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 answered personally, relationships are being repaired, 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 that strengthens 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 regaining strength, and we are collaborating closely with other southern Minnesota rescues to share resources and best practices.

Thanks to the work of our tremendous staff and your support, BENCHS is now not only standing strong—we’re thriving and building a future where cats and dogs have a chance at a loving home. As space allows, we welcome “friendly” community cats, urgent surrenders, and impounded dogs from Mankato, North Mankato, and other area impounds. When our shelter is full, we act as a resource navigator, helping connect animals with the best possible care.

BENCHS is committed to creating a positive environment for our staff, volunteers, and the pets entrusted to us. While operating costs continue to rise, we are carefully managing resources, reducing expenses where possible, and bringing back popular community events and fundraisers. Our goal is to enter the 2026 fiscal year with a balanced or positive budget. After starting 2025 significantly behind, we are determined to avoid dipping into reserves going forward. BENCHS truly relies on the generosity of donors like you to keep our doors open. Ask yourself: “Where would this community be without BENCHS as a resource?” In 2024, that was almost a reality.

Give to the Max has been transformational for BENCHS. This year, our goal is to raise $80,000. Whether you give $5 or $5,000, every dollar ensures that cats and dogs in our community have a safe place to land—and a chance at the future they deserve.

Your Help = Their Hope!

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Blue Earth Nicollet County Humane Society (BENCHS)

Who We Are: BENCHS is a local, independent 501(c)(3) animal rescue nonprofit in Mankato, Minnesota. Established in 1974, we opened our current North River Drive location in 2010. Each year, BENCHS cares for hundreds of cats and dogs with the goal of finding every homeless pet a loving home. We are proud to be designated as a No-Kill Shelter.

Our Initiatives: 

• Rescuing and Rehoming: Every day we rescue lost, abandoned, neglected, and abused animals, giving them a second chance at a happy life. Through August 2025, BENCHS has coordinated 365 adoptions—252 cats and 113 dogs. During the same period, we have taken in 486 animals, including strays and owner surrenders (340 cats and 146 dogs).
• Rehabilitation: We provide daily enrichment programs for both dogs and cats that offer the mental and physical stimulation essential to their well-being. Volunteers and staff ensure pets receive exercise, socialization, and care to help them adjust successfully to home life.
• Medical Care: Every animal is vetted, spayed/neutered, and microchipped. Your generosity helps cover the costs of surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation, providing the medical attention each pet needs to heal and thrive.
• Community Outreach: BENCHS is more than a shelter, we’re a resource for the community. Our Food Share Program supports pet owners facing temporary hardship, offering free dog and cat food twice each month as supplies allow. We also connect families with resources to help pets remain in their homes.

The donations from Give to the Max Day have been life-changing for the animals at BENCHS over the years. Please help us to raise $80,000 so the animals that come through our doors have a safe place to rest, a second chance at love, and the future they deserve. No gift is too small, every dollar brings hope to an animal in need.