Grand Rapids Pit Bull Alliance (GRPBA) is dedicated to supporting pet owners and strengthening the human-animal bond through a variety of programs and resources. Our unique outreach approach focuses on breaking down barriers and building real relationships within our community to ensure everyone has the opportunity to experience the benefits of pet companionship.
Here are the services we currently offer or will be offering soon:
GRPBA Canine Training Classes for Low-Income Families
We provide free canine training classes specifically designed for low-income individuals and families. Our mission is to ensure that financial constraints never prevent loving pet parents from building strong, positive relationships with their dogs. These classes are offered on a limited basis as our certified professional dog trainer donates her time.
Program Overview: Through our program, you will learn how to understand your dog’s behavior, teach basic and advanced skills, address common behavioral challenges, and strengthen your bond.
Our Training Philosophy: We believe in training methods that build trust and confidence using positive reinforcement, fear-free techniques, and humane training methods. These methods are scientifically-backed and proven to create lasting changes.
What to Expect: This program is designed to help you as the pet parent, requiring your active involvement and consistent practice between sessions. Classes are typically small (2-3 dogs), allowing for personalized attention. You will receive step-by-step instruction, demonstrations, and take-home materials, with follow-up support available.
Eligibility Requirements: To qualify, participants must meet income guidelines (proof required), commit to all sessions, practice exercises, and have current dog vaccinations. Priority may be given to families at risk of surrendering pets due to behavior issues.
Important Note: Consistent attendance is expected. Missing a class without advance notification may result in removal from the program.
What to Bring: Soft treats, a 6-foot leash (no retractable, choke, prong, or shock collars), and a water bowl are required. A complete list will be provided upon enrollment.
Reactive Dogs: Please inform us of any reactivity issues during enrollment.
These classes are anticipated to be offered more frequently in the late summer, fall, and winter.
Spay and Neuter – Available Programs and Assistance
At Grand Rapids Pit Bull Alliance, we’re committed to making spay and neuter services accessible and affordable. Through partnerships with trusted organizations like the BISSELL Pet Foundation, we help families keep their pets healthy, reduce overpopulation, and build safer communities for pets and people alike.
Fix the Future – Spay and Neuter Clinic
Fix the Future is a spay and neuter clinic supported by the BISSELL Pet Foundation. This high-quality, low-cost program is available through Grand Rapids Pit Bull Alliance.
We organize specific transport dates to the clinic and manage all scheduling. These dates will be announced on our website and shared via our social media channels. If you’re interested in signing up, keep an eye out for posted opportunities or contact us directly for more information.
Pet Rehoming Program
When it comes to finding a new home for your animal, their best resource is you! GRPBA offers rehoming assistance to families who need to rehome their pets, where families keep their pets and are part of the process of finding a new home for their pet. Since you know all their preferences, habits, and routines, your insight can be incredibly helpful in finding them a great match. We provide resources and guidance along the way, and you would be re-homing directly but with our support throughout the entire process. Your pet can stay in the familiar environment of your home while you search for an adopter, rather than going to a stressful and often over-capacity animal shelter. While we recognize their importance in our community, Grand Rapids Pit Bull Alliance (GRPBA) understands that the animal shelter environment can be very stressful and not an ideal place for all animals. Our local West Michigan animal shelters also need to ensure they have space for stray animals, animals in protective custody, injured animals, and animal cruelty and neglect cases. Remember, as a community, we need to eliminate judgment on individuals who need to rehome their pet and instead be helpful and supportive with resources.
Available Resources
- Our program offers several ways to help you find the right home for your pet:
Online Rehoming Tools: You can use safe direct-to-adopter online platforms such as Rehome by Adopt a Pet. These platforms welcome all species that are legal to have as pets in Michigan. - Personal Support: You’ll work one-on-one with potential adopters to determine who is the best match for your animal. The adoption process remains in your hands, with GRPBA providing guidance and resources along the way. You know your pet best and are their best advocate and adoption counselor.
How It Works
- Contact GRPBA to learn more about our Supported Pet Rehoming program.
- Create your pet’s bio on Adopt-a-pet’s website.
- Submit your pet’s listing for review.
- Once approved, your listing will be visible to potential adopters.
- Connect with interested adopters to find the best match.
- Complete the adoption process with GRPBA’s support.
Quality Assurance
All listings are reviewed and approved by GRPBA volunteers to ensure the integrity of our platform and prevent misuse.
Important Notice
GRPBA is not responsible for the medical or behavioral condition of the animals listed, nor the outcomes of your conversations with potential adopters.
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you’re looking to rehome your pet or adopt a new companion, we’re here to help. Contact us to learn more about the GRPBA Supported Pet Rehoming program.
How to Safely Rehome Your Pet:
- Reach Out to Your Network: Connect with trusted friends, family, and neighbors who might be interested in adopting or know potential adopters.
- Leverage Online Resources: Share detailed posts on social media platforms and utilize dedicated rehoming websites like Adopt-a-Pet, Home-to-Home, or Find Benji. Include high-quality photos and information about your pet and ask your network to share your posts.
- Create a Complete Pet Profile: Document essential information including age, breed, weight, personality traits, medical history, dietary needs, activity level, cues they know, favorite activities, behavioral quirks, and compatibility with others. Be transparent about any behavioral or health challenges.
- Screen Potential Adopters: Arrange meet-and-greets, ask about their pet history and lifestyle, verify their ability to provide proper care, and trust your instincts.
- Support the Transition: Provide familiar items, remain available for questions, and consider a trial period before finalizing the adoption. Document the transfer of ownership in writing; rehoming platforms like Rehome by Adopt a Pet provide adoption materials.
- Key Considerations: Start the process soon, prioritize your pet’s well-being, and understand that adjustment periods are normal. Remember, taking time to find the right match is crucial.
Pet Food & Supply Bank
The Grand Rapids Pit Bull Alliance (GRPBA) operates a pet food bank to support the community. The pet food bank began as a mobile service operating out of a founding member’s basement with no permanent distribution location. From there, it moved to a storage unit and then to a donated space in a commercial building.
Since 2017, GRPBA has significantly expanded its reach and services. They now host monthly pet food distributions at two key locations:
- Lowell: First Congregational UCC, 865 Lincoln Lake Ave SE, Lowell, MI 49331
- Kentwood: GRPBA Pet Support Center, 1676 Viewpond Dr Kentwood MI 49508 (on select dates and also by appointment)
GRPBA also participates in the Eric Zanes Great Food Giveaway annually in December. Their commitment extends beyond these scheduled distributions through their Outreach Without Borders program, which supports pets of individuals experiencing housing insecurity or living unsheltered. GRPBA’s assistance is available for any legal companion animal, including dogs, cats, bunnies, guinea pigs, birds, and even fish. As community needs grow, GRPBA continually develops innovative ways to serve pet parents. Their move to a larger facility in 2025 promises exciting opportunities for expanding the pet food bank and services, strengthening community support, and keeping pets with their families.
Additional Low Cost Services
CSNIP
CSNIP (Community Spay Neuter Initiative Partnership) offers affordable spay and neuter services at clinic locations throughout West Michigan. They also offer low cost vaccines, dental, and a select number of soft tissue surgeries.
Fur Wellness
Fur Wellness offers preventive care—including vaccines, microchips, and more—at a reasonable price. They also offer low cost spay and neuter.
Need help getting started? Reach out to us directly for details on upcoming clinic dates, eligibility, and how we can help you and your pet through the process.
