Home at Last Animal Sanctuary

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United States
Forest Lake, MN
Home at Last Animal Sanctuary

We are a forever home for animals that have failed adoption, survived abuse and been neglected. There are no kennels at HAL. HAL does not adopt out any animals.

HAL combines two basic frameworks in order to meet the needs of a dog. First, the dogs are always allowed access to wide open spaces surrounded by 8 foot high fences in which to run, walk, chew bones, play tag or simply be. Other than for health or acclimation reasons, no dogs are confined to small spaces. All of the dogs have constant access to a large insulated, heated building lovingly called t

he dog house. The dog house has furniture, blankets, toys, and a heated floor to provide comfort and fun 24 hours a day. The concept of the "dog park" was our inspiration after seeing the benefits to dogs that have the chance to run with abandon. HAL has seen many dogs turn from snappy and fractious to content, cheerful dogs simply by having constant access to exercise. Interestingly enough, the older dogs seem to benefit tremendously also from the exercise, as their old muscles strengthen to support joints; their hearts get a little stronger as well. The second framework is of the family home. A family lives on the site, and all of the dogs have access to the family home. Each dog receives whatever physical attention he or she wishes and is allowed to sleep in close proximity to their new human family. It is not uncommon for the floor to be filled by dogs sleeping side by side so that they can be in with the family. Dogs with separation anxiety are particularly benefited by this structure and seek contact enthusiastically. Feral dogs can take the time necessary to watch and learn from afar, without fear of being cornered or hurt. In short, HAL works by allowing dogs to be dogs! The pack structure works like a wolf pack structure, with the humans as the ultimate pack leaders. The pack leaders establish the rules of interaction and do not tolerate transgressions. Dogs feel a sense of relief to hand over the reins to their human leaders! The animals that come to us have been through sufficient trauma and transition that the decision to accept them into the HAL sanctuary means sparing them from the alternative (euthanasia) and letting them live a long life with us. HAL works with many rescue groups to provide options for people in search of an animal to adopt. Visits to HAL are extremely controlled and by special appointment only. Because many of our dogs have been traumatized by humans, and some of the details evade us, we cannot predict how some dogs will react to strangers. Visitors must agree to refrain from engaging in play or in correction for the safety of both dogs and humans. That said, many HAL dogs may greet visitors boisterously and affectionately. Every effort will be made by HAL caretakers to ensure safety and comfort on the part of the visitor. We encourage patience and a sense of humor when meeting HAL dogs since they have come from every imaginable history, and we welcome, instead of discourage, loving effusive contact with people.

06/04/2026

I see soo many people blow these moments with their young dogs and create unnecessary stressful reactions

06/03/2026

2000 lbs of YUM!
And 50 lbs of cute (willow)

Thank you Feeding Furry Friends Greater Good Charities PetSmart

05/24/2026

Blue-green algae is one of the most dangerous warm-weather risks many dog owners still don’t know enough about. ⚠️🐶

This toxic bacteria can grow in:
• ponds
• lakes
• slow-moving water
• standing water

It often appears as:
• green slime
• paint-like scum
• green surface streaks
• pea soup-looking water

Even small amounts can be deadly if ingested.

Dogs may be exposed by:
• drinking contaminated water
• swimming
• licking fur afterward

Symptoms can appear very quickly and may include:
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• weakness
• drooling
• seizures
• difficulty breathing
• collapse

If exposure is suspected, immediate veterinary care is critical.

When in doubt, it’s safest to keep dogs away from suspicious water entirely.

05/08/2026

Free shipping on orders over $149.

04/02/2026

Halfway through unloading a load of dog food and I am just struck by the community it takes to do what we all do! Thanks to Feeding Furry Friends Greater Good Charities and Purina!

02/13/2026

01/16/2026

If your loved one goes missing, please add this place to your list to contact. Share widely with friends and family

New Dog Impound Location - Effective January 1, 2026 🐾

The Blaine Police Department is excited to share an update that helps ensure dogs in our care are safe, comfortable, and well looked after.

As of January 1, 2026, BPD is partnering with Companion Animal Care & Control in Oakdale as our new dog impound location.

This partnership provides dogs a secure, compassionate place to stay while we work to reunite them with their humans as quickly as possible.

🔗 Learn more about their organization here: https://companionanimalcontrol.com/

01/09/2026

Our friends at the RPAW Animal Wellness Center are holding a Supply Drive for us!

Caring for our resident dogs is very serious business and with that comes a large amount of 2 things: Dog Food and Cleaning Supplies!

Target is currently having a promotion through January 10th of Spend $50 on household supplies, get a $15 gift card! If you can grab us some items while you are there we would be so grateful!

If you are not able to get out, please check out our wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3S673TULDWJX5?ref_=wl_share

Thank you as always for your support!
-Roach (HAL resident pictured)

We are hosting a much needed SUPPLY DRIVE for our friends at Home At Last Dog Sanctuary here in MN!

This amazing organization is home to MANY dogs that had no chance left. They live their lives there and are never re-homed. As you can imagine, supplies are ALWAYS needed.

Current Need:
Viva brand paper towels
3mil Contractor Garbage Bags
Mr. Clean cleaner

Always Need:
Dry dog food (any brand)

We have created an Amazon Wishlist specifically for this drive that you can purchase through and it will be sent to us: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3S673TULDWJX5?ref_=wl_share

Otherwise we will be collecting supplies at our building starting tomorrow and going through the following Saturday. We have people there Tues, Wed, Thurs from 8am to 2pm. You are also welcome to leave the supplies in our storage bench by the front door if we are closed. If you have a donation that cannot be left or needs to be a person to person drop off please message or email us at [email protected]

**Target currently has a promotion going on through January 10th of buy $50 in household supplies, get a $15 gift card! Now is the time to help us stock up HAL and also get a little back for yourself!

Used bedding of bath towels, blankets and comforters are also in need!

01/06/2026

King of the dog food MOUND! Thank you Feeding Furry FriendsGreater Good Charities for this absolute mountain!! So blessed!

01/02/2026

This rescue is amazing and so are many others! PLEASE SPAY/NEUTER YOUR ANIMALS!!

In 2025 we were able to spay/neuter 2,928 dogs and cats. Unfortunately that is a drop in the bucket in the grand scheme off things.
We work as hard as we can, 3 days of the week when we are open. We normally average 30 patients a day. We can only imagine the litters we have prevented but we are always looking forward and at the ways we can do more.
in 2026 there will be A LOT more growth, in all the right ways! We cannot wait to share all of the news and ways we will be able to help more animals.

To all of the rescues, shelters, sanctuaries and independent individuals that are out there just trying to make an ounce off difference in the big picture of pet overpopulation... WE SEE YOU and we are going to do all we can to help! Stay strong!

Address

PO Box 744
Forest Lake, MN
55025

Website

http://www.halmn.org/

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