Blue Earth Nicollet County Humane Society

POLICIES

Animals are welcome to stay at the BENCHS shelter for as long as it takes to find an appropriate new guardian. The Blue Earth Nicollet County Humane Society does not euthanize animals except in unavoidable circumstances such as critical injury, illness, or severe behavior problems.

All animals are spayed or neutered before leaving the shelter. BENCHS is proud to provide low- or no-cost spay/neuter for low income families. If the animal is too young at the time of adoption, the adopter receives a voucher to obtain these services at the appropriate time.

BENCHS uses New Leash on Life Training to give troubled dogs a chance to develop discipline and become more adoptable.

In order to adopt an animal from BENCHS, you must agree to the following conditions:

The animal will be cared for in a responsible, loving manner.
BENCHS makes no claims or representations as to the behavior or temperament of animals available for adoption - in many cases, we do not know their past history.
BENCHS will not be held liable for the actions of the adopted animal.

You have one week to return an animal for a refund if it is not compatible with your family and/or other pets. After one week, a $50 surrender fee applies.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I surrender my pet if I can't keep it?
At BENCHS, our ability to take dogs and cats directly from the public changes constantly. It depends on our available space, our current population, the number of animals we receive from the city's impound, and how quickly the animals already here are finding homes. If possible, call the shelter first at 507-625-6373. If we cannot accept the animal immediately due to space constraints, we may be able to place it in a temporary foster home until it can come to the shelter. There is a $50 surrender fee when placing your animal into the care and services of BENCHS.

Is BENCHS a no-kill shelter?
BENCHS finds a home for all adoptable cats and dogs - animals that are healthy and free of serious behavior problems. In addition, each year we save thousands of dogs and cats that need medical or behavioral treatment before they're ready for adoption. Animals are euthanized only if they are too sick to be rehabilitated, or too aggressive to be safely placed in a home.

Are all humane societies related?
No. There is no national headquarters for humane societies, and each local shelter or SPCA in the United States is a separate, independent organization. BENCHS is not affiliated with any national animal rights, humane or animal welfare organization.

Don't the cities and counties support BENCHS?
No, BENCHS relies solely on memberships, donations, estate bequests, and fund-raising events.

Can I board my pet at BENCHS?
No, BENCHS is not a boarding facility.

What should I do if I've lost a pet or found a pet?
If you've lost a pet, first search your neighborhood. Go door to door and talk to your neighbors. Search in the evening, when it's quiet. Call or whistle. If your pet is injured or frightened, he may be hiding. Drive around the neighborhood; a dog will sometimes recognize the sound of your car. Put up posters and distribute flyers with a photo and description of your pet. Don't include every detail about your pet; hold back a distinctive feature or trait. That way, if someone calls claiming to have found your pet, you can determine if they are legitimate by asking about a feature that only someone who actually has your pet would know.

Go to the City of Mankato's website and look at the photos of animals to see if your pet has been impounded. Owners who find their pets on-line at www.ci.mankato.mn.us/safety/lostpets/ can claim them by calling 507-387-8590 or e-mailing lostpets@city.mankato.mn.us to schedule a pick-up appointment.

If you've found a pet, call 911 or take it to law enforcement.

Mankato:

North Mankato:

How do I report abuse or neglect?
Contact the Minnesota Federated Humane Society, which conducts humane investigations, toll-free at 877-826-4625, or call local law enforcement. If you see an animal in immediate danger, call 911.

What are the shelter requirements for outdoor animals?

Read the Minnesota Statutes.

What should I do if I find injured wildlife?
Contact the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) at 507-389-6713. BENCHS cannot take in wild animals.

rrps@hickorytech.net

Why do some cats have to be kept "indoors only?"
There are several reasons. Cats with white or pink noses or ears are very susceptible to skin cancer and sun damage. Declawed cats must be kept inside because they have no way of defending themselves if confronted by another animal. FIV-positive cats must be kept indoors so they can't infect other cats. Some cats simply have always been indoor cats, and we feel they should remain so.

What about feral cats?
BENCHS cannot take in feral cats or offer them for adoption. Generally, they are unsocialized, elusive, and do not trust humans.

E-mail BENCHS at: rrps@hickorytech.net