RAPID CITY, S.D. — What started as a small group of local fosters has grown into a vital lifeline for cats across western South Dakota, as A Place for Meow Rescue continues working to meet an overwhelming need in the Black Hills.
Founded in 2022, the nonprofit was created by volunteers who had already been fostering and assisting other rescues when they recognized a growing gap in care. Many cats were being turned away simply because shelters and organizations were full, prompting the group to step in and create something more structured. Organizer Amy Elsner said they saw too many cats without help and knew becoming a nonprofit would allow them to do more for the community.
Today, the rescue operates as a foster based organization across western South Dakota, taking in cats from Rapid City and surrounding areas. That means there is no central shelter. Instead, cats are placed in homes with volunteers who provide daily care, socialization and a safe place to heal. Elsner said that model is often misunderstood, explaining they are not a drop off service for personal pets but a rescue focused on strays, feral colonies and cats with no other options.
The need is constant and often overwhelming. Elsner said one of the hardest parts is feeling like the work is never enough, sharing that while they spend countless hours getting cats healthy, treated and adopted, “one goes out, two come in,” and resources like space, time and funding are always stretched thin.
Despite that, the organization continues to take on difficult cases. Cats come in sick, injured or neglected, sometimes requiring extensive medical care before they are ready for adoption. One recent example is Brigid, a cat who underwent a leg amputation and is now recovering in foster care. Stories like hers reflect both the severity of cases the rescue takes on and the commitment to giving each animal a real chance at life. Elsner said seeing cats like Brigid heal and begin to thrive is what keeps volunteers going.
The rescue also works to reduce the root of the problem through trap, neuter and release efforts. Elsner urged the community to be part of that solution, saying, “Fix your cats. Don’t let unfixed cats outside, it just makes it harder for us,” adding that there are several low cost resources available locally, including programs through Twin City Animal Shelter, the West River Spay and Neuter Coalition and Operation Pets.
Elsner also noted the group carefully plans each intake before accepting a cat to ensure it can be properly cared for, which means responses may not always be immediate. Providing details like photos, vaccination history and background information helps the team respond more effectively.
To support their mission, A Place for Meow Rescue hosts events throughout the year, including their upcoming Kitten Shower on Saturday, April 18 at the Moose Lodge. The event will serve as both a fundraiser and supply drive, with items like kitten food, litter and milk replacement in high demand.
The rescue is also active in the community each week, bringing adoptable cats to Petco every Sunday from noon to 3 p.m., giving families a chance to meet them in person.
As part of an effort to connect more cats with homes, the Rapid City Post will begin featuring a weekly “A Place for Meow of the Week,” highlighting a cat currently in the rescue in hopes of finding them a furever family.
Even with growing community support, the need for fosters, volunteers and donations remains critical. Elsner said the rescue does not have funding to assist with veterinary bills for personally owned pets and relies entirely on donations and adoption fees to continue its work.
At its heart, the mission is about giving cats a second chance while reminding the community that prevention matters just as much as rescue. Each adoption opens the door to save another life, but lasting change comes when the cycle slows and more people step in to help.
For more information on how to adopt, foster, volunteer or donate, visit aplaceformeowrescue.org or find A Place for Meow Rescue on Facebook.
