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 501 3(c) organization founded in 1991 with the goal of building an animal shelter in Barren County. In July of 1996, thanks to the hard work of volunteers and the generosity of individuals, businesses, and local government, the dream became a reality and the original building was then completed. Fifteen years later in 2011 the size of our building tripled with a new adoption wing for dogs & puppies, spacious condos for cats, an on-site surgery suite and a multipurpose room for humane education, obedience classes and meetings.
The BRAWA surgical suite was dedicated in the memory of Gayle Wilkinson after she passed away in November of 2023. Gayle was a loyal, dedicated employee and friend of BRAWA’s from 2007 to 2023. Her motto was, “When you love what you do, you never work a day in your life.”
BRAWA is an Open Admission Shelter, we accept Barren County animals in need as space permits. We have committed to saving all savable pets entering our care. We do not euthanize healthy or treatable pets. We only euthanize a pet if: a) there is no chance of an acceptable quality of life or b) it is clearly inhumane or unsafe not to do so immediately or c) in cases of extreme aggression ie: we have eliminated medical treatment solutions, rehabilitation has failed and/or staff and public safety cannot be reasonably assured.
We try to get to know our animals well and provide the enrichment and the playtime they need to stay happy and mentally healthy. 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 in 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 is a private entity but receives compensation from the city of Glasgow and from Barren County to help run the shelter and to offset the costs of care for the homeless animals of Barren County. These funds represent less than one fourth of our operating budget, so we rely heavily on donations and fundraisers to continue to do the work that we do.
Fundraising events such as Shake Your Paw Ball, The Derby Dog Festival and Plaza Band Tribute Events provide funds for animal care supplies including vaccines, de-wormers, 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”.