General
What does the Lenawee Humane Society (LHS) do besides find homes for cats and dogs?
Lenawee Humane Society is dedicated to helping our entire community, starting with animals and the people who love them. We are a resource for those who can no longer keep their pets, but it’s our philosophy that pets are better off with their people than in a shelter whenever possible, so we also offer low-cost spaying/neutering, a Trap-Neuter-Return program for stray and feral cats, and a Pet Food Bank for pet owners who have fallen on hard times but do not want to give up their pets. We visit schools, nursing homes and college campuses to teach humane education and spread the joy of puppy love. We offer the convenience of pet baths, nail trims, microchipping and pet ID tags at our shelter and host a very successful lost & found network for people who have lost or found a pet. We also work closely with Lenawee County Sheriff’s Department in order to house stray dogs as space allows and assist with cruelty and neglect cases when needed.
What is the difference between an animal shelter and a rescue?
An animal shelter has a physical location in which homeless pets are housed while a rescue is usually foster-based and made up of a network of foster homes. Many rescues are breed-specific whereas an animal shelter is not. Additionally, please note that while some groups may call themselves a “rescue,” not all rescues are officially licensed 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organizations.
What is LHS doing to help feral cats?
Research has found that the only humane option to help feral cats is Trap-Neuter-Return. Feral cats cannot be handled by people, nor do they want to be, so we can allow them to continue living their life of freedom by spaying/neutering, vaccinating, and ear-tipping them before releasing them back to their original location. These fixed cats then act as “place-holders,” keeping unfixed cats from moving in to the area and keeping the population from increasing. It’s a win-win for everyone!
What is the biggest funding source for LHS?
Our biggest fundraising source is YOU! Whether that is through a monetary donation, attending one of our signature fundraising events, sharing our stories with family and friends in person or through social media or donating needed items off of our wish list… we couldn’t do what we do without you!
Do pets from shelters have more mental issues?
Not necessarily. In many instances, dogs and cats are brought to our shelter because of reasons like divorce or their owners are moving, through no fault of their own. In these cases, you may be adopting a pre-loved, pre-trained couch potato who turns out to be the best pet you’ve ever had!
Are you affiliated with Michigan Humane Society and/or do they give you money?
The Michigan Humane Society is a completely separate entity from smaller, local humane societies. We are not a “branch” of the Michigan Humane Society and we do not receive monetary support from them.
My friend is requesting a donation for their event. Who do I talk to or ask to see if LHS can do this?
All donation requests should be submitted to our Events & Finance Manager via our fundraising request form. All submissions must be received at least two weeks prior to the date needed. Requests can also be submitted in person at the shelter.
What is LHS’ daily capacity for dogs and cats?
Typically, we can house 54 dogs and 53 cats, but that number can change when bonded pairs, litters and special circumstances are present. The addition of foster families also increases the number of animals we can care for at any given time!
How many animals do you take in each year?
We take in around 950 animals each year.
Why does LHS bring in animals from out-of-state when we have enough homeless animals in Lenawee County?
Part of our mission is “saving the lives of animals” whether that animal is from Lenawee County or somewhere else. When space permits, and there is low public demand for our kennel space, we will transfer in animals from high-kill areas that are overpopulated with animals due to lack of resources. In our minds, an empty kennel is a life unsaved.
Why do I have to pay a reclaim fee to get my dog back, especially if it has only been there for an hour?
From the minute an animal walks through our doors, our staff is beginning to coordinate care for this animal, in addition to attempting to locate his or her owner. The animal must be evaluated for any emergent problems, vaccinated, weighed, scanned for a microchip, have his or her picture taken, and have a kennel set up with fresh linens, bed, toys and food/water. Staff must also complete necessary paperwork to intake the animal into our system, report the stray to Lenawee County Sheriff’s Department, and begin steps to advertise that animal in order to locate his or her family. If the animal requires an extended stay, he or she requires daily care, new clean linens each day, food/water, exercise and enrichment. This all requires staff time and resources.
What items do you need donated?
We have a wish list of items that you should check out to see if items you have to donate can be used at our shelter! Items in bold on our wish list are items we are usually most in need of. Our wish list can be found on our website and in our lobby. Keep up to date with items we are currently in need of the most by following our Facebook page and watching for our weekly #wishlistwednesday posts. You can also check out our Amazon & Chewy wishlists for specific items we currently need! If you are unsure whether we can use an item you’d like to donate, please check with us first by calling 517-263-3463. Please understand that sometimes we cannot use an item you’d like to donate or we may not have space to store it – in these cases we’ll usually suggest another nonprofit organization who can use it instead!
Why can’t I stick my fingers in the cages?
Not all animals “show well” inside of their kennel or cage. Some animals find it offensive and feel threatened if you stick your fingers into their personal space, while other animals are expecting tasty treats like hot dogs. Either way, there’s a good chance your fingers could get bit even if the dog or cat doesn’t mean it.
Adoptions
How many cats and dogs does LHS find forever homes for in a year?
In the past three years, an average of 356 cats and 358 dogs have been adopted per year. Check out our annual reports for more detailed information.
What is the adoption process?
The first step is to become a pre-approved adopter! You can apply online or in person at our shelter. Most pets are adopted by pre-adopters as soon as they appear on our website, so we suggest applying first THEN picking out a pet to adopt once you’re approved. Your pre-approved application stays on file with us for one year, so we have plenty of time to help you find your perfect match! Once you are an approved adopter, check our website daily to see if any potential matches have become available (and take a sneak peek at our current strays – if not claimed by an owner, they’ll be available for adoption next), then give us a call at 517-263-3463 as soon as you see someone you’d like to meet. We’ll set up your first date/adoption interview and if there’s a connection, we’ll complete your adoption and send you home with your new pet!
Is the adoption process based on a first come, first serve basis?
When an animal has multiple applications, we look at them in the order they were received and select the pet’s new adopter based on best fit for both the family and for the animal. Incomplete applications are not considered, so please make sure to include landlord contact information if you rent and veterinarian information for current pets when applying to adopt.
How much is the adoption fee and what does it include?
The adoption fee is based on age and always includes spay/neuter, microchip implantation and registration, up-to-date vaccinations, heartworm testing for dogs, FIV/FELV testing for cats, dewormer and parasite preventative. View our adoption fees here.
How are adoption fees determined?
Adoption fees help us cover the cost of the basic and veterinary care your new pet received while he or she was with us, including his or her spay or neuter, registered microchip, age-appropriate vaccinations, heartworm testing and preventative (for dogs), FIV/FELV testing (for cats), and parasite prevention along with the costs associated with housing, feeding, cleaning, and enriching each shelter pet daily. Veterinary care for a “free” puppy or kitten will actually end up costing you more than our adoption fees!
Can I adopt a pet as a gift for someone else?
We do not suggest adopting a pet for someone else. It is important for the owner to be involved in the decision making process of the animal coming home. All too often, pets adopted as gifts are returned.
How old do you need to be in order to adopt?
We set a requirement of age 21. This is circumstantial.
Can someone outside of Lenawee County adopt an animal?
Yes, of course!
Why was I not allowed to adopt the dog/cat I applied for? I would have given it a good home.
The reasons for not being allowed to adopt a specific pet can vary. We always do our best to make a great match between your family and the pet you’re interested in adopting. For example, if we know a dog does not do well with cats and you currently have three, we may select an adopter without cats instead. We are in no way suggesting that you will not provide a great home for a pet – it just means we do our best to set you up for success by matching you up with a pet that will fit in great with your home and family.
How does LHS determine the “best fit” for a pet?
There are many things that go into consideration when it comes to determining best fit. For example, someone working 12 hours a day wouldn’t be best fit for a puppy, but could be a great home for an adult or senior who just requires a couch to lay on.
Intake
What is LHS protocol for animal intake?
Call us at 517-263-3463 to set up an intake appointment. Our intake behavior coordinator may ask several questions over the phone before scheduling your appointment to make sure out shelter will be a good fit for your pet. Your intake appointment will take approximately 20-30 minutes. During that time, your pet will receive a behavior assessment, a basic medical assessment, and we will ask questions to learn about your pet’s past to ensure we can help give them an amazing future. Once your pet has passed the behavior and medical assessment, you will be responsible for paying a surrender fee and signing a surrender contract, releasing your pet to our shelter.
There is a stray dog at my house. Can you come get it?
Stray dogs are legally the jurisdiction of Lenawee County Animal Control and must be picked up by them. However, they may choose to board the dog here at Lenawee Humane Society or it may be boarded at Addison Veterinary Clinic while attempts are made to locate the owner.
Will you take a stray cat or dog I found if I bring it to LHS?
Lenawee County Animal Control can pick up stray dogs from you and bring them to LHS if there is space available. Please contact them first at 517-263-0524. If they are currently closed or unavailable to pick up the stray from you, contact us at 517-263-3463 and we’ll do our best to help provide other options. We can only accept stray cats by appointment if they pass our behavior assessment.
What is the criteria for intake?
We accept “power breeds,” senior pets and special needs pets. We cannot accept pets who display extreme aggression, have serious or contagious medical conditions, or pets who show signs of barrier aggression or extreme anxiety during their intake exam. We will suggest other options for pets who cannot be accepted into our adoption program.
Does LHS accept dogs with a bite history (even accidental)?
Usually no, but under certain circumstances we may be able to. When these types of dogs are adopted, their adopters are always given full disclosure, even if the bite was accidental.
Why can’t you take my feral cats?
The same reason we cannot take squirrels, raccoons, and other wild animals. Feral cats cannot be safely caught or handled, and therefore they cannot safely be adopted out to new families. Feral cats do not want a loving family or a comfy cage to wait in while we search for one – they want to be free. We have a Trap-Neuter-Return program to help you spay/neuter feral cats instead, and it’s cheaper than a surrender fee!
Why are you full every time I call to bring in an animal?
As a no-kill shelter, dogs and cats are not given a time limit to find new homes. We will only accept new animals when there is a vacancy and enough manpower to properly care for everyone. We will suggest rehoming options while you wait for an intake spot to open though.
I have an animal to surrender. Why do I have to pay a fee for you to take it when you are going to charge someone else to adopt the same animal?
It’s extremely costly to care for a dog or cat in a shelter environment. As a no-kill shelter, we keep animals until they find their forever homes. We have no idea how long your pet will have to stay with us before finding his or her forever home. During that time, your pet will be spayed/neutered if needed, microchipped, brought up to date on vaccinations, tested for heartworms or FIV/FELV, given monthly parasite preventative, and treated for any other medical issues that may arise during their time with us. Don’t forget, he or she also needs daily food/water, cleaning, toys & linens, enrichment and staff time. Your surrender fee helps cover some of these costs while the adoption fee helps cover some of the rest (depending on the pet’s length of stay of course). In some cases, pets may have major medical issues that could cost us hundreds or thousands of dollars to treat, but our surrender and adoption fees still remain the same because it is our mission to help them!
Hope Clinic & Trap-Neuter-Return
What veterinary services does LHS offer to the public?
Currently we are offering spays and neuters for cats and dogs. At the time of the spay or neuter you can add on vaccinations, heartworm or FIV/FELV testing, flea preventative and deworming if needed. View prices here and a complete list of add-ons here. We may offer vaccination services for the public in the future.
What is the pain protocol after surgery?
Every animal undergoing surgery receives an opiod injection as a premed and an NSAID injection during surgery. These relieve pain for 24 hours. An NSAID or appropriate alternative is used for 3 days following surgery.
Do the surgical procedures performed by your veterinarian comply with Humane Alliance surgical protocols, including a minimum of 24 hours of pain medication for animals undergoing spay/neuter?
Yes, our protocols are based off the Humane Alliance models and surgical techniques. Additionally, our veterinarian was trained in the Humane Alliance model.
My pet needs to be euthanized. Can you help?
Under rare circumstances when a stray is brought to us, obviously suffering, we will humanely euthanize it if it is the only option left. This is not a service we generally offer though.
My pet needs medical help and I cannot afford it. Can you help?
Unfortunately, no, but you can find financial aid resources here.
I’ve heard it’s healthy for my dog to have a litter before being spayed. Do you have to spay her before adoption?
It is not healthier for your dog to have a litter. It is hard on her body to endure a pregnancy and it increases her chance of mammary carcinoma. Additionally, some litters can be as large as 12-15 puppies, and each one of her puppies is capable of having puppies, thus adding to the pet overpopulation epidemic. All dogs in Michigan shelters must be spayed or neutered before being adopted according to Michigan Public Act 287.338a. It is a much easier surgery on the dog when the spay or neuter is done while the dog is still young, and an easier surgery means an easier recovery with less chance of complications.
I’m told it is better to wait until an animal is 10 months to a year before spay/neuter. Why do you spay/neuter at 8 weeks?
We spay at the earliest 2 months when the animal weighs at least 2 pounds. This is when it is safe to undergo anesthesia. Shelter housed animals must be spayed or neutered before leaving (Michigan Public Act 287.338a). These puppies and kittens would love to find a home before they are 10-12 months old. The newest research coming out indicates that for large breed dogs some diseases, particularly musculoskeletal, may be prevented by delaying spaying or neutering. We know that by spaying before a first heat cycle (before 6 months of age) we can almost entirely prevent mammary cancer. It is a risk assessment that can be discussed with your veterinarian if you have a puppy that is not from an animal shelter. We are committed to ending pet overpopulation and even though there are many responsible people who could prevent a dog from getting pregnant, there are many who do not. For our animals here at LHS the best option for them is pediatric spay/neuter.
What is Trap-Neuter-Return and how does it help me?
Trap-Neuter-Return is a program where free-roaming unowned and feral cats are trapped in live traps, spayed or neutered, and returned to their original location. Cats are territorial and defend their resources (food, water and shelter). Each area has a carrying capacity for the number of cats. If an un-neutered animal is “holding” that territory they will continue to produce more cats that will stay around the area, increasing the population density and increasing fighting over resources. An increased population density will increase disease because of stress and overcrowding. Alternatively, if a neutered cat “holds” the territory it will run off rival males and females without producing offspring, therefore reducing the population eventually over many generations. In short, more neutered cats means less cats around your farm or home with less diseases and fighting scars.
What is the difference between stray and feral?
A stray animal is an animal found without an owner. The animal may or may not have an owner but is socialized and can be handled by people. A feral cat is unfamiliar with humans and cannot be handled. A feral cat is generally born outdoors away from humans. A stray cat can become a feral cat after time and human conditioning fades away. It is possible to “tame” a feral cat but it is very difficult and some cats will always be feral and fearful of humans.
Why would I want to fix this cat hanging around my house when it doesn’t belong to me?
The cat by your house is capable of creating a lot more kittens who will remain by your house, and those kittens will produce even more, thus continuing the cycle. it is a lot easier to fix a single cat than to fix a colony of cats. It can be very difficult to get a colony of cats to leave if they have found food, water and shelter near your home. Fixing that particular cat will help control the overpopulation of cats and keep a colony from forming in your backyard.
Volunteer
How do I volunteer?
The first step to becoming an LHS VolunTERRIER is to sign up online. Once your application is submitted, we will begin processing it. Processing includes running a background check. This is true for ALL potential VolunTERRIERs, no matter the age. Once the background check is complete, you will receive either an approved or denied email. If approved, the email will contain dates and times of upcoming VolunTERRIER Orientations. After attending the mandatory orientation, which includes an overview of our program and a behind-the-scenes tour, you will become an ACTIVE VolunTERRIER and have the ability to self-schedule for volunteering opportunities! Applicants with any type of violence or fraud charge history will not be permitted to volunteer at Lenawee Humane Society.
What can VolunTERRIERs do?
VolunTERRIERs do everything from washing dishes to assisting with adoptions. Volunteering opportunities and tasks are chosen by the VolunTERRIER depending on their schedule and flexibility as well as what type of role they want to play here at LHS. Our VolunTERRIER program is a leveled system, meaning the more time and training a VolunTERRIER acquires, the greater the role you can play!
I just want to pet puppies. Why do I have to put in 10 hours of volunteering before that?
Every new VolunTERRIER undergoes a 10 hour mandatory training phase. The purpose of the training phase is to support and train the new VolunTERRIERs so that they become comfortable and confident with working on various tasks and responsibilities independently. Another reason why the training phase is so important is because it allows the new VolunTERRIER to build relationships with the organization, staff, other VolunTERRIERs, and most importantly, the animals. LHS wants all VolunTERRIERs to know and understand our processes so that they can help share our mission with the community. It’s all about teamwork and our VolunTERRIERS are KEY to the team!
