Since 1993, Grand County Animal Shelter has offered a safe haven for pets that are temporarily lost or homeless. The volunteer-run Grand County Pet Pals is the supportive arm of the shelter.

For over 30 years, the shelter has helped not only dogs and cats, but also snakes, goats, alpacas, rabbits and other furry friends. In 2023, more than 230 animals were taken in and cared for at the animal shelter.

Pet Pals aims to support the shelter by giving food, medical care and training to animals waiting for their forever homes. The nonprofit also hosts educational events, takes care of the Bark Park dog park in Granby, and offers a spay and neutering program.

---

---

The nonprofit also steps up during community crises, such as the East Troublesome Fire in 2020, when Pet Pals housed or found temporary homes for more than 80 pets displaced by the fire.

Community members find enrichment and even therapeutic benefits by volunteering at the shelter. Events such as pet portrait days, library visits and the Doggy Dash allow community members to show their love for animals while they support the nonprofit.

---

---

In 2024, Pet Pals won Best Nonprofit Project and Best Nonprofit in the annual Best of Grand contest. 

“Grand County Pet Pals loves our community and are so appreciative of everybody who voted for us,” said Mary Ann Kerstiens, who is a Pet Pals board member and works for animal control. “It means so much to us … because it shows that our community loves what we do for the animals, and they stand behind our mission.” 

Grand County animals will likely have a new home in 2026

The lease that the animal shelter is operating under will expire in December 2025. Since 2023, Pet Pals has been hard at work fundraising and searching for a new home for the shelter.

Pet Pals announced in August that a possible new shelter location has been selected. Animals waiting for their forever homes could live in Granby near Kaibab Park, between the ballfields and overpass. The land is owned by the town of Granby, which approved a contract to sell the land for $144,044.

Now, there is a lot of work to do, and the nonprofit is accepting donations to help the shelter become a reality. 

Community members can donate by visiting GCPetPals.org/partner or by mailing a check to P.O. Box 1972, Granby, CO 80446. And volunteers can help keep pets happy and active by walking, training and socializing them. There are also options to foster pets or to help out at Pet Pals fundraising events.