View more Michigan Animal Shelters.
If you are in the market for a special furry friend, Michigan has plenty of noteworthy animal shelters on hand. Animal shelters are the perfect way to save a pet in need of a home. Here are the nine best shelters in the state.
Grand Rapids is home to Reuben's Room Cat Rescue, a no-kill animal sanctuary that's got an edge to it in that it deals with cats, and nothing but. That makes it very unique. While there are no shortage of stray and feral cats in Michigan, there's also no denying that it's hard to find places for these cats. Dating back to 2003, however, Reuben's Room is ready to take them in hand. Online listings show who's available for adoption right now, allowing users to scout the landscape before going in.
In the little town of Carsonville—motto, “where family and friends matter”—sits the Sanilac County Humane Society, a “totally no-kill shelter” that runs purely on donations. Whether of time or of money, this all-volunteer operation offers online listings, adoption information and relevant forms, and even listings of upcoming events and fundraisers.
Taking its cues from the earlier two entries, Tigerlily Cat Rescue in Sterling Heights offers not only a cats-only operation but also a no-kill operation both staffed and funded by volunteers. Featuring information on adoptable pets, as well as a “happy tails” section devoted to the stories of those who have already been adopted, Tigerlily Cat Rescue offers a unique proposition in the field of animal rescue.
Found in Muskegon, the Noah Project draws its name from the classic Bible story of Noah, who operated under divine commission to rescue animals from an upcoming flood. The Noah Project, meanwhile, performs similarly, though in a stationary position and with no real flood involved, unless you count its proximity to Lake Michigan. Spaying or neutering every dog or cat—as soon as it's of a sufficient age—the Noah Project works toward the goal of no homeless pets in the region.
Head on up to Grayling for a look at the AuSable Valley Animal Shelter, which offers a slate of fundraising events for those looking to party in support of some great animals. With a comparatively new facility on hand—they moved in back in 2007—and a slate of animals waiting for adoption on the website, there's a lot to see at AuSable. Perhaps best of all is the suggestions officer. Those interested in offering suggestions or complaints are advised to see “Trixie the German Shepherd in Kennel 26.” Said supplicants are also warned specifically to “bring a sirloin steak” ahead of said meeting with Trixie.
Offering a cat rescue operation, Royal Oak's New Beginnings Animal Rescue offers a lot of online tools geared toward helping the cats in its charge find new homes. With a PayPal donation button and animal listings right on its website, this animal shelter will help anyone looking for a new cat to bring home find just the right one.
Acme, not too far from Traverse City, is known for a lot of things, from art and culture to agricultural products. Now it's got one more reason for distinction: a no-kill animal shelter. AC Paw has been operating since 1996—that was when it officially incorporated—and in the meantime, it's placed over 10,000 dogs and cats alike in loving forever homes. It's got its own line of calendars—a fundraising measure—as well as an advanced obedience training program for dog adoptees.
The first animal shelter on this list to have two separate locations—the first was in Perry, Michigan, before its expansion into Tennessee—has a unique mission. While it seeks adoptive homes for all its charges, those who can't land homes will instead find a home with the shelter itself. Throw in a set of fundraising special events and a store full of merchandise and this bi-located no-kill shelter will deliver impressive value.
Kalamazoo's own Animal Rescue Project may not be immediately familiar, but with over 50 activist workers to its credit, it may be one of the best-staffed animal shelters in the state. Offering not only rescue operations for homeless pets, but also adoption services, it's a complete operation that boasts several fundraising events like its Night of the Living Dog program around Halloween. That event offers costume contests, nail trimming sessions, and dog bathing on hand.