Michigan Humane
Since 1877, Michigan Humane's mission has been to improve and save lives for animals and the people who love them. Nearly 150 years later, that mission hasn't wavered, even as our work has grown, carried forward through compassionate care, community engagement, and advocacy for animals.
Trapped in the freezing waters of the Detroit River, a young Husky had nowhere safe to go. Spotted in a tunnel near the Gordie Howe Bridge, alone and fighting hypothermia in the ice, he needed help fast.
That's when Michigan Humane stepped in.
Our Field Services team suited up in wetsuits and went straight into the icy water. For four hours, they worked through ice chunks and difficult terrain, refusing to leave until he was safe. Alongside Detroit Fire and Detroit Animal Care and Control, our team pulled him out and brought him back to our Mackey Center for Animal Care, where he received treatment and time to heal.
He got stronger every day. And then, he got a home.
This is what Michigan Humane does. When an animal is in danger, our team shows up, dives in, and sees it through to a happy ending.
Financials
Programs
Caplan Family Pet Food Pantry
Removes the barrier of food insecurity so families never have to choose between feeding themselves and keeping their pet. This work, alongside subsidized veterinary care, keeps thousands of families and pets together every year.
Community Veterinary Clinics
Makes preventive and treatment care accessible to every pet owner, regardless of ability to pay, through veterinary centers serving the community directly.
Career Pathway & Workforce Development
Trains the next generation of animal care professionals, inspiring thousands of future veterinarians through hands-on programs.
Cruelty Investigation & Rescue
Responds when animals are in danger, safeguarding neighborhoods and standing up for animals who can't advocate for themselves, backed by one of the top-trained cruelty investigation teams in the country.
Volunteering + Events
Shelter & Pet Pantry Volunteering
Volunteers keep us running, caring for animals in our shelters and distributing food through our Pet Pantry to families in need. Flexible shifts are available all week, and groups can set up a custom volunteer day together.
Dog Day Getaway
Take an adoptable shelter dog out for the day, exploring the community, burning off energy, and even catching the eye of a future adopter, then bring them back by 5:00pm.
Fostering (In-Home Heroes)
Open your home to an animal who needs extra time before adoption. Stays typically run two to four weeks, and Michigan Humane provides all the essential supplies.
Signature & Community Events
From our flagship fundraisers, Tailgate: Run. Walk. Adopt. (a community 5K and adoption day) and the Purrfect Bow Wow Brunch (our fall gala at Eastern Market), to casual community favorites like Bark in the Park (bring your dog to select Detroit Tigers games at Comerica Park) and Sip, Sit & Stay (a laid-back brewery happy hour series), there's an event for every kind of supporter to celebrate the human-animal bond and help fund our mission.
