In the coldest parts of the year, our field agents and cruelty investigators are responding to requests for help and making sure that as animals are brought to warmth and safety, they are staying safe as well.

Andy Seltz, vice president of Field Services, notes that many calls that come into the Michigan Humane dispatch office in the winter are requests to help an animal that is lacking food, water or sufficient shelter from the elements. From November 15, 2020, until January 8, 2021, the team fielded 227 of these neglect calls. We provided dozens of pet owners with the supplies necessary to keep their pets healthy and warm.

But winter takes a toll not only on the animals but the people in the field working to keep them safe. Our cruelty investigators and field agents take extra precautions against the cold and hazardous weather, including working in teams with two vehicles, carrying extra supplies and utilizing the cold-weather gear. The team steps up their existing proactive patrols in the neighborhoods and endeavor to contact pet owners to make sure their animals have what they need.

No matter if it’s snowing, raining or just bitterly cold, the Michigan Humane Field Services team is on the road.

Photo credit: Michigan Humane