Great River Rescue Receives ASPCA Grant

Great River Rescue Receives ASPCA Grant
Award to revise and improve life-saving intake and sanitation procedures
Bemidji, MN – Great River Rescue, a Bemidji non-profit, has been awarded a grant of $8,000 from the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) for the purpose of improving shelter intake and sanitation procedures that facilitate life-saving work for animals in need.
The grant, which is part of the ASPCA’s Northern Tier Shelter Initiative, follows a consultation period between ASPCA experts and Great River Rescue. After reviewing the shelter’s current practices, ASPCA experts made a series of recommendations, including reducing the length of intake holds for surrendered animals and using a more effective sanitizing solution.
“Great River Rescue has been doing admirable work for animals in need for decades,” said Tricia Sebes, Director, ASPCA Northern Tier Shelter Initiative. “We are proud to be able to support them through both mentorship and grant-giving, and we are excited to see the impact of these new procedures, which will improve the lives of even more animals.”
Great River Rescue is currently conducting a six-month trial period for the new protocols, after which the Board of Directors will determine if any additional modifications are required. The new protocols are expected to substantially decrease the average length of stay for shelter animals, resulting in an increase in pet adoptions and lives saved.
“Saving the most animals possible is our main goal,” said Brandon Mustful, Executive Director of Great River Rescue. “We are so pleased to have the ASPCA as a partner in our work. These funds will have a substantial impact on our ability to rescue companion animals.”
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About Great River Rescue
Great River Rescue, a non-profit organization, was established in 1977 as the Beltrami Humane Society. Over 10,000 kittens, puppies, cats, and dogs have been adopted from the shelter since that time. A no-kill shelter, it can house up to 45 cats and 25 dogs and maintains a waiting list of animals to be surrendered. Located at 1612 Carr Lake Road, the shelter is open from 12:30 – 5:30 PM, Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, please visit www.greatriverrescue.com.
About the ASPCA®
Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is the first animal welfare organization in North America and serves as the nation’s leading voice for animals. More than two million supporters strong, the ASPCA’s mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA is a national leader in the areas of anti-cruelty, community outreach and animal health services. For more information, please visit www.ASPCA.org, and be sure to follow the ASPCA on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.