08/26/2026
Terribly sad news for the Iowa animal welfare community today as Jerry Dominicak, longtime Executive Director of Siouxland Humane Society has passed away.
Below is a statement from Tom Colvin, IFHS President/Animal Rescue League of Iowa CEO and Carol Griglione, IFHS board member and ARL Executive Director:
"In addition to the decades of dedication to animal welfare and Siouxland Humane Society, Jerry was a longtime Board member of the Iowa Federation of Humane Societies. He was a friend, a confidant and of course instrumental in furthering the welfare of animals in Iowa. He believed in education of staff, volunteers and the public to make all prepared to do the best they could for animals. And he shared often that people can have their differences, but our first duty is to the animals, which we can do best together. Jerry will be dearly missed." - Tom Colvin and Carol Griglione
30 Years. One Incredible Legacy.
It is with incredibly heavy hearts that we share the passing of our devoted former Shelter Director, Jerry Dominicak.
For 30 years, Jerry dedicated himself to the Siouxland Humane Society. Three decades of caring deeply about this organization, the animals who came through our doors, the community we serve and the people who worked alongside him.
It is almost impossible to put the impact of 30 years into words.
Jerry helped shape the Siouxland Humane Society into what it is today. He led us through challenges and changes, celebrated the victories, built lasting relationships throughout our community and remained a steady presence through it all.
But Jerry’s impact goes far beyond the walls of the shelter.
It lives in the thousands upon thousands of animals who were given another chance. In the families who found a new best friend. In the staff members and volunteers who worked beside him. In the relationships he built throughout the community. And in an organization that will continue carrying out a mission he dedicated so much of his life to.
For those of us who knew and worked with Jerry, his absence will be felt in ways that are difficult to describe. Thirty years creates a lot of memories, a lot of stories and a lot of moments that became part of who we are.
The work will continue. Animals will continue to come through our doors, families will continue to find their new best friends and lives will continue to change.
And a piece of Jerry will always be part of every bit of it.
Thirty years is an incredible gift to give to one mission.
Jerry, thank you for giving that gift to us. Thank you for everything you gave to the Siouxland Humane Society, to the animals and to this community.
Your impact is immeasurable, and your legacy will always be a part of the Siouxland Humane Society.
You will be deeply missed!
