IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS:
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.)
- Volunteers - At this time, we are slowly increasing the use of volunteers.
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.)
- Volunteers - At this time, we are slowly increasing the use of volunteers.
- DOG WALKING: The only dog walkers we are using are those who have been trained within the last year or so in the Dog Enrichment Program (DEP). If you have been trained and would like to start walking again, you need to email Andrew before starting.
- CAT CONDOS: We are looking for trained volunteers to return, as well as new volunteers interested in giving the cats and kittens love and attention while they clean the cats' living space called a cat condo. This happens every day, during the morning, beginning at 7:30 am. We ask that volunteers commit to cleaning on a weekly basis. Trained volunteers should email Andrew before starting. Anyone interested in being trained should email Sue to make arrangements for training.
- STAFF ASSISTANTS: Every day, we would like a volunteer to be in the shelter to help out as needed for a three hour shift. This could include: answering the door, sanitizing, laundry, sorting donations, animal care and socialization, cleaning, etc. Busy times are 12:00-4:00 daily and during adoption appointment hours (Thur./Fri. 3-7 pm and Sat./Sun. 2-6 pm). If you are interested, email Sue to make arrangements.
- GROUNDSKEEPING/GARDENING: There is always so much to be done outside. We are in need of someone with a rider lawn mower to mow the lawn on a regular basis for the remainder of the summer and fall. If you are interested in doing various outside work, please contact Sue to make arrangements.
- BUILDING MAINTENANCE: Our building is at the point in its lifespan in which many smaller maintenance needs arise on a regular basis. We need names of handymen/handywomen to put on a list to call when needs arise. Plumbing, painting, heavy work, carpentry, etc. If you can help us out with these types of jobs, please email Andrew and give him your contact information and what type of jobs you are able to do.
- FOSTER: We would like to build up our kitten foster list again. If you are interested in fostering kittens, please complete the foster application, found on the volunteer page.
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.
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 you must wear a mask.
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
Make Plans for Your Pets Now
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.
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:
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 you must wear a mask.
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
Make Plans for Your Pets Now
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.
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.
