"Never doubt that a small group of
concerned citzens can change the world.
Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
-- Margaret Mead

   
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Your donation will help us promote adoptions of the animals of the Gratiot County Animal Shelter and help the the animals of our community by promoting spay/neutering and animal care and welfare.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our Mission Statement

Our mission is to promote the adoption of shelter cats and dogs, educate the public regarding the benefits of spaying and neutering their pets, and support efforts and initiatives which benefit the welfare of companion animals.

Who are we?

Help Furry Friends was formed in 2009 by a few concerned citizens of Gratiot County who wanted to make a difference in the lives of shelter animals. We are now incorporated as a nonprofit and recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization.

Our hope is that one day all cats and dogs will have loving homes and that there will no longer be a need for animal shelters to house homeless pets.


Shelter Statistics for This Week

UPDATED 09/02

Rescue: (#27) Lab mix, female pup, "Lacey", 6 months, no vet care or records.
Rescue: (#79) "Bandit" Shep/Lab mix, neutered male.
Rescue: Very young kittens, 1 orange and 3 gray.

Adopted: (#187) Rat Terrier, male. Very nice, gentle dog
Adopted: #45) Catahoula Leopard, brindle color male, neutered, very friendly .

Reclaimed: (#197) Very nice female beagle.

Euthanized/Research: Two very nice calico adult cats. Very nice inside cats.
Euthanized/Research: Adult cats - 1 orange tabby, and 2 soft gray calicos.
Euthanized/Research: Kittens, cream color, gray and black/white.
Euthanized/Research: Adult cat, Black stripe and white.
Euthanized/Research: #157 Gray stripe mom and 3 black kittens.

Visit our "Adoptible Pet" link or the "Gratiot County Animal Control Petfinder" site to see the animals that are available for adoption.

(Gratiot County is only 1 of 2 remaining Michigan counties that give shelter animals to be used in research. Please consider adopting a pet from Gratiot County.)


Lost Your Pet in or Around Gratiot County? Act Immediately!!

If you have lost a dog or a cat in or around Gratiot County, VISIT the shelter to see if your pet is there. Call the shelter at (989) 875-2221immediately!. When they are closed - leave a message on their answering machine (doesn't say to leave a message but it will record after the recorded message). Go to the shelter and POST a note on their door and they will contact you. It is critical that you notify Animal Control immediately if you want to get your pet returned to you! You only have days to recover your pet before it is too late! DO NOT WAIT...

The best way to have your lost pet returned to you is to put an identification tag on their collar or at least write your phone number on their collar. Ask your vet about microchipping too!


Gratiot County Animal Control - Adoption Information

Gratiot County Animal Control is located at 2675 W. Washington Road, 3 miles west of Ithaca, Michigan.

NEW HOURS: They are open Monday 4:00pm - 6:00pm, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10:00 until 6:00pm and Friday 4:00pm - 6:00pm.

If you have any questions about the availability of an animal you see on our Adoptable Pet link or if you have lost a pet in or around the Gratiot County area, please call the shelter at (989) 875-2221.

The pictures on our Adoptable Pet link are animals at the Gratiot County Animal Shelter. Visit the Gratiot County Animal Control Petfinder site too. There may be more or fewer animals available at the shelter. The cost of adoption for dogs:

Cost of Adoptions
 
Dogs (over 6 months) $20.00 + $25.00 (deposit returned on proof of spay/neuter)
Puppy (under 6 months) $15.00 + $25.00 (deposit returned on proof of spay/neuter)
Cats & Kittens $  5.00 + $25.00 (deposit returned on proof of spay/neuter)
   

NOTE: If you must surrender an animal to Gratiot Animal Control please be aware that our county gives shelter animals to research. If you do not want your pet to be given to the Class B dealer for research you MUST REQUEST that it is NOT GIVEN TO RESEARCH when you release it to the county.

If you have lost a dog or a cat in or around Gratiot County, call the shelter at (989)875-2221immediately!. Leave a message. It is critical that you notify Animal Control immediately if you want to get your pet returned to you! The best way to have your pet returned to you is to put an identification tag on their collars. Ask your vet about microchipping too!


Pound Seizure - What is it?

Pound seizure is the practice of releasing, selling or giving shelter animals to USDA Class B Dealers (animal brokers) who sell the animals to research facilities for purposes of research and /or experimentation.

As of November 2009, there are still 2 Michigan counties that participate in pound seizure, Gratiot County and Mecosta County. 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. Additional information - read the Facts)

 

Another Michigan County Stops Euthanasia by Gassing

As of April 2010, Midland Board of Commissioners has approved euthanasia by injection EBI for Midland Animal Control and they no longer gassing shelter animals. There are 10 remaining Michigan counties that continue to use Carbon Dioxide / Carbon Monoxide gassing to euthanize unclaimed or unwanted animals. Gratiot County is one of them. Rep. Rick Jones filed the Humane Euthanasia of Shelter Animals Act in February 2009.  For more information click HB 4263 and for additional information click myth and fact sheet.

 

     
     
Gratiot County is only 1 of 2 remaining Michigan counties that give shelter animals to be used in research. Please consider adopting a pet from Gratiot County.