About Us
HHS was established in 2006 from a group formerly known as the Yankton Area Humane Society. We serve Yankton and Clay counties primarily with an additional twelve-county area often receiving our services.
We are a limited admissions facility – meaning that we able to intake animals by appointment only and when appropriate space and resources are available.
As a 501(c)3 non-profit, we rely 100% on private donations and volunteers. We generate funds through your generous contributions, adoption fees, fundraising events, and sales of merchandise and services. All funds collected go directly back to the general budget to care for our animals.
All of our animals receive proper vet care, including vaccines and preventative care. We test for Heartworm in our canines and feline leukemias in our felines. Local veterinarians work onsite to perform all spay and neuter surgeries and animal care at our facility. Animals are microchipped prior to adoption.
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Our shelter hosts 19 canine kennels on our adoption floor plus additional spaces for enrichment and socialization for volunteer use. The cat adoption floor is home to 6 cat suites, four community rooms and 5 kitten kennels plus volunteer socialization rooms.
Come visit us today and learn more - 3400 E Highway 50 / Yankton, SD. We provide tours by appointment.
Impact
Heartland Humane Society | First Quarter 2025
By the Numbers
A snapshot of our impact this year:
191 animals rescued
31 animals transferred into shelter from 4 different agencies/organizations/shelters
141 adoptions finalized
17 pets reunited with their families
15 animals transferred out to 2 different shelters/organizations
142 pets spayed or neutered
6,500+ volunteer hours logged
Your Donations Made This Possible
Every dollar you gave helped us save lives:
$2,225 raised for emergency medical care
6,400 lbs of pet supplies/food
New enrichment tools for shelter pets donated by KONG
Community Outreach
We connected with our community in meaningful ways:
Pet Therapy visits at 14 different locations
Youth education for 120+ local students
Thanks to You
Your support is the heartbeat of our mission.
Grant by Yankton Optimist Club
34 new donors!
4 monthly Paw Boosters helped us plan with confidence
What’s Ahead in 2025
Launch of a low-cost vaccine clinic
More humane education events
Meet Our Staff
Kerry Feilmeier- Executive Director
Originally from Utica, South Dakota, Kerry first began working with Heartland in September, 2011 and has been employed by nonprofit agencies since 2007. Kerry is a graduate of the University of South Dakota with a major in marketing, journalism, and English. In her spare time, Kerry enjoys helping on the family farm, fostering, live music and travel.
You can email Kerry at edirector@sdheartlandhumanesociety.com
Abi Benson - Community Programming Director
Abi has called Yankton home since 2013, moving with her family from Nebraska. Her husband, Brian, and children Willa and Finn love the lake life accommodations of living in Yankton. Previously, Abi was an elementary teacher. Her role at HHS will put her smack back into the community, overseeing community programming for HHS and assisting with volunteer relations.
You can email Abi at donate@sdheartlandhumanesociety.com
Sarah White - Administrative Assistant
Sarah resides in Yankton with her little dogs and has impacted many agencies in town with her professional help, including Pathways and Lewis & Clark Behavorial Health. Sarah has a degree in social work and a passion for helping people. Her roles at HHS include office and shelter management as well as navigating solutions for clients, customers, volunteers and staff!
You can email Sarah at info@sdheartlandhumanesociety.com
Janette Kaddatz - Adoption & Animal Behavior Coordinator
Janette’s passion for animals began as a child growing up in North Dakota with pets and spending every summer on her grandparent’s farm. She dreamed of vet school but chose a different path and pursued a degree in family science and psychology. She is one of the founding volunteers of Heartland Humane Society and decided to become involved with the organization because of her passion for working with animals and the desire to be involved with placing unwanted animals into new, loving, forever homes.
You can email Janette at adopt@sdheartlandhumanesociety.com
Keisha Vandiver - Animal Care Assistant
Keisha, her husband, and their three young kiddos reside in Yankton. Keisha has a heart for all species of animals and enjoys taking the time to care for dogs and cats behind the scenes until they are ready for adoption.
Board of Directors
2026 Board of Directors
President - Dick Thompson, Vishay
Vice President - Heather Anderson, USD
Secretary - Jill Paulson, USD
Treasurer Bob Standen, Shur-co
Members - Sheila Woodward (MWH Law); Lisa Ketcham (USD); Adrian Tipett (USD): and Todd Cowman (PC's Plus.); Heather Hofer (Gerstner Oil); Brandon Shapekahm
Mike Villaneuva joins the HHS Board of Directors as a representative of the City of Yankton Commissioners.
The HHS Board of Directors meets on the second Thursday of each month. The board is responsible for the overall oversight of finances and shelter management.