In 1990 some children in the town of New Market, MN, brought a stray mother cat and her kittens to the local feed and pet store to be cared for. As the years went by, more animals were brought in.They included orphans, strays, and lost domestic animals, some injured. Even local wildlife, such as orphaned raccoon kits, young squirrels that had fallen from their nests, robins, blue jays, even hawks and owls in need of medical attention, food, or a place to recover.

Toni Maat, owner of Windmill Feed & Pet Supply Company, took it upon herself to turn this impromptu concept into a non-profit rescue organization. In December of 2003, Windmill Animal Rescue was formed as a 501(c)(3) non-profit, tax exempt organization.

Windmill Animal Rescue's goal is to help all types of animals in need, as resources allow. Wild animals are placed with licensed rehabilitators for care or released back into their natural habitat.

Domestic pets (such as cats, dogs, hamsters, etc.) are cared for by Windmill Animal Rescue. Windmill Animal Rescue works with several veterinarians in the area to supply proper medical care for these creatures.

All cats are feline leukemia and FIV tested, spayed or neutered, vaccinated, de-wormed and treated medically as needed and housed at the shop or foster homes until suitable permanent homes arise. Dogs are usually kept in foster homes until the original owners are located or new family is found. All dogs are heartworm tested, vaccinated and spayed or neutered before placement. Hamsters, ferrets, guinea pigs, rabbits, chinchillas, rats, goldfish, frogs, turtles, pigeons, parakeets, finches, cockatiels and canaries are some of the animals that have found a safe haven at Windmill while awaiting new families.

Many animals, safe to do so, are allowed to roam freely about the shop and interact with customers and other critters. You may find a ferret playing with the cats, a kitten chasing a dog's wagging tail, or a bunny hopping up and sniffing your shoes and pulling at your shoelaces.

The non-profit shelter is located in Elko New Market, MN, just 30 minutes south of downtown Minneapolis or St. Paul. The shelter needs foster homes, donations, and volunteers to help clean the facility and take care of the animals.