Partnerships

At Great River Rescue we know that we can all accomplish more together.  We have made an intentional effort to build and maintain partnerships though out the community.  We are grateful for all the groups and businesses that partner with us to help make our community a better place for pets and people.  Below is a summary of some of the partnerships we have.  Please contact us if you are interested in working with Great River Rescue to benefit shelter pets and the people who love them.

Local Animal Control

Great River Rescue takes in animals from the Bemidji Pound, Township Pound, and Leech Lake Animal Control.  These local governments pick up stray animals and operate their own animal impound facilities.  If animals go unclaimed, many of them are transferred to our shelter.  We do not charge a fee for the pounds to bring animals to us.

MnPAW/Other Shelters

The Minnesota Partnership for Animal Welfare is an organization created to encourage collaboration among Minnesota animal shelters and rescues.  The mission of MnPAW is “To encourage collaboration among Minnesota Animal Welfare Organizations and engage the community to ensure a home for every companion animal in Minnesota and to advocate for responsible pet ownership.”  The partnership holds quarterly board meetings and an annual conference for members.  The shelter has been a member of the coalition since August of 2012.

Great River Rescue also works closely with Circle of Friends Humane Society in Grand Forks, North Dakota.  We share technical expertise and knowledge in addition to transferring animals with them as needed.  Many of the animals adopted in 2015 came from the Circle of Friends shelter.

Veterinary Clinics

Great River Rescue strives to maintain positive relationships with local veterinarians including: Friendly Vet Clinic, Busby Vet Clinic, Headwaters Vet Clinic, Bemidji Veterinary Hospital, and the Animal Care Clinic.  The shelter works most closely with the Animal Care Clinic due in part to its proximity to the shelter.  Plus, the Animal Care Clinic offers substantially discounted spay/neuter prices for the surgeries of shelter pets.  Great River Rescue also reaches out to Vet Clinics in other cities such as Park Rapids, Fosston and Grand Rapids.  It is our goal to have a comprehensive program of veterinary services to ensure the best care possible for the animals.

Local Businesses

Great River Rescue has partnerships with too many businesses to mention!  We are so grateful to our local business community that supports our agency.  Many businesses do things like sponsor fundraising events, sponsor a pet at the shelter, become a business member, donate raffle items, host fundraising events, and maintain a doggy bank at their business.  Some businesses also provide free or discounted services for the shelter pets.  Others hold donation drives to collect supplies for the pets.  Click the following link to see a full list of businesses that supported Great River Rescue in 2020: Business Partnership

Other Nonprofits

Great River Rescue seeks to work alongside other nonprofit organizations, especially those in animal welfare.  Partners include Red Lake Rosies, Leech Lake Legacy and Community Resource Connections (CRC). Community Resource Connections fosters communication and collaboration among Bemidji area nonprofit organizations.  We actively participate in CRC events such as the annual meeting, and the County Fair Nonprofit Display.

Bemidji Chamber of Commerce

Great River Rescue is proud to be a member of the Bemidji Area Chamber of Commerce.  We participate in many chamber events and benefit from the promotions of the Chamber.