My name is Vertex!

The process starts by browsing the pets on our website or by visiting the shelter. If you’re looking for a particular type of animal and can’t find it online or after visiting our shelter, please try a rescue group. The shelter has a list of rescue groups for most dog breeds, and you can also find these by doing a quick search online.

Upon entering our shelter, please take time to notice all our animals. All of the animals deserve loving homes, and our goal is to match up the right pet with the right family. Please visit with staff about the behavior and personality of the animal. They have been taking care of the animal since arrival and generally know a lot about them. After a decision has been made, please return to the front desk and give the adoption counselor a tag number, name, and/or description of the animal you are interested in adopting.

Adoption Requirements
To adopt an animal from the Cedar Valley Humane Society, you must be at least 18 years old, provide a current photo ID, and have a verifiable address. If you rent, bring a copy of your lease agreement and/or your property manager’s telephone number so that we can verify the type of pet you are adopting is allowed.

During our open hours Monday-Friday 12pm-7pm and on Saturdays 12pm-5pm at:

7411 Mt Vernon Road SE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52403

A brief history
Founded in 1901, the Cedar Valley Humane Society helps place thousands of animals into new adoptive homes and returns hundreds of lost pets to their owners every year. We are not affiliated with any other agency or organization, and rely solely on private donations for everything we do.

Our Mission
The Cedar Valley Humane Society is dedicated to building healthy relationships between people and animals, and eliminating cruelty, abuse and overpopulation of animals through education, adoption services and inspiring compassion for all living things.

Animals we serve
We take in lost, abandoned, and owner-surrendered dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, gerbils, ferrets, and mice. At this time, we are not able to care for horses, reptiles, barnyard animals or other wild creatures.

Areas we serve
We place animals in new homes throughout the Eastern Iowa area. We provide animal control services to unincorporated Linn County and its municipalities, with the exception of Cedar Rapids, Marion, and Center Point, which have other animal control services providers. We also provide animal control services to unincorporated Benton County (dogs only), North Liberty, Swisher, Tiffin, Shueyville, Oxford, Walford, Solon, Atkins, Shellsburg, and Urbana.

Admission Policy
The Cedar Valley Humane Society is an open admission animal shelter. As such, we accept all animals regardless of health or temperament, and we will never turn away an animal in need.