About Us

HHS was established in Yankton in 2001. Today, it serves Yankton and Clay counties primarily with an additional twelve-county area often receiving services.

It is a limited admissions facility – meaning that the intake of animals is by appointment only and when appropriate space and resources are available.

As a 501(c)3 non-profit, HHS relies 100% on private donations and volunteers. Funds are generated through 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 animals receive proper vet care, including vaccines and preventative care. Local veterinarians work onsite to perform all spay and neuter surgeries and animal care in shelter. Animals are microchipped prior to adoption.

The 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. 

Visit us today and learn more - 3400 E Highway 50 / Yankton, SD. We provide tours by appointment.

Logo of Heartland Humane Society featuring the silhouettes of a dog and a cat within a diamond shape, with a red heart in the center, and the text 'HEARTLAND' in blue and 'HUMANE SOCIETY' in tan beneath.

Our Mission & Values

Heartland Humane Society (HHS) is a limited-admissions animal shelter committed to providing compassionate care and responsible placement for pets in need. We accept animals by appointment only to ensure we have the necessary space and resources to provide each animal with proper care.

Adoptions are encouraged by appointment, though walk-ins are welcome. Many of our animals reside in foster care, so advance arrangements are often needed for meet-and-greets. While the public is not permitted to walk through our dog kennels, our team is happy to introduce any dog a visitor is interested in. Our cat area is more accessible, featuring open community rooms and volunteer-assisted kennel interactions.

At the heart of our mission is a dedication to animal welfare and creating lasting bonds between pets and people. Whether through adoption, foster care, or outreach, HHS works to find loving homes and provide second chances for animals in our care.

All animals currently adoptable are profiled on our Available Pets page.

Thank you for choosing animal rescue over other options.