Michigan Humane Society: Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I change my email address on file?
To keep your online information safe, michiganhumane.org will not update an email address resulting from an emailed request. If you would like to update your contact information or change your email preferences, please follow these easy steps:

In the top banner, click on the green “Sign in” button
Type in your username and password where prompted, which will take you back to the MHS home page
Once logged in, at the top or bottom of any page, click on “Update Profile”
Make any changes you need to make, then click “Save”

You might need access to your old email account if you cannot remember your password. If you do not have access to your old email account, I recommend registering a new account with your new email address.

What is the mission of the Michigan Humane Society?
The mission of the Michigan Humane Society is to provide the highest quality service and compassion to the animals entrusted to our care, to measurably reduce companion animal overpopulation and to take a leadership role in promoting humane values for the benefit of all animals.

Do all humane societies within the state fall under the direction of the Michigan Humane Society?
The Michigan Humane Society operates three animal shelters and veterinary clinics in Detroit, Rochester Hills and Westland. We also operate a Pet Education Center and offer dog training classes in several metro Detroit communities. The Michigan Humane Society's administrative office is located in Southfield. Other humane organizations around the state operate separately and independently from the Michigan Humane Society.

Is Michigan Humane Society funded by tax dollars?
The Michigan Humane Society receives no federal or state funding, nor do we receive funding from any national humane organizations. We rely on private donations from individuals, corporations and foundations.

What services does the Michigan Humane Society provide?
The Michigan Humane Society provides a wide variety of services including: animal sheltering and placement; lost and found; veterinary services; animal cruelty investigation and emergency rescue; humane education; legislative advocacy; pet behavior and more. We also provide helpful handouts on a variety of topics including pet health and safety, behavior and training and wildlife issues.

What kinds of animals does Michigan Humane Society help?
The Michigan Humane Society's primary focus is companion animals such as dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, rats and ferrets. However, we are often called upon to help with injured wild animals, abandoned exotic animals, or birds and livestock. Resources determine the extent to which we can help in these situations, but we try to provide helpful information and assistance as we can.

How can I help?
Monetary donations can be made online through our secure website, by phone or mail to our administrative office in Bingham Farms, or by electronic fund transfers on credit cards or through your banking institution. If you are interested in remembering the animals in your will, we are happy to send you information for wills and bequests to benefit the Michigan Humane Society. You can call 248.283.1000 and ask for further information.

Fundraising events are another way to help the animals in our care. For information on hosting a "Casual for a Cause" event at your workplace or on other types of office, individual or group fundraisers, please call 248.283.1000.

We have many volunteer opportunities available at each of our three centers for animal care as well as at special events. Come walk dogs, socialize cats, foster sick or injured animals or help with set-up and adoptions at special events. You may print a volunteer application from this web site.

We welcome donations of dog and cat food, treats, toys, used towels and blankets, clay cat litter, pet carriers and office supplies. We invite you to check this web site for a detailed "Wish List" of items needed at each MHS location.

How do I report animal cruelty?
To report a case of suspected animal cruelty in the cities of Detroit, Hamtramck or Highland Park, please call the Michigan Humane Society's Cruelty Hotline at 313.872.3401. A voice mail message may be left after hours. You can remain anonymous, but please be specific and try to provide as much information as possible regarding the type of animal, address, and the situation. Your phone number would be helpful in order for us to contact you in case we need additional information. This department operates Monday - Saturday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. In other areas, please contact your local animal control or police immediately.

How do I report an injured stray or wild animal?
The Michigan Humane Society’s Emergency Rescue Department comes to the aid of approximately 5,000 injured animals each year in our service area of Detroit, Hamtramck and Highland Park. To report an injured stray or wild animal in these cities, call our Emergency Rescue Hotline at (313) 872-0026, 365 days a year, from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

In other cities, please contact the local animal control/police department.
For injured wildlife, you may also reference your local phone directory for wild animal rehabilitators in your area.

For non-emergency wildlife questions, you may call the Michigan Humane Society Wildlife Department, based at the MHS Rochester Hills shelter, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at (248) 852-7420 ext. 224.

I found a stray animal, now what?
Many cities within the metro Detroit area provide animal control services. To report a stray dog, please call your local animal control office or police department. If you find and begin to house a stray animal, Michigan law requires that you report it to the police department of the city in which you are holding the animal within 48 hours. If you live in Macomb County, please call Macomb County Animal Control regarding stray animals. If you live in Oakland County, call Oakland County Animal Care and Control. In Wayne County, the Michigan Humane Society operates centers for animal care in Detroit and Westland. It is best to call the location in your area before bringing in a stray animal to determine if that is the appropriate place to take the animal, to give him or her the best chance to be found by his or her guardian.

Surrendering an Animal
If you are unable to rehome your companion animal with trusted friends or relatives who could provide a permanent, loving home, the Michigan Humane Society’s three centers for animal care have an open door policy and are an option for you. Please click here for MHS locations, directions and hours. For more information about surrendering animals to MHS, please visit the following link: http://www.michiganhumane.org/adopt_surrenderingPet

While our goal is to rehome as many animals as possible, while also working to end animal overpopulation and homelessness, we cannot guarantee placement. The placement of a pet for adoption is based on an assessment of the pet’s health and temperament, as well as available cage space. Once a pet is offered for adoption, there is no time limit in which he or she can remain up for adoption.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us at 1-866-MHUMANE.

Surrendered Animal Status
The Michigan Humane Society cares for over 40,000 animals each year at its three adoption centers in Detroit, Rochester Hills and Westland. Our goal is to place as many animals as possible into new, loving, homes despite the tragedy of companion animal overpopulation and too few available homes.

To check on the status of a surrendered animal, please mail the following to the appropriate MHS location with a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

Surrendering person’s name
Date of surrender
Pet’s name
Pet ID number (as you included below)
Phone #
Self-addressed, stamped envelope
Written request to check on the animal's status

The adoption center will respond as soon as possible in writing.

How do I adopt an animal from Michigan Humane Society?
The Michigan Humane Society requires potential adopters to fill out a questionnaire at the adoption center once they see an animal in which they are interested. As we strive for permanent homes for the animals in our care, trained adoption counselors will assist adopters in selecting an animal that fits their lifestyle. We invite you to visit one of our three adoption centers and let our adoption counselors answer your questions about breed characteristics, temperament and any particular adoptable animals' history. MHS adoption centers are open 7 days a week (except major holidays). To "meet' pets online before visiting an adoption center, click here and go to our online pet search for detailed information and photos for many of our wonderful available pets!

What does it cost to adopt a pet from the Michigan Humane Society?
The Michigan Humane Society's comprehensive adoption package includes sterilization (spaying or neutering), age-appropriate vaccinations, a medical check-up and behavioral evaluation, a heartworm test for dogs. We invite you to visit one of our three adoption centers in Detroit, Rochester Hills and Westland. Each animal available for adoption has an information card that will indicate what we know about the animal's history as well as the adoption fee.

How long does the Michigan Humane Society keep animals up for adoption?
The Michigan Humane Society will hold an animal for adoption for as long as he or she remains healthy and there is space available. We do not use a time limit to determine if an animal remains up for adoption.