Bitty Kitty Brigade

The Bitty Kitty Brigade is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in the Twin Cities, Minnesota, and surrounding areas. It is dedicated to providing care for orphaned neonatal kittens and partnering with animal rescue organizations and impound facilities to improve survival rates within the neonatal kitten population.

Mission and Operations

The organization focuses on serving kittens aged 0-5 weeks who are not yet eating independently. It operates as a foster-based rescue, utilizing volunteer foster caregivers for all stages of care, including bottle-feeding and weaning. Kittens are kept in foster homes until they are 12 weeks old, at which point they are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and receive all age-appropriate vaccinations.

Community Engagement

The Bitty Kitty Brigade works closely with local communities through initiatives like its Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program, known as The Birth Control Brigade. This program aims to reduce the cycle of unwanted cats and kittens by humanely trapping, sterilizing, and returning community cats to their outdoor homes.

Funding and Leadership

The organization is funded entirely through donations and grants. It was founded in 2018 by Joan Barrett and Mandy Dwyer. The leadership includes Mandy Dwyer and Sam Jackson as part of the executive team, with Sam Jackson also serving as the Medical Director.

Nonprofit Status

As a 501(c)(3) organization, the Bitty Kitty Brigade relies on public support for its operations. It has earned a Star rating from Charity Navigator but details are limited due to its size and compliance with financial reporting expectations.