Esther’s rescue mission
In 2008, our shelter was born, founded by me, Esther, together with a friend who shared the same heartbreak of seeing so many animals forgotten. Since then, we have saved thousands of innocent lives, rescued from hunger, abandonment, and cruelty. Here, every animal receives not only food and medical care, but also what they need most: love and hope.
Today, more than 100 dogs and cats are under our daily care, and each one carries a story of struggle. To keep this dream alive, we need hearts willing to walk alongside us. Every donation becomes food, medicine, and life itself. And together, we can continue writing new stories of hope and new beginnings.
Save this animal care project
In the silence of the shelter, what hurts the most is not the faint bark or the hungry meow… it’s the look that asks, “does anyone still care about me?” Today, you can be the answer to that look. Your gesture is what decides whether they will have food, medicine, and a chance to live. Here, every donation is not just help, it is an act of love that changes destinies forever.
Any amount is welcome. Your contribution saves lives, restores dignity, and brings hope back to every bark.
How do we use your donation?
Every dollar donated goes directly toward saving lives, not a single cent is wasted on unnecessary expenses. See how and why your urgent help can make all the difference.
In the first week, saving an animal can cost between $350 and $900, depending on its health needs and initial care. That’s why your urgent help makes all the difference.
Before and after
See the incredible transformation that love and care can bring. These are some of our most touching rescues, showing how every animal can be reborn when given a second chance.
Marshall
He was found with almost no skin, his fur gone, and starving. A severe skin disease had taken over his body. After we rescued him, we treated him with therapeutic baths and daily care. Months later, he was fully healed. Today, he is strong, healthy, and beautiful.
Milo
He was found with open wounds and deep scars from abuse. Hunger and cold had left him trembling in silence, too weak to even open his eyes. With antibiotics and daily bandages, Milo finally slept on a clean blanket without fear. Today, his wounds have healed, and the sparkle in his eyes has returned.
Molly
She spent 10 days trapped and forgotten in a backyard. Her matted fur covered her eyes, and her nails hurt her paws. For three days she had neither food nor water, nearly blind from weakness. Rescued with food and fluids, she slowly recovered. Today, she is safe, free, and happy again.
Rocky
His barks were cries for help. Neighbors reported he was beaten often. When we arrived, he hid his face, too weak and hungry to look us in the eye. Food, medicine, and affection—one day at a time. Today, Diesel has learned to trust again and left his fear behind.
Who’s Esther?
Esther rescued her first animal in 2008, and from that moment on, she never stopped. From that act of compassion, Pet Project Rescue was born. Today, it has already saved thousands of lives from hunger, abandonment, and cruelty. Without profit and without government support, only with daily dedication, she now cares for more than 100 dogs and cats who depend on her to survive.
Esther is not asking for recognition. What she asks for is a chance to keep these animals alive. With your donation, every bowl can be filled, every wound can be treated, every life can go on.
Today, the difference is in your hands. Donate now!
Adoption stories
Karen Thompson
At first, I hesitated to donate. I was afraid, unsure if it would really make a difference. But then I saw the dogs improving because of us. I kept helping month after month, and soon I adopted one. Today, when I look into his eyes, I know it was never just a donation. It was love, hope, and the best friend of my life.
Amanda Collins
My mother never cared much about animals. Until we welcomed a rescued dog into our home. Slowly, he won us over. A month later, he ran away, terrified of fireworks. We searched all night and found him trembling in the street. My mother cried as she held him. Today, he is part of our family, and we can’t imagine life without him.
Emily Davis
Adopting Thera felt like receiving a miracle. She arrived scared, curled up, not knowing what love was. In the first days, she only watched us. Little by little, she accepted affection. From timid, she became our sweetest guardian. Now she sleeps by my side every night. In the end, it was us who gained a home.
Our adoption gallery
Behind every look you see here, there is a story of resilience. These animals arrived hungry, injured, or abandoned, but with love and care, they found joy again and are now waiting for a home!
Each story here is living proof that compassion and love transform lives. And with your help, whether by adopting or donating, we can create even more happy endings.
Contact us
Feel free to reach out to us with any questions. We’re here to help and support you.
Certifications
Location
4001 Emerson Ave N
Minneapolis, MN 55412
Contact
Connect
© 2025 – All rights reserved to Esther Pet Rescue
Mary | 1 year | Female
At the shelter since: Feb 9, 2025
I was rescued with my siblings when we were weak, hungry, and scared. We were just babies and the pain felt endless. Then an angel arrived, cared for us, fed us, and gave us real hope. I recovered my health and now I run happily. I am sweet, playful, strong, and full of gratitude. Please contact the humans and come meet me. I am ready for a loving home and I promise affection and a new story filled with love.
Laika | 1 year | Female
At the shelter since: Nov 8, 2024
Hi, I’m Laika. I was rescued after people threw stones at me in a parking lot. Today I am safe, very affectionate, and a bit charming too. If you want a companion who brings joy and fun to your home, I am the perfect cat for you. My heart is open and all I need is a loving home. Please come meet me. I am ready to love, try new adventures, and maybe find my forever family.
Nero | 3 years | Male
At the shelter since: Jan 19, 2025
When I was a baby, I was rescued with my mom and siblings. Since then I have wished for a warm and safe home to call my own. I am cheerful and playful, and I love being close to the people who care for me. I dream of a family that gives attention, hugs me tight, and helps me feel protected every day. I will be your best friend, ready for laughter, cuddles, quiet moments, and loyal company. Give me a chance. I cannot wait to meet you and find a home full of love.
Donald | 2 years | Male
At the shelter since: Dec 15, 2024
I had a very serious wound on my leg and the bone was exposed. It hurt so much that I cried when anyone touched it. On the street almost no one helped me because my size and color made people walk away. At the shelter my luck changed and I learned that I could still be loved. I lost a few toes to the infection, but with dressings, medicine, tests, and months of therapy we saved my paw. Today I walk well and carry hope. How about a new companion. I am here, waiting for a loving home and ready for a new adventure by your side.
Killye | 1 year | Female
At the shelter since: May 2, 2025
Hello, I am Killye, a charming little cat who found a safe corner here. I free roam the shelter, curious and easygoing, and I am loved every day. Still, I dream of a home that is just mine, a warm lap, my name spoken with care, and a window to watch the world with you. I am sweet, calm, and affectionate. I love routine, cuddles, and peaceful silence. If you felt a connection, please get in touch and come meet me. Adopt me and let us begin a new story together.
Tobby | 2 years | Male
At the shelter since: Jul 28, 2024
I was struggling on the shoulder of a highway when two angels stopped and pulled me out of danger. At the hospital the vets discovered I had lost sensation in my paws. I went through many tests, treated a cystitis, and spent days hospitalized. I am paraplegic, but I am living proof that hope does not give up. Now I am cleared for adoption. I am a loving and easygoing dog with a light heart and I only need a chance to show how big my love and gratitude are. Please come meet me and maybe our new adventure starts today.