Grand Rapids Pit Bull Alliance

In 2017, our four founders recognized two distinct needs within our Grand Rapids, MI Animal Welfare Community. This shortage of resources led to the vision of increased shelter support for local rescues and to the creation of an advocacy organization that would build a stigma-free future for pit bull type dogs. Thus was born, the Grand Rapids Pit Bull Alliance Our mission is to improve the quality of life for dogs susceptible to breed specific legislation through advocacy, outreach, education, and enrichment. We do not discriminate when it comes to supporting animals and pet owners and are committed to further providing our community with the barrier-free support and resources needed to ensure that all pets, no matter the species or breed, have a safe and loving home. We believe in Advocacy for dogs susceptible to breed specific legislation and discrimination in the community. Our goal is to break down the stigma often associated with these dogs by providing community members with education on legislation. Additionally, we advocate for the removal breed specific laws and ordinances, in favor of breed neutral animal control laws. Our organization further provides resources and assistance for families and individuals with pets, who are experiencing life changes due to financial hardships, health, housing instability, and dynamics in the home. With the help of a dedicated team of volunteers, GRPBA provides, monthly, mobile food and pet support assistance to pet owners throughout the community, regardless of their income. The work we do would not be possible without the support of other local animal welfare organizations and professionals and we are proud to also provide Shelter Support within Kent County. This assistance comes in the form of promoting adoptions, fostering, creating enrichment programs and fundraising. In addition to educating our community on responsible pet ownership, we aim to bring knowledge to our neighbors about Animal Control practices in an effort to dispel the common myths about animal shelters and the services they provide. In the Spring of 2020 GRPBA launched a new initiative to assist community members facing life transitions and changes, by providing long-term and short-term fostering, adoption oversight, and assistance with re-homing pets.