Founded in 1887, the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society (MHHS) is the oldest and largest animal protection organization in New York’s Capital Region, serving Albany, Rensselaer, and surrounding counties. For more than 135 years, MHHS has been a trusted safeguard for animals—providing shelter and compassionate care for stray, abused, and neglected animals, while also standing on the front lines to protect them from harm.
As the region’s leading authority in animal welfare, MHHS operates a dedicated Humane Law Enforcement division that investigates reports of animal cruelty and neglect, rescues animals in crisis, and works closely with law enforcement and the courts to ensure accountability and justice.
Beyond emergency response and sheltering, MHHS delivers a comprehensive and ever-growing network of services that support animals and the people who love them. These include low-cost spay and neuter and wellness care, vaccination and microchip clinics, stray housing for municipalities, dog training and behavior support, a pet food pantry, and humane education programs for all ages.
Together, these life-saving efforts contributed to a 92.7% live release rate in 2025—reflecting MHHS’s unwavering commitment to prevention, protection, and positive outcomes for animals throughout our community.
WE TOUCH THE LIVES OF OVER 5,000 ANIMALS EACH YEAR
In addition to its dedicated staff, MHHS relies heavily on a large team of volunteers who provided over 20,000 hours of their time last year. They contribute greatly to maintaining the health and well-being of animals both within the shelter and in foster care, and play a major role in our fundraising and outreach efforts. Our field services include rescue and care for injured or distressed animals, investigation of reported animal abuse and neglect, and enforcement of Agriculture & Markets laws.
MHHS is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that relies primarily on private donations. We receive no ongoing funding from federal, state or local governments or any other animal welfare organization. Our federal tax ID is 14-1338459.
WE ARE PROFOUNDLY GRATEFUL TO all WHOSE FRIENDSHIP AND SUPPORT MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Annual Reports
Animal Care Center
The Lisa Mitzen Animal Care Center opened in Summer 2017 with 32,000 square feet of beautiful space designed for optimal health, housing and medical care. Features include:
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Community Rooms for Cats
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Two Surgical Suites
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Four-Level Cat Condos
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Two Dedicated Dog Kennel Rooms
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In 2025, 2,080 pets were adopted into loving homes.
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Our foster volunteers continued to increase. In all, 776 pets were placed with foster caregivers who provided homes when the shelter was over capacity, along with supportive care for orphaned kittens and animals with medical needs, such as post-op recovery, and a quieter environment for those needing special behavioral care.
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We helped many families struggling to feed their pets. A total of 87,699 pet meals were donated and distributed through the Goldstein Auto Group Furry Friends Pet Food Pantry.
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We provided safety and shelter to stray and unidentified pets, reuniting 218 of them with their families.
Financial
MHHS is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Your contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Our federal tax ID is 14-1338459.
Location
Lisa Mitzen Animal Care Center
3 Oakland Avenue
Menands, NY 12204
(For GPS, please use 193 Broadway)