It all began many years ago when our founder, Barbara Pingree, worked at the animal hospital where Greece Animal Control rents space. During this time she watched animals coming in through animal control being routinely put down if they were not claimed by their owners. Working on her own, she managed to find homes for some, took some home with her, and transported some to Lollypop Farm, crying as she left because she would never know what their fate would be.

Before long, the groomer at the same animal hospital saw what she was doing and joined in to help. The groomer told some friends. In those early days there were only five women, and their husbands, working together to find homes for the animals and raise funds. It was not easy, but the group was dedicated and they kept going. Eventually, more people joined the cause and on February 16, 1996, Greece Residents Assisting Stray Pets Incorporated was born! In February 1997 the group received its 501C3 non-profit status.

Today we are know as GRASP Animal Rescue and save precious, innocent lives throughout the entire Greater Rochester Area. Our volunteers, fosters and adopters are from Monroe and all surrounding counties. In 2024 we saved over 500 lives, over 3,000 in the last five years, and countless thousands more since our founding.