Michigan Humane Society Encourages Responsible Pet Adoptions This Holiday Season

With cold weather upon us, the Michigan Humane Society's rescue team is working hard to make sure dogs, cats, and other animals are safe this winter.

"Unfortunately, the holiday season corresponds with when the weather gets cold and that's when our cruelty investigators and rescue team are out there the most," said the non-profit's public relations coordinator, Kevin Hatman. "It's when we get the most calls about animals being kept outside in the cold."

The Michigan Humane Society, which generates $12 million in annual revenue to help Southeast Michigan's furry friends, responds to about 8,000 cruelty investigation calls per year. The organization also operates veterinary clinics and three adoption centers in Detroit, Rochester Hills and Westland. Its Detroit adoption center and clinic is the "busiest animal facility in the state of Michigan," according to Hatman.

The rescue team and adoption centers are always busy this time of year, but Michigan's poor economy has heavily impacted animal surrenders. Still, Hatman says the Humane Society is seeing a decline in the number of animal intakes compared to the past few years.

"Our intakes are declining and we're happy about that -- people aren't surrendering the number of animals as a couple of years ago," Hatman said. "But the number of people saying the economy is a factor is going up. We're getting a higher percentage of people who say, 'I just can't afford it.'"

The Michigan Humane Society is encouraging giving this season and using the holidays to promote its cause -- holding "pictures with Santa" events for pet owners and their companions at PetSmart stores this month. Half the purchase price of a picture with Santa and Fido will go to benefit the Humane Society's work. Humane Society pets that are up for adoption will also be at the events.

And it might be tempting to adopt a pet and give it as a holiday present. But while the Humane Society encourages adoptions year-round, they say to be cautious when giving pets as holiday gifts.

"A lot of people do come in looking to give pets as gifts, but that's not something that we generally recommend unless people come in with the person and know exactly what pet they're going to have," Hatman explained. "They need a chance to meet the pet first and understand the commitment involved."

He said adopters should understand that giving cute kitty or dog with a satin bow is "really giving a 12 to 15 -- as many as 20 year -- commitment."

"It's imperative that if a pet is going to be given as a gift, you want them to be involved in the decision," he added. "You don't want to provide a pet that doesn't fit they're lifestyle needs."

Instead, Hatman suggests giving a stater kit of pet supplies, or a gift certificate redeemable for one Humane Society adoption. "Why not give a note" -- an IOU -- "that says we're going go to the Humane Society after the holidays and actually check out which pet would perfect."

That perfect pet might be one of these dogs or cats currently available for adoption at the Michigan Humane Society's Detroit Center for Animal Care. The shelter also has bunnies, hamsters and other small pets up for adoption.

Comments

[factsnotfeelings]

02:24 PM on 01/12/2012

I just tried to adopt a dog from the humane society in Knoxville tn and they refused since I said it could be outside after winter. We have over an acre, cedar fencing, 12x18 barn with dogloos and cedar bedding inside accessible via dog flapper door. My 17 yr old Aussie died last month after a long cushy life with our family, his sister, and 7yr old beagle. We know the other 17 yr old will go soon so we wanted to add a buddy now so the beagle doesnt get depressed from losing his k9 playmates. They claim their policy is to only adopt to inside homes rather than inside/outside. This seems cruel and counter to the mission of the humane society.

[Garrett Burke]

10:42 AM on 01/10/2012

Keep This Going & Re-post! I know you want to help the Puppies. Who can say no to puppies....

http://garrettburkeentertainment.com/michigan-humane-society-benefit-entertainment/page%201286

[Barkeyvonpoodle]

12:56 PM on 12/21/2011

Michigan Humane Society KILLS 70% of their animals: http://www.michiganpetfund.org/userfiles/file/Final%20Save%20Rate%20Report(1).pdf

[karen lyons kalmenson]

12:44 PM on 12/12/2011

pets are the gift that keeps giving, but should not be given to anyone who does not fully comprehend what pet parenting entails, or our overcrowded shelters will be bursting at the seams, and we all know how that turns out:(

here is the link to my new ebook, about dogs, but this book will not chew up anyones carpet and end up in a kill shelter.

http://www.scribd.com/doc/75285555/Dogs-of-my-Heart

[dbrett480]

07:01 PM on 12/11/2011

I'm surprised the humane society is encouraging this. Pets are not simple toys that can be given as gifts. They require a lot of responsibility and work. Puppies are always cute on Christmas, but will they still be wanted a year later?

[Angie Daniels]

03:28 AM on 12/10/2011

I am disappointed that they chose to only show puppies. My rescue was 2 or so (years). People new to dog ownership should consider an adult/older dog. They are more likely to be put down AND they are more likely to be calmer. Not to mention it's nice to not be surprised about size. The puppies that were mastiff/lab mixes will be HUGE. Those are dogs likely to be returned to the shelter once the "cuteness" wears off and a giant dog is chewing your stuff up. A 2+ years old dog is done with that stage. And an older dog IS TRAINABLE!

[Angie Daniels]

03:18 AM on 12/10/2011

part of why my rescued pooch and I finally bit the bullet and got rid of roommates is because the last one decided my spoiled cocker/border collie mix (who doesn't even like her doggy bed because mommy's bed and futon are BETTER) should be an "outside" dog because the ex roommate didn't like black fur.
Voila, we have a new home.

Please consider rescues, best dogs EVER.

[MB1East]

08:28 PM on 12/09/2011

I just adopted a dog from the local rescue shelter. It's a no kill shelter, and the dog had been there for over two years. Sweet as can be, especially given his long stay there. Thrilled to have him home with me. He will be spoiled! :)

[Angie Daniels]

03:19 AM on 12/10/2011

Thanks for rescuing.

[GirlUsingBrain]

05:45 PM on 12/09/2011

Oh it breaks my heart to see so many in need. Wish I could adopt them all!

[Angie Daniels]

03:20 AM on 12/10/2011

Which is exactly why I don't go to shelters.. instead I go to rescues... too many babies at the pound, I'd come home with 50 dogs. I am a foster dog parent (although i was adopted by a great rescue a few years ago) Even helping one is a good thing... thanks for rescuing.