THE DOORS ARE OPEN AT

RIVERSIDE REGIONAL PET SHELTER!

1250 N. River Dr.

Mankato, MN  56001

Click here to see the many generous donors who made this posssible!

Where We are Now

In February 2010, BENCHS moved into a new 6,500-sq. ft. facility. The Riverside Regional Pet Shelter (RRPS) is home for 80 animals. Isolation wards, cat condos, zoned ventilation, and easy-to-maintain surfaces for better hygiene help to improve animal health.

The"green" building, designed by Paulsen Architects, utilizes the latest technology and is dedicated to creating a sustainable, environmentally-friendly facility that will minimize operating expenses and maintenance. The RRPS is the first building in southern Minnesota to be LEED Certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.)

The Capital Campaign

The campaign goal is to raise $1.2 million to complete construction, cover campaign costs, create an endowment fund to ensure the future of the shelter.

There's more to be done.

While the new shelter is open for the animals, it is far from complete. RRPS will move forward with individual projects as money becomes available through continued fundraising efforts.

Surgical/Veterinary Suite

A major priority is furnishing and staffing of a surgical/veterinary suite. Why do we need a special area for animal health care? While most preventative care is provided by shelter employees, sick and surgery patients are transported to veterinary clinics in Mankato and surrounding communities. In 2009, 42% of BENCHS' annual budget was spent on medical care. Health care capabilities on-site at the shelter means substantial cost savings and improved animal health.

Once a surgical suite is furnished, RRPS will employ a certified veterinary technician and a part-time veterinarian. Veterinary technicians are qualified to do animal treatments, administer vaccines and parasite preventatives, and draw blood samples for screening tests such as leukemia and heartworm. Technicians assist veterinarians with surgery and anesthesia, and they are trained in a wide array of skills, such as animal behavior, restraint, and grooming.

A veterinarian will initially work one day a week to perform surgeries, examine sick animals, prescribe treatments, and order pharmaceuticals and medical supplies. He or she will assist in developing shelter policy, set preventative and treatment protocols, and train staff on sanitation and preventative health measures.

Anticipated Expenses:

• Cabinets, sink & finishing
• Laboratory equipment - mircoscope, centrifuge, refrigerator, blood chemistry machine, refractometer, Readacrit
• Surgery - instrument stand, monitor, instruments, drapes, towels, oxygen, warming pads, utility cart
• Medical supplies - stethoscope, otoscope & opththalmoscope, thermometers, IV stand, electric clippers, bandaging materials, syringes, needles, suture
• Pharmaceuticals & vaccines
• Recovery cages

Wish List

Can you help? Click here for a list of additional items needed at the new Riverside Regional Pet Shelter. 

Campaign History

BENCHS received its first major gift from the estate of Shirley O'Grady, an animal lover and BENCHS supporter, which was used to purchase land on North River Drive in Mankato.

In spring of 2007, a task force began meeting to define the needs and best interests of the animals and our community.  In May, 2008, BENCHS received an anonymous gift of $240,000, which became a rocket booster for the capital campaign. Generous area companies also pledged large in-kind gifts.

Bricks and Pavers

Consider purchasing a brick or paver, which will be permanently placed in a decorative sidewalk or garden area leading up to the Riverside Regional Pet Shelter. This is a wonderful way to honor a special pet, friend, or family member.  Bricks and pavers will be engraved with state-of-the-art technology, guaranteed to last a lifetime. If it is in honor or memory of a pet, we can add a pawprint to your message.

• $500 for a 4x8 brick
• $1,000 for an 8x8 paver

Click here for the order form.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How did you come up with the new building plan?

A committee composed of community members evaluated pros and cons.  After a first draft, the plan was reviewed by people involved in animal care, including the director of the well-known Animal Ark shelter in Hastings, Minn. Shelter employees and volunteers also provided input.

Why don't you buy an existing building and remodel it?

Volunteers spent many hours searching and working with area commercial Realtors to find a building that could be retrofitted to meet the specifications of an animal shelter and zoning requirements. No appropriate properties were available.

Why does the shelter need a surgical suite?

In 2007 the shelter spent more than $56,000 on veterinary care. Hiring a veterinarian to come to the shelter one day a week to spay/neuter, vaccinate, and perform other procedures will significantly lower expenses.

What is a "green" building?

Increasing efficiency in the use of energy, water, and materials while reducing  impacts on environmental health are the main goals of "green" building design. Our building plan has the highest possible "green" rating, determined by six areas:  the building site, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, interior environmental quality, and innovation and design processes.