Michigan and national groups are working to help people keep their pets

We are all familiar with the economic problems around the nation and especially in Michigan. Some of us may be struggling with finding jobs and keeping our homes and families (two- and four-footed) together. As a result, there are several organizations around the country, both large and small, reaching out to help pet owners keep their pets. And there are some special groups around Michigan that are reaching out to help with food and vet care for our companion animals.

According to an article in the New York Times (see related articles),

“The Petco Foundation, based in San Diego, has partnerships for pet-food assistance with about 75 organizations across the country. In January, the foundation is introducing a program with Feeding America, a hunger-relief charity whose members supply food to more than 25 million Americans each year.

Under the program, “We Are Families Too,” 750 Petco stores will have bins where customers can donate pet food. In addition, the Foundation will supplement the donations with food from Petco and other vendors. Distributors will often donate food approaching its expiration date.”

In addition, there are several groups in Michigan that are working to keep pets at home with their families in these tough times. Below is a list of places in Michigan that help with pets. (Source: HSUS.)

Pet Support Services (veterinary care assistance programs for senior, disabled or ill pet owners) — http://www.petsupportmi.org.

The Zimmer Foundation/For the Love of Cats, Ann Arbor, MI (spay/neuter assistance) — http://tlconline.org.

Humane Society of Huron Valley, Ann Arbor, MI (pet food/litter, spay/neuter and vaccination assistance) — http://www.hshv.org.

The Oakland Pet Adoption Center, Auburn Hills, MI (spay/neuter assistance) — http://www.oakgov.com/petadoption/programs_services.

Humane Society of South Central Michigan, Battle Creek, MI (spay/neuter assistance) — http://www.hs-scm.org.

Humane Society of Genesee County, Burton, MI (spay/neuter assistance) — http://www.geneseehumane.org.

Michigan Humane Society — MHS Detroit Center for Animal Care Veterinary Center: Detroit (veterinary care assistance), 7401 Chrysler Drive, Detroit, MI 48211, 313-872-0004; MHS Rochester Hills Center for Animal Care Veterinary Center: Rochester Hills (veterinary care assistance), 3600 W. Auburn Road, Rochester Hills, MI 48309, 248-852-7424; MHS Berman Center for Animal Care Veterinary Center: Westland (veterinary care assistance), 900 N. Newburgh Road, Westland, MI 48185, 734-721-4195 — www.michiganhumane.org.

All About Animals Rescue, Eastpointe, MI (spay/neuter assistance) — http://www.allaboutanimalsrescue.org.

Adopt-A-Pet, Fenton, MI (spay/neuter assistance) — http://www.adoptapetfenton.com.

Little Traverse Bay Humane Society, Harbor Springs, MI (spay/neuter assistance) — http://www.ltbhs.com.

Barry County Humane Society, Hastings, MI (pet food, spay/neuter and veterinary assistance) — http://www.barrycountyhumanesociety.org.

Cascades Humane Society, Jackson, MI (pet food, spay/neuter assistance) — http://www.cascadeshumanesociety.org.

Kalamazoo Humane Society, Kalamazoo, MI (pet food and spay/neuter assistance) — www.kazoohumane.org.

C-SNIP, Kentwood, MI (spay/neuter assistance) — http://www.csnip.org.

Luce County Pet Pals, Newberry, MI (spay/neuter assistance) — www.lucecountypetpals.com.

Pet Pantry, Spring Lake, MI (pet food and supplies) — http://www.petpantrymi.org.

K9 Resque, St. Claire, MI (pet food) — http://www.k9resque.org.

Pet Pantry, Western Michigan (pet food and supplies) — www.petpantrymi.org.

In addition, HSUS also offers information on help with vet bills for your pets. Check this article for more info and a list of suggestions for helping pay for vet bills for your pet.

If you are lucky enough to be employed and have some extra money, consider donating food or money to any of these groups to help other pet lovers. It's a great cause and a great way to spread the holiday cheer to our four-legged friends.