Christmas, Birthdays and even Valentine’s Day are great holidays to bring home a new family member with four legs and soft fur, but you don’t have to wait for a special holiday to bring a new pet into your life. At Circle of Friends Humane Society there are dogs, cats and even rabbits looking for a home. Thanks to the loving and hardworking staff at Circle of Friends these animals are rescued from unfortunate situations or unforeseen circumstances and nursed to health in hopes they can fill the missing piece for someone.

COF helped nearly 2500 animals last year alone, but it’s not without the help of the community. Circle of Friends Executive Director Lauralee Tupa says that they’re always accepting donations from the community including office and cleaning supplies and most importantly non-clumping kitty litter. Tupa and her staff ensure that the animals that come in do not stay long and find a loving home.

“We have a really great team, we have great volunteers which really help a lot,” Tupa said. “We have a pretty streamline process to help them with their vaccinations and microchips. Our length of stay is really low, so our dogs are here for about nine days and our cats are here for 30.”

In comparison to purchasing a pet from a breeder or pet store, the fees for adoption from COF are substantially less. According to Best Friends Animal Society, on average the cost to purchasing from a store or breeder is around $500-$1000, as for adoption fees for your furry friend from Circle of Friends the average in 2018 was $135. The fee includes up to date shots and spray/neuter.

Owning a pet is a long-term responsibility but many still want to make an impact. Circle of Friends offers a foster family program which places animals with additional medical needs, new born animals who have yet to receive their initial shots and pets who may need a change of scenery in a temporary home.

“With the foster care program we want a lot more people to be involved, anyone can apply but you must be 18 or older,” Foster care team member Bridget McCarthy said. “We look through the application; if you are approved we talk to you about the animals you feel comfortable with. The foster care team will never send an animal home with someone who didn’t feel comfortable with giving medications or administering fluids if that’s what they needed. We then have a conversation about your living situation and what kind of animals you currently have and then hopefully if all goes well we send you home with an animal.”

Whether it’s foster care, adoption or volunteering to be with the animals, you can make a difference in the life of these animals waiting to find a loving new home. Check out all the adoptable animals at www.cofpets.com , you can also meet the animals or drop off donations to help the Circle of Friends at 4375 N Washington St, Grand Forks, ND 58203.