FAQs

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.

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.

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 HSLC and Animal Aid and Last Chance Rescue?
All three organizations are volunteer driven, offer dogs and cats foster homes, and work to place dogs and cats in appropriate, 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 is "animal overpopulation" and how does HSLC plan to 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. The Livingston County Shelter has found itself in a position of having to euthanize almost all cats and kittens brought to its facility. Otherwise, the unwanted litters go on and on!

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 spay/neuter program. Animal owners, HSLC and the community can work together to help alleviate this avoidable problem in our county.

What additional services can be provided to the community with the completion of the new HSLC shelter facility on Dorr Road?

Humane sheltering for thousands of dogs and cats
A public shelter available on evenings and weekends
Additional community education opportunities
Increased volunteer opportunities for adults and youth

What can HSLC do about animal abuse and neglect?
Legally, HSLC has no authority to intervene on behalf of an animal whom anyone suspects is being abused or neglected. HSLC must refer all animal welfare calls to the Livingston County Animal Control Department. HSLC can assist callers with determining what constitutes animal abuse or neglect under Michigan laws. HSLC can also assure the caller that their name will be kept confidential when placing a call to the county animal control department. HSLC is an advocate for animals, but is not a policing agency

Why do you have to pay for construction for the new shelter with private donations?
HSLC receives no funding other than fees for service and private donations. HSLC holds many special events to raise money needed to provide for the animals in its care. A capital campaign for private donations is HSLC's only option for raising the money needed to build its humane shelter. In January of 2001, HSLC received an anonymous gift of $500,000 earmarked for the construction of the shelter.

How does HSLC pay for operating expenses and how will it pay for the increased operating expenses that the shelter will generate?

HSLC currently raises operating revenues in a variety of ways including:

Adoption fees
Contributions from individuals and businesses
Grants
Event Sponsors (like Pet Supplies Plus)
Walk Fur Fido
Sale of logo items
Valentine's Dinner Dance
Howl-Ween Bowl (new in 2001)
Golf Outing

When HSLC opens its shelter, operating costs will be paid for in much the same way, but its activities will be bigger and better than ever!

Will HSLC's shelter be a "no kill" shelter?
In an ideal world, no pet would be euthanized simply because there was not "home" available. 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. Click here for our full Euthanasia Protocol.

How can I adopt an animal from the HSLC?
Patrons interested in adopting an animal are invited to observe and visit with the pets during our viewing hours on Saturdays, 9AM to 3PM and Sundays, 12PM to 4PM at the HSLC Administrative Center. Once an animal is selected, the patron fills out an information sheet ("Pre-Adopt") 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 30 mins.

How much does it cost to adopt an animal?
Adoption Fees

Cats

Kittens (under 6 months of age)                          $120.00

Cats (over 6 months of age)                                $80.00

Senior (8 years and older)                                   $50.00

2 adult cats                                                       $120.00

2 kittens                                                            $180.00

1 adult cat, 1 kitten                                            $140.00

Dogs

Puppies (under 6 months)                                   $200.00

Adult dogs (over 6 months)                                 $160.00

Small breed (under 20 pounds)                            $200.00

Senior (8 years and older & over 20 pounds)         $120.00

Senior (8 years and older & under 20 pounds)       $140.00

Puppies and kittens must be spayed or neutered by 6 months of age.

How many animals does the HSLC help yearly?
The HSLC currently places approximately 500 pets a year. We receive requests to help approximately 3,200 animals a year.