life for the animals. With this potential contract with Animal Allies, the Duluth Police Department would be able to focus more on the control side of animals, while ensuring the care is being taken care of by an agency that’s more equipped for it.” 

"Animal Allies has the facilities, expertise, volunteers, and foster network they have built to care for animals. As a pet owner someone who has also adopted from Animal Allies, I know firsthand the quality of care they provide,” said Mayor Roger Reinert. “It will be a partnership that allows each organization to focus on what they do best: the City on animal control and Animal Allies on animal care. I think that is a better model for both the animals and the taxpayers.” 

"This is a unique opportunity for Animal Allies to expand its facilities and services to the community and region," said John Strange, Animal Allies' board president. "A partnership with the City of Duluth allows us to serve more animals, better support the people who care for those animals, and gives us the space and resources to provide the compassionate care our community expects."

Both parties will need to continue to work out various logistical aspects of any potential long-term agreement but are optimistic a service agreement will be ready to enact in the coming weeks. 

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