Great River Rescue

A heartfelt Thank You to our Give to the Max supporters in 2024!

Your generous contributions have a meaningful impact on the lives of our cherished animals.

Great River Rescue is a companion animal shelter located in Bemidji, Minnesota

Great River Rescue was established in 1977 by a group of concerned citizens who felt a need for an organization to provide shelter to homeless animals.  We are a private, no-kill, 501(c)3 non-profit organization supported by our incredible community of donors and volunteers.

We provide quality care for hundreds of cats and dogs every year, including shelter and food, medical care through local veterinarians, necessary shelter vaccinations, preventative care, microchipping, spay/neuter when possible, play and enrichment, training through our Mod Squad team, and much individualized personal attention, with a goal of finding a suitable home with responsible and loving pet owners for each animal.  Dogs, puppies, cats, and kittens come to us from shelters, rescues, and pounds; from people who found them on the road or the end of their driveway; from families whose circumstances have changed and can no longer have a pet; from those needing our Pet Safe service; and for every single animal we do everything we can to let them know they are safe and loved, and, no matter how long it takes, we will find the best home for them.  Since 1977 we have given thousands of companion animals a second chance at life, and with your support, we can continue this life-saving work and provide high-quality care to animals in need! 

Great River Rescue also offers Pet Fixers Low-Income Spay and Neuter Clinics once a month throughout the spring and summer, providing low-income families with the much-needed service of getting their dogs and cats spayed and neutered and vaccinated. Each weekend we perform surgery on around 80 animals, fulfilling a critical role in helping to control the animal population by preventing unwanted pregnancies and reducing the number of homeless animals. With your support, we can continue this crucial service to the cats and dogs of the community.

We have a program that provides food for pets up to three times a year for those who are struggling to make ends meet.  We also work with organizations to provide pet food to the community when possible.

We promote responsible pet care through inviting groups to the shelter, doing outreach, and giving presentations, where we provide information on best practices for ensuring safe and healthy pets.

We collaborate with area agencies to provide short-term care for pets of those in temporary need, such as for medical reasons, through our Pet Safe Program.   

Mission Statement:  Great River Rescue transitions dogs and cats to loving homes, serves as a community resource, and advocates for kind, responsible pet care. 

Vision statement:  Great River Rescue envisions a society of responsible animal guardians in which every animal is treated with respect and care.

Values:

Care, compassion, and empathy for animals and people.

Accountability to high standards of professional and ethical behavior.

Respect and kindness with every decision and interaction.

We work hard and passionately to save animals and serve our community.