written by Danielle Tietjen
One of the main goals of highlighting local businesses here in the Camden News is to ensure that we as a community are engaged and supporting these places to keep them here. Many of these small businesses are owned by Northsiders who want to provide resources for the community – and that means spending our time and money here keeps the money local, using our limited dollars to support our neighbors.
This month, I wanna talk about the North Minneapolis Pet Resource Center. For many years they were located on 44th Ave near North Market, but have recently moved to 2825 N 2nd St. If you haven’t been yet, go and check it out. The space is huge, warm and welcoming! I got to sit down with Shannon Glenn, the Executive Director, and hear all about the advocacy and equity work they do. And let me tell you, they are a quiet little business that does huge impact work.
I knew that the North Minneapolis Pet Resource Center was a valuable source for providing food and supplies to pet owners, eliminating financial barriers for families to keep their pets. What I didn’t realize was how much advocacy and legislation work they have done to keep families and pets together. Their website, mypitbullisfamily.org created a national registry for landlords and families to find housing options, and end housing and insurance discrimination. Many rentals don’t allow pets, and if they do, they don’t allow pit bulls, or there is a weight restriction. They work to expand those options and help landlords break down barriers to open up more housing options for families with pets. If you are looking for rental property and have a pet, make sure to check out the registry on their website.
They also serve on the front line of pet safety by being families’ last line of defense in keeping pets with their owners. Roughly 98% of the clients who use the Resource Center have been able to keep their pets due to the resources and services of this Northside business.
North Minneapolis Resource Center is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5-8 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., with special clinics held once a month on Sundays. They provide pet food, toys and tools free to their clients. They also provide minor vet services at their monthly clinic. What makes this business so special is there is not an income requirement or zip code restriction. They are here to serve all people who are struggling to keep their pets to ensure that families can stay together. Choosing to have their business on the Northside is their way of striving for deep accessibility for their neighbors.
Due to their deep value of equity and accessibility, they have moved to a larger space (pictured) to allow them to serve the community on a larger scale, host events in their cool space, and dream up more ways they can partner with other Northside services, events and businesses to serve the community. They moved from a 1500 sq ft building to a warehouse that is 15,000 sq ft of neighborhood-focused space. Currently the Center is giving away 30,000 lbs of food and litter per month. The old location? Shannon told me they are hoping to open a local thrift store named “Wilbur’s Wares” where all proceeds go to support the Pet Resource Center! Another business that will also return its funding back into the community!
Running a community-based business that is rooted in neighborhood care requires support from all directions. The Center does receive donations from big box stores like Petsmart, Petco, Costco, Pet Supplies Plus, Chuck & Don’s, Chewy, Bone Marche, Urban Tails and many others, small $5-$10 donations from community members, and grants when they can find them. As money tightens up and folks have less waste, it is important to consider where we put our time and money.
If you are in need of pet care, please consider utilizing this incredible place. If you are looking to support a local business, please consider the following: Volunteer at the North Minneapolis Pet Resource Center or thrift store; host a pet food drive; donate any amount on their website, rent the space and host your next event there; participate in their makers market; shop at their thrift store; take your pet to the Center; if a beloved pet in your life passes away, donate their supplies to the Center; follow them on Facebook and Instagram to know what they are up to; tell your friends about them; and if you know of funding opportunities, share them with Shannon thru the website.
I feel so proud to have such an incredible business/resource here on the Northside. One that is rooted in lifting up and serving our community. Full stop. The whole time I was sitting and chatting with Shannon about this project, her life passion, you could feel her heart and commitment to equity, accessibility and liberation for people and families. She is hustling all day every day to maximize revenues, break down barriers, create community space, leverage every avenue they have for connection and care. For example, they are looking at purchasing a vet clinic in Crystal that will be a full-service clinic with their values and priorities for those who can’t traditionally afford it. This is a Northside gem, a deeply needed service run by neighbors rooted in ensuring there is space and resources for all. Don’t take my word for it, it’s right there on their website, mypitbullisfamily.org/nmprc.
Their website states, “The mission of North Minneapolis Pet Resource Center is focused on keeping families and their pets together. At North Minneapolis Pet Resource Center we believe that access to pet food and supplies should not prevent someone from having the companionship of a pet. Our program supports community members experiencing financial stress without income or residency requirements and our team of community based volunteers are able to supply our neighbors with pet food, supplies and resources.”