Blue Earth Nicollet County Humane Society

BENCHS

Protect  Rescue  Adopt  Repeat

BENCHS has undergone a remarkable transformation since December 2024. With a new Executive Director, Shelter Manager, and
revitalized Board of Directors, we’ve rebuilt leadership, restored stability, and reconnected with our community. Phones are being answered personally, relationships have been mended, and communication is transparent through weekly updates and a refreshed newsletter and website. A thoughtful business plan, balanced budget, and improved cash flow monitoring are now in place, along with a growing monthly donor program to support long-term sustainability.

Most importantly, our mission remains at the heart of everything we do. We continue to provide high-quality care to every animal, making thoughtful adoption matches without shortcuts. Our volunteer program is coming back strong, and we’re collaborating closely with other southern Minnesota rescues to share resources and best practices.  

Thanks to your support, BENCHS is not only standing strong—we’re thriving, and building a future where every animal has a chance at a loving home.

Animals come to us via a number of ways. We have taken in desperate animals from hoarding situations and accept pets whose owners need to surrender them for a variety of reasons. 

Operations costs continue to rise. Every single animal in our care costs BENCHS a minimum of $35 per day with staff hours, cleaning supplies, medical care, food, etc. BENCHS truly relies on the generosity of donors like you to keep our doors open. BENCHS is committed to never turning down an animal in need, and your donation dollars allow us to fulfill that promise. 

Give to the Max has been transformational for us throughout the years. This year, we ask each of you to dig a little deeper and help us reach our goal of $80,000. Whether you donate $5 or $5,000, know that every single dollar goes toward ensuring that the cats and dogs within our communities have a safe place to land. 

Your Help = Their Hope!

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Blue Earth Nicollet County Humane Society (BENCHS)

Who We Are: The Blue Earth Nicollet County Humane Society (BENCHS) is a local, independent 501(c)(3) animal rescue nonprofit in Mankato, Minnesota. BENCHS was established in 1969 and opened its doors on North River Drive in 2010. Each year, BENCHS cares for hundreds of cats and dogs with the goal of returning the lost to their owners and finding the homeless loving homes. 

Our Mission: BENCHS is a nonprofit organization dedicated to finding loving furever homes for homeless cats and dogs, using spay/neuter programs to reduce the number of unwanted pets, and reuniting lost animals with their owners. We are proudly designated as a No-Kill Shelter. 

Our Initiatives:

• Rescuing and Rehoming: Every day, we rescue abandoned, neglected, and abused animals, giving them a second chance at a happy life. Through August of 2025, we have coordinated 365 adoptions for 252 cats and 113 dogs. Intakes, including strays and owner surrenders are at 486 through August - 340 cats and 146 dogs. 
• Rehabilitation: BENCHS has daily enrichment programs for both dogs and cats that provides mental and physical stimulation essential to their wellbeing. Volunteers and staff provide daily exercise and socialization to help ensure that pets are as well-adjusted to home life as possible. 
• Medical Care: Without an in-house vet, we remain committed to providing the best medical care possible to our animals. All of our pets are vetted, spayed/neutered, and microchipped. Your generosity helps us cover the costs of surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation to nurse these animals back to health, ensuring they receive the medical attention they so desperately need.
• Community Outreach: BENCHS is not just a shelter; we're a resource for the community. We offer a Food Share Program where local residents can obtain free dog and cat food two times each month. We also connect pet parents with resources to ensure pets can stay in their homes.