Humane Society of Huron Valley: More animals in shelters, slowed adoptions leading to crisis

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All About Ann Arbor
By: Sarah Parlette
Published: Feb 21, 2024

ANN ARBOR, Mich – In 2023, Ann Arbor’s Humane Society of Huron Valley took in over 6,500 domesticated animals and more than 1,000 wildlife. Despite dwindling resources, it has reaffirmed it remains a “no-kill” shelter.

Last year saw more than 6.5 million animals taken into shelters and animal rescues in the United States creating a space and resource crisis and pressure that even the Cherry Road shelter felt.

Right now, HSHV has 56 dogs, 35 cats and several rabbits and guinea pigs available for adoption, according to its website.

Because of a lack of space, many shelters are having to euthanize occupants at record rates. In 2023, 689,000 animals were put down — a 19% increase from 2022 numbers — according to an annual report by the Shelter Animals Count.

As a “no-kill” shelter, HSHV continues to accept and house healthy and treatable animals.

Much like other shelters across the nation, HSHV is also concerned with the growing number of strays in Washtenaw County. It saw around 10% fewer families retrieving lost pets in 2023.

“To make matters even worse, animals whose owners abused them and are awaiting their time in court are sitting in our care longer,” Hilgendorf said. “These animal victims end up with us for years at a time while the slow wheels of justice turn. It’s not fair. They deserve to be in permanent, loving homes.”

“With slower adoption rates, fewer lost animals going home, and cruelty case animals stuck here, the critical problem for us is around space. When we are overcrowded, it causes cascading challenges. When an animal lingers in our care, it also means another animal can’t be helped.”

Concerned community members can help alleviate the burdens by volunteering, donating and adopting animals. Spaying or neutering pets also prevents an increase in puppies and kittens in need of homes. HSHV offers spay and neutering resources, and other veterinary services, for area residents. Check those out here.

“We’re so fortunate to have really amazing staff and the incredible support of volunteers, donors, foster parents, adopters and sponsors—their generosity allows us to maintain our high adoption rate and save rate,” Hilgendorf said.

HSHV is also in need of foster families for animals. Fostering allows animals to regain social skills, learn manners, learn to trust again and find potential homes.

“Opting to adopt from shelters or rescue groups not only saves lives, but it also sends a much-needed message of support to struggling shelters and their staff,” said Stephanie Filer, Shelter Animals Count executive director in a release. “Adopting a pet is also the most sustainable and socially-conscious choice, which helps alleviate the shelter crisis, rather than compounding it.”