For nearly 200 years, the Michigan Humane Society has served the community and animals in need. Their primary goal has always been to educate the community and provide to the less fortunate while remaining completely nonprofit. And in the midst of the pandemic, the organization has gotten widespread support in the form of both adoptions and care for those that can’t stay in the shelters.

With most of the country on lockdown and workplaces moving to homes, many have sought out a companion to keep them company. 

“Adoption rates actually dipped for a long time,” Director of Volunteer and Community Solutions Katie Franklin said. “But we saw a surge in people interested in fostering in the spring who wanted to help while at home. Fostering is extremely important for animals because it gives them an even higher chance of being adopted.” 

Many people start fostering when they know they love animals but don’t want to have a pet long-term. Animals are usually put into foster care if they’re too young for adoption or if they have certain illnesses, Many turn the idea down for the fear of caring being costly, but fear not; Michigan Humane provides all food, supplies, vet visits, etc.

While fostering helps the animals prepare for life with a family, many prefer to choose from those they can see in a shelter. At some MHS locations, potential adopters can only visit by appointment. Scheduling an adoption appointment allows an adopter access to the shelter so they can visit with an animal and take it home the same day. 

All adopters must be over the age of 18, have some form of identification with them at the time of the adoption, and must fill out a document before the process is complete; a rather painless and efficient process. 

For more information on adoption, fostering, and donation services for the Michigan Humane Society, click here.