ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Humane Society of Huron Valley is completely full.
The Ann Arbor animal shelter is at capacity and is desperately trying to find animals forever homes. To do that, it’s waiving fees for adult dogs, which officials say are harder to place and take up more space than puppies.
Recommended Videos
“April usually means fewer dogs coming into our shelter,” said HSHV COO Matt Schaecher. “But not this year. We’re facing an urgent capacity situation, and really need folks to adopt.”
HSHV has nearly 150 dogs looking for homes, so it is waiving fees between now and May 18 for dogs aged 6 months and older. Each pup has been vaccinated, microchipped and spayed or neutered.
Adopters will also get a free bag of starter food, a discount on additional dog supplies and post-adoption support.
“This promotion is essential for our adult dogs, who physically take up more room in our shelter than puppies plus take longer to get adopted,” said HSHV’s Adoptions Manager Ashley Diaz Jackson. “Of course, puppies are deserving of homes, too—but there’s a lot to love about adopting an adult dog. You know what you’re getting, personality-wise—plus, most of our dogs already have some training—including house training.”
Profiles of adoptable dogs can be found here.
Jackson added that while some may be concerned about the quality of individuals who adopt “free” dogs, studies have shown that cost does not determine the type of care and love an animal will receive.
“Plus, our adoption policies remain the same, no matter what the price,” she said.
Community members can adopt dogs at HSHV any day of the week. The shelter is open between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Mondays through Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.
HSHV is also looking for foster homes for adoptable pups. Fostering is an opportunity for community members to help without making a full-time commitment and reduce pressure on the shelter’s resources.
“We are also urgently seeking new foster families to help care for dogs temporarily,” added HSHV CEO Tanya Hilgendorf. “If you are not ready to adopt, fostering is a wonderful way to help homeless animals and alleviate the pressure on our shelter, which is a no-kill shelter thanks to support by the public.”
Those interested in fostering can see the shelter’s policies here, or by calling 734-662-5585.