My name is Elsa!

All potential adopters must complete our adoption application and be approved before being able to adopt. Our adoption application and process helps ensure each animal is adopted by the right family. No same day adoptions are permitted. All humans and dogs in the household must meet the new dog before the adoption can be approved, and dog-to-dog meetings are by appointment only.

The general adoption fee is $200+Tax for dogs, $300+Tax for puppies under a year old, $85+Tax for cats, and $115+Tax for kittens under a year old. If an animal is not spayed or neutered prior to adoption, there is an additional fee of $75 per dog, and $50 per cat, which is refundable with your proof of spay/neuter if completed within six months of adoption. If an animal is intact when adopted, Great River Rescue is NOT responsible for any future costs of medical treatment or spay/neuter surgery.

We are located in Bemidji, Minnesota. Our regular hours of operation are Tuesday - Friday from 12:30 pm to 5:30 pm and Saturdays from 12:30 to 4:30 pm, with some occasional closings on Tuesdays: after every Pet Fixers Clinic Weekend and after holidays that fall on a Monday.

Appointments are preferred and given priority over walk-ins. Please make an appointment through the Book Now link on our website https://www.greatriverrescue.com/

Great River Rescue is a private, no-kill, 501(c)3 non-profit organization supported by our community, serving cats and dogs. We provide quality care for each animal, including shelter and food, medical care through local veterinarians, necessary shelter vaccinations, preventative care, microchipping, spay/neuter when possible, training through our Mod Squad, and much individualized personal attention, with a goal to find a suitable home with responsible pet owners for each animal. Great River Rescue relies on our incredible volunteers for animal enrichment and exercise, as well as for our extensive network of foster families.

Our Mission:
Great River Rescue transitions dogs and cats to loving homes, serves as a community resource, and advocates for kind, responsible pet care.

Our Vision:
Great River Rescue envisions a society of responsible animal guardians in which every animal is treated with respect and care.

Our Values:
Care, compassion and empathy for animals and people.
Accountability to high standards of professional and ethical behavior.
Respect and kindness with every decision and interaction.

Great River Rescue holds Pet Fixers Low-Cost Spay and Neuter Clinics once a month March-November, operating on an average of 80 animals every month.

We provide pet food up to three times a year to those who are unable to afford it.

We work with area agencies providing short-term care for pets of those in temporary need, such as for medical reasons.

Donated items can be dropped off in the entryway 8-12:30 on days we are open, or brought into the shelter during open hours.