“Rescue, nurture, adopt, and educate” are just a few of the values that Journey Home Animal Rescue possesses at its core. A non-profit based here in Grand Forks, Journey Home is one of the only no-kill shelters in the region that is dedicated to helping animals in need. 

According to their website, Journey Home is “built on a passion for helping animals and working together to make a better future for all.” The animal rescue is dedicated to finding foster homes for animals in the area, and this means there are tons of opportunities for community members to get involved, whether through donating or volunteering. 

Journey Home does not have a physical location, as their animals reside in the homes of fosters and volunteers. The rescue also partners with the local PetSmart to give their cats a home while they are not being fostered. Of course, this raises a couple of questions such as, what does volunteering for Journey Home look like? 

Volunteering for Journey Home is easy and accessible to community members, and especially to college students. Information to apply for volunteering is available on the Journey Home website. Once you are ready to volunteer and your application has been reviewed, you can schedule times to volunteer based on your schedule. Volunteers will arrive at an agreed-upon location in the Grand Forks area to meet the pets and work with them. One popular volunteer opportunity at Journey Home is dog-walking. Here is what a couple dog-walking volunteers have said about their experiences. 

UND Sophomore Madi Steele volunteered for the rescue for the first time this last month. “I loved volunteering with this rescue because I loved spending time with all the animals,” she said. Also, I can volunteer with my friends alongside me, making the experience even more fun.”  

Another UND student, Aubree Koering, also participates in the dog-walking volunteering program. “Volunteering with the animals does not feel like a chore,” she said. “They bring so much energy into my life and brighten my day. I would volunteer with them every day if I could, and I am so glad I got in contact with this animal rescue. I love everything they stand for, and I am so glad they gave me this volunteer opportunity.”  

The rescue also welcomes donations, and if you would like to give back to the rescue but are unable to volunteer, donating is a perfect way to do it. While they accept monetary donations and the chance to sponsor an animal is possible, the rescue also accepts supplies donations. Dog and cat food, toys, beds, and even paper towels are just a few items they accept to be donated to their rescue. More information regarding monetary donations and sponsorships can be found at journeyhomeanimalrescue.org.  

In conclusion, Journey Home Animal Rescue brings an inspiring light to the Grand Forks community as they commit themselves to their efforts to rescue, protect, and nurture both animals and families in need in the area. Journey Home is an emblem of hope and second chances, whether that means finding an animal a home, or gifting families with a lifelong companion. For any college students or community members who are looking for a fulfilling pastime, volunteering with Journey Home is a valuable opportunity that supports an even more valuable cause.  

Ava Stockstad is a Dakota Student General Reporter. She can be reached at [email protected].