Crossroads Animal Shelter faces financial crisis
Crossroads Animal Shelter & Community Veterinary Clinic, a longtime lifeline for animals and pet owners across Wright County, is facing an unprecedented financial crisis that threatens its future.
For decades, Crossroads has been a trusted place where lost, abandoned, and surrendered animals could find safety and care. Now, the nonprofit itself is in need of rescue.
Shelter leaders say rising veterinary costs, declining donations, and reduced adoption rates have placed the organization in serious financial distress. Without immediate support, Crossroads may be forced to scale back services—or, in the worst case, close its doors.
“Crossroads has long been a trusted resource for animals and families in Wright County, but today we are facing an unprecedented financial crisis,” stated Dan Olson, a member of the shelter’s Board of Directors. “Rising costs, slowing adoptions, and a decline in donations have left the shelter surviving week to week.”
The shelter’s challenges are compounded by the increasing cost of food, medicine, and supplies. At the same time, more animals—many with medical needs—are arriving, while adoptions have slowed. The Community Veterinary Clinic continues to generate revenue, but it cannot cover the overall shortfall.
“These are heartbreaking times,” said Pam Haryn, Director of Operations. “We are committed to the animals, but without help, we will have to make decisions no one wants to make.”
Crossroads cares for hundreds of homeless cats and dogs each year. Along with adoption services, the organization operates the Community Veterinary Clinic, which provides affordable medical care for pet owners who might not otherwise be able to treat their animals. The shelter also runs a pet pantry to help families in financial hardship keep their pets at home.
In recent months, Crossroads has already reduced staff and limited intake - painful steps for an organization built on compassion. Now, it is turning to the community with an urgent plea for help.
How to Help
• Donations: Contributions can be made directly through the shelter’s website. Monthly sustaining memberships are especially helpful.
• Adoption and Fostering: Giving a pet a home helps reduce overcrowding.
• Supplies and Events: Donations of food and pet products are always needed, and residents can attend upcoming fundraisers to show support.
“Every dollar matters,” Haryn emphasized. “One gift can mean a meal, a vaccine, or a safe kennel. Together, we can save Crossroads and ensure animals in our community always have a place to turn.”
Donations can be made online at cross roadsshelter.org/how-you-can-help-us.
Adoption and Fundraising Event
To help bridge the financial gap, Crossroads will host Rescue. Ribs. Raffles. at Big Bore Barbecue Co. in Hanover (10940 4th St. NE) on Saturday, October 11, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
The event will feature a silent auction, raffle prizes, animal adoptions, a puppy kissing booth, pet pantry donation table, and family-friendly games.
Crossroads encourages community members to attend, spread the word, and help support a cause that has saved countless animals over the years.
This Holiday Season
Photos with Santa
Photos with Santa provides an opportunity to get pictures of your furry friends with Kris Kringle. These photos make great Christmas cards and are a fun way to commemorate the holiday season. Visit https://crossroadsshelter.org/get-involved for specific dates and times.
Holiday Giving Tree
The Crossroads Animal Shelter Giving Tree is dedicated to gathering in-kind donations for shelter animals. These donations play a crucial role in supporting the animals throughout the year. The Christmas Giving Tree will be located in the clinic and adoption lobby.
The wish list includes: NylaBones, Clay Cat Litter, Litter Boxes, Litter Scoops, Food Dishes, Clip Leashes, Collars, Slip Leads, Cat Toys, Dog Toys, Puzzle Toys, Slow Feed Bowls, Cat Beds, Retriever Rolls, Beef Hides, and any unused items.
