COVID Response Message
BENCHS has made changes in daily operations in an attempt to lesson the negative impacts of COVID-19. Our first priority is for the safety of the staff, community and animals in our care.
We are asking that everyone who comes to BENCHS follows the CDC guidelines:
Weekly update - 3/22/2022
BENCHS has made changes in daily operations in an attempt to lesson the negative impacts of COVID-19. Our first priority is for the safety of the staff, community and animals in our care.
We are asking that everyone who comes to BENCHS follows the CDC guidelines:
- masks are encouraged but not required,
- wash hands upon entry and frequently,
- stay home if you are symptomatic.
Weekly update - 3/22/2022
- Drop-in Visitors and Tours: By appointment only. Call 507.625.6373 or email adminassistant@benchs.org.
- Volunteers: All are welcome!
- Donations: Being accepted in the following manner:
- Items may be left in the bin located near Door #1. If you would like a receipt, you are invited to ring the bell as long as you are wearing a mask.
- For monetary donations, online donations are preferred. If you have a cash donation, you are invited to ring the bell as long as you are wearing a mask.
- Food Share Program: Open with minimal contact:
- Hours are limited to noon to 4:00 pm, daily.
- You are invited to ring the bell as long as you are wearing a mask.
- If you haven't done so already, you will need to complete a new form for 2022 in your vehicle or in the front entry, wearing a mask.
- Meet us at Door #3 in your vehicle. Please remain in your vehicle. We will bring the food to you and put it in your vehicle.
- Adoption/Meet & Greet Appointments: Continuing as scheduled with the following requirements:
- Appointments may be cancelled or rescheduled in response to pandemic surges and staff availability.
- No limit on the number of individuals at the appointment.
- Time limits will be strictly followed. Cats: 30 minutes Dogs: 60 minutes
- Potential adopters must wear a mask that fits snugly and completely over the nose and mouth.
- You will be asked to wash your hands upon entering the building.
- Social distancing will be practiced.
- Credit/debit card payment only, including PetSmart adoptions.
- Cancel or reschedule your appointment if you have been exposed or are exhibiting any signs of illness.
- Impound: Continuing, but please call first.
- Please call 507.625.6373 before bringing stray cats and dogs to the shelter.
- Please call 507.625.6373 before coming to the shelter to claim an animal in impound.
- Surrendering Your Pet: Continuing, with following requirements:
- First, you will need to complete a Surrender Form. We often have lists of people waiting to surrender their animal(s).
- A staff member will be in touch to discuss your situation.
- Board of Directors' Meetings: Meetings will be held in the Apollo Room at BENCHS, with virtual access.
- Anyone interested in attending the meeting, please email media@benchs.org by 3:00 on the day of the meeting. You will be sent a link to join the meeting.
