About

MISSION STATEMENT: The Barren River Animal Welfare Association is a partnership of caring community members providing a safe haven for homeless companion animals. We provide animals in need with humane treatment and good homes while working to reduce the population of unwanted pets through spay/neuter programs, education, and outreach.

BRAWA is a non-profit organization founded in 1991 with the goal of building an animal shelter in Barren County. In July 1996, thanks to the hard work of volunteers and the generosity of individuals, businesses, and local government, the dream became a reality when the original building was completed. Fifteen years later the size of our building has tripled with a new adoption wing for dogs and puppies and spacious condos for cats, an on-site surgery, and a multipurpose room for humane education, obedience classes, and even birthday parties.

BRAWA is an Open Admission Shelter, we accept Barren County animals in need, regardless of their temperament, health, age or breed. Our animals are evaluated based on health, known history and temperament before being placed for adoption. We try to get to know our animals well and provide the enrichment and the playtime they need to stay happy.

Adoptable animals are held for as long as health, behavior and space permit. We have no standard set time for an adoptable animal to find a new home, and we try to keep an adoptable animal until we can find the right home.

We do not provide Animal Control services for Barren County but we do provide shelter and care for those animals brought to us by Animal Control. If you need a stray animal picked up or want to report animal neglect or abuse, please contact Animal Control directly at 270-629-2645.

BRAWA receives compensation from the city of Glasgow and from Barren County to run the shelter and care for animals. These funds represent less than one third of our operating budget, so we rely heavily on donations. The animals also desperately need the attention provided by our volunteers in order to stay mentally healthy.

Fundraising events such as Woofstock, Shake Your Paw Ball, BRAWA Bake Sale provide funds for animal care supplies including vaccines, dewormers, flea products and general care. Our events are crucial to our mission of providing care for animals and we welcome new members willing to pitch in and lend a hand. Our motto is, ‘Many hands make light work.” Our monthly meetings are held the third Thursday of every other month at 6:00 p.m. at the shelter, and we welcome all animal lovers to join our efforts.