How Can You Help?

Our goal is to help the animals of Gratiot County find good, loving homes. This is a difficult task without the help of concerned citizens, without YOUR help.

Keep identification on your pets at all times. It takes only minutes for your dog to get lost and only minutes to have him returned to you with current contact information on his collar.

Spay / neuter your pets. Pet overpopulation in Gratiot County is an extreme problem. It is the largest contributing factor to the number of unwanted animals in our shelter. Spaying/neutering your pet leads to a healthier and happier life for you and your pet. It also decreases the number of unwanted litters.

Teach children how to interact with animals. Teach them how to be kind, how to play with and be around animals. Teach them how to be a responsible pet person.

Get involved with your community. You can help make a difference.

Things We Need

Volunteers are needed to help us transport animals from Gratiot to rescues in other cities. There are occasions that we need to move an animal from the shelter and transport it to a waiting rescue. We can work around your schedule and time restrictions.

We could use extra kennels to help us move the animals. If you have a wire or plastic kennel any size that you no longer need we could definately use it.

Donations are always welcome too. You can contact us by email: Friends@HelpFurryFriends.com

or write to us at:

Supplies for Gratiot County Animal Control

Things that the animal shelter can always use are:

• Bleach
• Paper Towels
• Dish Soap
• Can Dog/Cat food
• Large/Extra Large Wire Kennel
• Cat Nip toys for cats/kittens
• Leashes
• Collars
• Dry Dog food (call shelter to see if currently needed)
• Clay Kitty Litter (call shelter to see if currently needed)

Call the shelter at (989) 875-2221 to see if there are other needs they may have. They are open on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10:00 - 4:30.

Come visit us at Gratiot County Animal Control in Ithaca

Gratiot County Animal Control is located at 2675 W. Washington Road, 3 miles west of Ithaca, Michigan. They are open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10:00 until 4:30. Call (989) 875-2221 for information or directions.

Support Michigan House Bills HB4663 and HB4263

Gratiot County is one of 2 remaining counties that still give shelter animals to research. In January 2009, the Gratiot County Commissioners resigned a contract with a Class b dealer who disposes of animals that have been euthanized in exchange for live shelter animals which he sells to research facilities. Representative Espinoza has submitted a bill HB 4663 which stops the dealers from taking shelter cats and dogs. Please read this fact sheet for more information. Take a minute and sign a petition to let your voice be heard. The link is http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/649021463 . Additional information - read the Facts)

Our county is also one of 12 remaining Michigan counties that continues to use Carbon Dioxide / Carbon Monoxide gassing to euthanize unclaimed or unwanted animals. Rep. Rick Jones filed the Humane Euthanasia of Shelter Animals Act in February.  The bill HB 4263 and myth and fact sheet are attached. Sign the online petition for this bill. The link is http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/900398769 . 

An action alert on both bills was just issued so please go to http://www.americanhumane.org/advocacy/ and scroll down to Michigan to take action.  Please consider contacting your local House Representative to ask them to support either or both of these bills.