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How many animals does HSLC help yearly?
The HSLC currently places approximately 1000 pets a year. We receive requests to help approximately 4,000 animals a year with that number growing annually.

What is the difference between HSLC and other state and national humane societies?
The Humane Society of Livingston County (HSLC) is an independent nonprofit 501(c)3, governed by a board of directors. All directors are volunteers. There are many humane societies across this state and the nation. The commonality they share is the use of the word "humane." HSLC adoption policies, goals and funding are independent of any other humane society. HSLC's main goal is to find permanent and loving homes for dogs and cats in the greater Livingston County area.

Is HSLC a "no kill" shelter?
In an ideal world, no pet would be euthanized simply because there was not a "home" available. It is the current policy of the HSLC not to euthanize animals in response to the tragic problem of companion animal overpopulation. We, therefore, limit the number of animals we accept based on the space and resources available to properly care for the numbers of animals we would otherwise receive.

HSLC realizes that when it is no longer able to take in a pet, it may be sending the pet to a shelter that will euthanize it. HSLC's goal is to hold as many pets for as long as possible. HSLC euthanizes in the case of severe temperament or health issues.

How does HSLC pay for operating expenses?
HSLC does not receive any government or public funding. We currently raise operating revenues in a variety of ways including:

Adoption fees
Contributions from individuals and businesses
Grants
Event Sponsors (like Pet Supplies Plus)
Special Fundraising Events like the Animal Ball and the Golf Outing

What is the relationship between HSLC and the Livingston County Animal Shelter? Why do we need two shelters in Livingston County?
The Livingston County Animal Shelter is a local, government funded shelter. Its primary focus is animal control (i.e. investigating calls from county citizens about animal abuse, neglect or nuisance animals.) It services not only dogs and cats, but also farm animals. It has limited time and resources to devote to animal adoption. It operates under a strict policy of the number of days an animal can be sheltered. HSLC is often in the position of needing to adopt an animal from the shelter so that the animal can avoid euthanasia. HSLC contends that its presence in the community and its emphasis on adoption has provided appropriate placement for countless dogs and cats that otherwise would have been euthanized.

What is the difference between the HSLC and Last Chance Rescue?
Both offer dogs and cats for adoption into appropriate and permanent homes. HSLC offers additional services to the community including lost and found, medical treatment, owner education and other activities designed to educate and inform pet owners and would-be pet owners.

What can HSLC do about animal abuse and neglect?
Legally, HSLC has no authority to intervene on behalf of an animal that anyone suspects is being abused or neglected. HSLC must refer all animal welfare calls to Livingston County Animal Control. HSLC can assist callers with determining what constitutes animal abuse or neglect under Michigan laws. HSLC is an advocate for animals, but is not a policing agency.

What is "animal overpopulation" and how does HSLC address it?
Simply stated animal overpopulation is too many animals and not enough available homes. Each year in this country millions of cats and dogs are euthanized. Livingston County is not immune to this problem, especially with regard to cats and kittens. Livingston County Animal Control has found itself in a position of having to euthanize a majority of the cats and kittens brought to its facility. Otherwise, the unwanted litters go on and on!

All animals are spayed and neutered before leaving our shelter as part of the medical care included with every adoption. However, due to limited resources, we are currently not able to offer spay/neuter services to the public. We recommend you consult with your veterinarian to determine the best option for you and your pet. If you are looking for more information or financial support, you may find low cost spay/neuter resources available by searching the internet or SpayUSA.org.

In the past, HSLC has co-sponsored various cost-sharing or discounted spay/neuter programs, as well as organized community education programs to address the topic. Future plans call for more community education and cost-saving spay/neuter programs. HSLC is investigating the possibility of a stray cat/low cost spay/neuter program. In the meantime, animal owners, HSLC, and the community can work together to help alleviate this avoidable problem in our county.

Does HSLC use foster homes to care for animals?
From time to time, HSLC does rely on the support of experienced, qualified, foster home caregivers for animals that are too young, recovering from illness or injury, or require temporary rehabilitation before they can be adopted. We especially need foster homes in the spring and summer months for orphaned kittens until they are old enough to be adopted. If you are experienced and can offer foster care, please Contact Us!

What is HSLC's position on hunting?
HSLC realizes it operates in a rural area where hunting is a popular and common sport. It does not have policies against hunting. Its volunteers ask that pets adopted from HSLC for hunting purposes also maintain a position as a family pet. Pets that are penned outside year round are not, in HSLC's opinion, getting enough family interaction. It has not been active in any anti-hunting campaigns. HSLC focuses its attention on finding homes for homeless dogs and cats in its community and raising funds to do just that.

How can I adopt an animal from HSLC?
Patrons interested in adopting an animal are invited to observe and visit with the pets during our shelter hours Mondays 12-8pm , Wednesday-Sunday from 12-5pm. The shelter is closed every Tuesday. Once an animal is selected, the patron fills out an application for adoption and is then interviewed by an adoption counselor. Upon approval, the patron may take the pet home. It is the goal of the HSLC to match animals with the appropriate adopters, and we reserve the right to refuse adoption of an animal to anyone. While we try to complete the adoption process quickly, our main goal is to be thorough, and the process may take up to 60 minutes. Learn More about Adopting an HSLC Pet>>

Last Updated 2/27/09