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Humane Society of Northeast Iowa

EIN 42-1447461 · Decorah, IA

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood78 out of 100GovernanceFair64 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

HSNEI PROMOTES ANIMAL WELFARE AND STRENGTHENS THE HUMAN-ANIMAL BOND BY PROVIDING ADOPTION SERVICES AND ANIMAL SHELTER, ANIMAL CONTROL ASSISTANCE, AFFORDABLE WELLNESS AND VETERINARY CARE, SPAY-NEUTER ASSITANCE, HUMANE EDUCATION, AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT THROUGHOUT NORTHEAST IOWA.

Income
$333,637
Spending
$398,002
Spent on programs
67%
Reserves
8.3 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 57%
Employees
31
Volunteers
132

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Good: 78 out of 100. Higher than 46% of charities in its peer group (animals, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 8.3 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 0% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    0 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 19% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 55% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    67% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 5 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Fair: 64 out of 100. Higher than 53% of charities in its peer group (animals, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    3 of 5 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    0 of 8

    Reports no written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    0 of 7

    Reports no written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    0 of 10

    Did not give the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Independent check of accounts

    6 of 15

    Its accounts were not audited or reviewed by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Impact evidence

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (3)
  1. $164,737 spent. Adoption Program and Animal Shelter and Care: HSNEI operates an animal shelter providing temporary care for homeless, surrendered, and stray animals while facilitating placement in adoptive homes. The shelter serves a five-county area and follows Fear Free principles to reduce stress and anxiety. During the tax year, HSNEI admitted 355 animals (231 cats, 124 dogs) and facilitated 286 adoptions (179 cats, 107 dogs). The shelter provided 20,378 days of care including housing, food, veterinary care, and behavioral enrichment. HSNEI operated a foster network of 20 volunteers who provided temporary care for 96 animals, reunited 13 lost pets and their owners, and maintained a 97% live outcome rate. All animals received veterinary examinations, vaccinations,spay/neuter surgery, and behavioral assessments prior to adoption. HSNEI's adoption counseling process matches animals with appropriate homes based on lifestyle, experience, and family needs for lasting placements. The shelter also provides support services to pet owners facing challenges, including behavior consultations and resource referrals to help families keep pets in their homes.
  2. $96,525 spent. Community Health and Wellness Program: HSNEI enhances resident well-being for people and animals by providing animal control support, neighborhood wellness clinics, and animal overpopulation management. We collaborate with local authorities to support pet families, keeping pets in homes and reducing stray populations. We intake cats and dogs from residents and animal control agencies, decreasing the number of free-roaming animals. During the tax year, HSNEI provides no-contact transport and 46 impoundment days, including veterinary examinations and necessary medical care. HSNEI holds monthly neighborhood clinics, serving 516 petscheck-ups, vaccinations, nail trims, 232 microchips, and educational consultations in the tax year. Our no- and low-cost prices ensure no pet is turned away because of financial constraints. We implement integrated proactive colony strategies312 spay/neuter surgeries, annual vaccines, feeding schedules, and to combat overpopulation. We discussed community health, a safer environment, and a compassionate community that values healthy people and pets with 598 residents.
  3. $5,659 spent. Humane Outreach and Education Program:This program partners with local public schools and libraries and the State of Iowa Extension Services. It includes school workshops, community events, and distribution of informational materials, During the tax year, we held 7 school workshops and 5 community events, engaging 253 participants and distributing 419 fact sheets on pet care and related human responsibilities. Participants interact with dogs and cats, enhancing their understanding of responsible pet ownership and humane interactions. Our efforts directly contribute to a better-informed community where residents understand kindness, develop empathy, and cultivate compassion toward animals, people, and the natural world.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Legitimacy checks

  1. Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.

    Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  2. Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.

    Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.

    Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  3. Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.

    On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.

    Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2024.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since March 1997.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  6. Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.

    Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.

    Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 21, 2026.

Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.