IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT:
Animal shelters are considered an essential service, so staff will be in the shelter on a daily basis caring for the animals.
- Adoptions can be made by appointment ONLY, following social distancing guidelines and credit card only. See Meet and Greet information here.
- We are taking in a very limited number of animals, again by appointment ONLY. See below for more information.
- Our food pantry is open. Just ring the doorbell at door #1. The best time to come would be from 12:00 to 4:00 pm, daily. (While supplies last.)
We are asking that everyone who comes to BENCHS follows the CDC guidelines - washing hands upon entry & frequently, staying home if you are symptomatic and wearing a mask.
If you would like to help right now, monetary donation are the best way to make a difference. You can make a gift by clicking the button below.
Animal shelters are considered an essential service, so staff will be in the shelter on a daily basis caring for the animals.
- Adoptions can be made by appointment ONLY, following social distancing guidelines and credit card only. See Meet and Greet information here.
- We are taking in a very limited number of animals, again by appointment ONLY. See below for more information.
- Our food pantry is open. Just ring the doorbell at door #1. The best time to come would be from 12:00 to 4:00 pm, daily. (While supplies last.)
We are asking that everyone who comes to BENCHS follows the CDC guidelines - washing hands upon entry & frequently, staying home if you are symptomatic and wearing a mask.
If you would like to help right now, monetary donation are the best way to make a difference. You can make a gift by clicking the button below.
BENCHS has made changes in daily operations in an attempt to lessen the negative impacts of the rapidly spreading COVID-19 (coronavirus). Our first priority is for the safety of the staff, community and animals in our care. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there is no evidence that pets can be infected by the coronavirus or spread the virus. And, we have been diligently cleaning the shelter with our animal safe disinfectant.
Pet owners:
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there is no evidence that pets can be infected by the coronavirus or spread the virus.
Here are some suggestions by Best Friends about how people with pets can remain safe during this time:
“Treat their bedding, leashes and collars, dishes and toys in the same way you are treating other surfaces in your home. Bleach can be used to disinfect these items as it is considered safe for pets and people at the ratio of 1/3 cup bleach per one gallon of water, or two tablespoons bleach per one quart of water.
It is also important to bathe your pet after they have been around other people at such places as the vet, dog parks, or walking trails.
Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection Recommendations from the CDC
As always, it is important that you have a plan for yourself as well as any pets.
Be sure to have enough food and any necessary medications for your pets for 2 weeks.
Find a family member or friend who will take care of your pets if you are unable to. Please do not overpopulate the shelters at this time.
Keep vaccinations up to date.
And, in case your pet gets loose, make sure your pet is wearing a collar with identification and is microchipped.
Foster
We currently have enough foster families available to take the animals at the shelter if we need them. Because it is kitten season, we are looking for a few more fosters who have had experience bottle feeding babies.
Animal Surrenders and Strays
During the COVID-19 pandemic, BENCHS will be reducing the number of animals we accept into the shelter as recommended by the National Animal Care Association (NACA). We need to focus on animals in immediate need (injured, abused, etc.).
We are suspending non-emergency owner surrenders, and encouraging owners who are ill to keep their pets at home whenever possible. To see if we are able to take in your surrender, call 507-625-6373 and someone will return your call to discuss the process, fees, and make an appointment for you to bring the animal into the shelter.
If you find a stray animal:
Pet owners:
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there is no evidence that pets can be infected by the coronavirus or spread the virus.
Here are some suggestions by Best Friends about how people with pets can remain safe during this time:
“Treat their bedding, leashes and collars, dishes and toys in the same way you are treating other surfaces in your home. Bleach can be used to disinfect these items as it is considered safe for pets and people at the ratio of 1/3 cup bleach per one gallon of water, or two tablespoons bleach per one quart of water.
It is also important to bathe your pet after they have been around other people at such places as the vet, dog parks, or walking trails.
Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection Recommendations from the CDC
As always, it is important that you have a plan for yourself as well as any pets.
Be sure to have enough food and any necessary medications for your pets for 2 weeks.
Find a family member or friend who will take care of your pets if you are unable to. Please do not overpopulate the shelters at this time.
Keep vaccinations up to date.
And, in case your pet gets loose, make sure your pet is wearing a collar with identification and is microchipped.
Foster
We currently have enough foster families available to take the animals at the shelter if we need them. Because it is kitten season, we are looking for a few more fosters who have had experience bottle feeding babies.
Animal Surrenders and Strays
During the COVID-19 pandemic, BENCHS will be reducing the number of animals we accept into the shelter as recommended by the National Animal Care Association (NACA). We need to focus on animals in immediate need (injured, abused, etc.).
We are suspending non-emergency owner surrenders, and encouraging owners who are ill to keep their pets at home whenever possible. To see if we are able to take in your surrender, call 507-625-6373 and someone will return your call to discuss the process, fees, and make an appointment for you to bring the animal into the shelter.
If you find a stray animal:
- Cats: If the cat appears healthy and is friendly, it likely belongs to someone nearby. We encourage you to leave it where you found it. Stray cats are very rarely reclaimed after they are brought to the shelter. You can take pictures and post on social media (Lost Cats MN, Craigslist, Petfinder, Nextdoor Pet Directory, Lost Pets Mankato, etc.). If the cat is not tame, we can put you in touch with our partner Trap-Neuter-Release program. At this time, BENCHS is only accepting stray cats on an emergency basis. Call 507-625-6373.
- Kittens: Kittens (under 8 weeks old) should be left in place and monitored for 8 hours to see if their momma returns. She could simply be out foraging for food. Their momma is their best chance for survival. If she doesn’t return, they could be orphaned. If you can’t foster them until they are 8 weeks old, see if you can find someone who will. BENCHS can get overrun with kittens and does not always have enough foster homes. We will help with information and supplies if needed. Email foster@benchs.org. At 8 weeks old, make sure they are spayed/neutered.
- Dogs: Check for identification, including taking the animal to a local vet to check for a microchip. Spread the word: go to houses in the vicinity, post on social media (Lost Dogs MN, Craigslist, Petfinder, Nextdoor Pet Directory, Lost Pets Mankato, etc.). If you are unable to find the owners, call 507-625-6373 and someone will return your call to discuss the process, fees, and make an appointment for you to bring the animal into the shelter.
