Where and How We Operate
Where are you located?
We are located in Cohasset, Minnesota and have been operating since 2018 as we continue to grow and expand our services in Itasca County.
How are animals housed while in your care?
Great Tails Animal Rescue is primarily foster-based. Our animals live in volunteer foster homes where they receive daily care, socialization and support while waiting for adoption. Our facility in Cohasset, Minnesota helps expand our capacity and better serve the community.
How is Great Tails Animal Rescue funded?
We are funded through donations and grants. As a nonprofit animal rescue serving Itasca County, we rely on the generosity of individuals, businesses and community partners to continue providing medical care, foster support and adoption services.
What types of animals does Great Tails Animal Rescue take?
Great Tails Animal Rescue accepts cats, dogs and small domestic pets into our foster-based program in Itasca County, Minnesota.
We are insured to take certain exotic animals, including reptiles such as snakes and lizards. However, due to their specialized care needs, we often refer reptiles to a trusted local expert, Vicki's Reptile Lounge, who is well equipped to support them.
We are not insured to take livestock, farm animals or equine and therefore cannot accept those species into our care. If you are unsure whether your animal qualifies, please contact us directly.
Where do your adoptable pets come from?
Our adoptable dogs, cats and small pets come from owner surrenders, life transitions such as moving or housing changes, and animals brought to us by community members. We work to ensure each pet is placed in a safe, committed home prepared for lifelong care.
Do you live-trap or pick up stray animals?
Great Tails Animal Rescue does not operate as a municipal animal control facility and does not actively live-trap or pursue stray animals. If you have found a stray in Itasca County, we recommend contacting your local animal control or municipal resources first.
What happens if a stray is brought to Great Tails?
When a stray animal is brought to us, we scan for a microchip and make reasonable efforts to identify an owner. Each animal is then evaluated to determine whether we are able to safely and responsibly provide care within our foster-based program. Placement decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, considering medical needs, behavioral concerns and available resources.
Do you accept every animal that is brought to you?
We do our best to help as many animals as possible and work hard to find safe, appropriate homes for those in our care. However, as a foster-based animal rescue, we must carefully evaluate each situation to ensure we can responsibly meet the animal’s medical and behavioral needs.
In some cases, due to serious medical conditions or significant behavioral concerns, humane decisions may be necessary. The safety and well-being of our volunteers, foster families, adopters and the community are always top of mind in these decisions.