Grand Rapids Pit Bull Alliance Services
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.
Veterinary Resources
Grand Rapids Pit Bull Alliance understands that accessing affordable veterinary care can be challenging. We aim to connect pet owners with resources to ensure their pets receive the care they need.
Emergency Veterinary Clinics: If your pet has a medical emergency, please contact one of the local 24/7 clinics listed.
Financial Assistance for Emergency Care: We know emergency vet care can be costly. We can connect you with organizations that may offer financial assistance.
These include Care Credit, Scratch Pay, RedRover Relief, The Pet Fund, and Waggle.
GRPBA Limited Financial Assistance: We may have limited funding options available for urgent, life-threatening veterinary cases. Eligibility is determined case-by-case and requires applying and being denied by Care Credit and Scratch Pay first. Consistent communication and providing necessary information will be required if assistance is provided, and recipients may be asked to volunteer. Please note that GRPBA may put a hold on veterinary assistance when funds are low.
Benefits of Spay/Neuter
Spaying and neutering offer numerous health, behavioral, and community benefits for dogs, significantly improving their quality of life and preventing pet overpopulation.
Health Benefits: Includes prevention of certain cancers, reproductive infections, and hormone-related issues, potentially increasing lifespan.
Behavioral Benefits: Can reduce roaming, problematic behaviors like territorial marking and mounting, and improve focus during training.
Overpopulation and Community Benefits: Prevents unwanted litters, reduces shelter burden, and offers community cost savings.
Pet Rehoming Program
When it comes to finding a new home for your animal, their best resource is you!. Since you know all their preferences, habits, and routines, your insight can be incredibly helpful in finding them a great match. 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. 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. 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. We provide resources and guidance along the way, and you would be re-homing directly but with our support throughout the entire process. 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. - GRPBA Listing Page: We’ve created a dedicated page where families can list their pets for adoption. This same page serves as a resource for potential adopters to find their next companion.
- 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.
- 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, 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.
Financial Donations
Grand Rapids Pit Bull Alliance is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization, so your donation is tax-deductible. Their Tax ID # is 82-2804197. You can donate via:
- Venmo: @grpbaforpets
- PayPal: grpitbullalliance@gmail.com
- Check: Made out to Grand Rapids Pit Bull Alliance and mailed to 1239 Hall St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Host a Donation Drive
Interested in hosting a donation bin or organizing a donation drive for GRPBA? Please contact them at grpitbullalliance@gmail.com.
Donations of Food & Supplies
GRPBA is always seeking donations of the following items:
- Dry dog food
- Dry cat food
- Canned dog & cat food
- Dog & cat treats
- Dog & cat toys
- Leashes
- Collars
- Harnesses
- Pet beds
- Crates
- Flea & Tick prevention
- New or gently used igloo or plastic style dog houses
Gently used items are accepted. Opened bags of pet food are also accepted but must be taped up in the original packaging, and the UPC, Lot #, and Ingredients are required.
Donations can be dropped off at the following Grand Rapids area locations:
- Your Pets Naturally – 6439 28th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
- Broad Leaf Brewery & Spirits – 2885 Lake Eastbrook Blvd SE, Kentwood, MI 49512
- Fido & Stitch Grand Rapids – 820 Monroe Ave NW #140, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
- Global Infusion – 143 Diamond Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
- Cascade Hospital for Animals – 6730 Cascade Rd SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
- Breton Village Animal Clinic – 2496 Burton St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
- Red Barn Veterinary Clinic – 6421 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49458
- Chow Hound Pet Supplies (Standale location only) – 4482 Lake Michigan Dr Suite C, Walker, MI 49534
Donations can also be dropped off at these other area locations:
- Ada Hospital For Animals (Ada Area) – 1770 Grand River Dr NE, Ada, MI 49301
- Fish & Finn Outfitters and Consignment (Lowell Area) – 98 E Main St, Lowell, MI 49331
- First Congregational UCC of Lowell (Lowell Area) – 865 Lincoln Lake Ave SE, Lowell, MI 49331
- Arrow Veterinary Clinic (Lowell Area) – 11250 Fulton St E, Lowell, MI 49331
- B.C. Pizza Lowell (Lowell Area) – 1335 W Main St, Lowell, MI 49331
You can also drop off donations at the GRPBA Pet Support Center; please email in advance to grpitbullalliance@gmail.com to set up a time to meet.
