More dogs being killed nationwide, Ann Arbor shelter remains no-kill

More dogs being killed nationwide, Ann Arbor shelter remains no-kill

Ann Arbor, MI (February 16, 2024) – 689,000 animals were euthanized in animal shelters nationwide in 2023, according to Shelter Animals Count (SAC), the most trusted and current source for animal sheltering data. They recently released their Annual Analysis report, comparing animal sheltering from 2023 to 2022, 2021 and 2019 ...
Teddy’s Law:  The good, the bad, and what we should do next

Teddy’s Law:  The good, the bad, and what we should do next

Teddy's Law, recently signed into law by the Governor, was drafted so that dogs and cats used in laboratories can be adopted, instead of killed, when no longer of use. Big thanks to the lead sponsors, Senators Hertel and Polehanki, for working their hearts out to save animals who sacrifice ...
Humane Society of Huron Valley ranked among top 1% of charities

Humane Society of Huron Valley ranked among top 1% of charities

Ann Arbor, MI (October 11, 2023) –Charity Navigator announced its awarding Ann Arbor’s Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) with its topmost Four-Star Rating, for the 13th year in a row, placing HSHV among the top 1% of charities ranked nationwide. In addition to signifying financial health and ongoing accountability ...
Humane Society of Huron Valley hails proposed ban on declawing cats

Humane Society of Huron Valley hails proposed ban on declawing cats

HB 4674 introduced last week by State Representative Jimmy Wilson, Jr. of Ypsilanti would make Michigan the third state to make declawing cats illegal. The Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) hopes it will pass…well, right meow.  ...
Hand trap

To Pet Owners in Michigan: Beware of Traps

Following the passage of a proposal last week by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) which now allows squirrels, cottontail rabbits, opossums and other animals deemed “nuisances” to be trapped and killed without a permit, the Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) is cautioning people about dangerous—even deadly—traps their ...
HSHV Launches Free Services To Keep More People and Pets Together

HSHV Launches Free Services To Keep More People and Pets Together

“Friends for Life” at HSHV is being brought to life by the generosity of the Buhr family, in loving memory of deeply devoted animal lovers Ann Buhr and Kathy Buhr. The program will provide support for seniors and others in need, including veterinary assistance, in-home support and supplies, short-term housing, ...
Parvo Threatening Pups in Washtenaw County

Parvo Threatening Pups in Washtenaw County

The public veterinary clinic at the Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) is seeing a concerning trend that area pet owners should know about: Parvovirus is on the rise ...
Why aren’t lost dogs getting back home in Washtenaw County?

Why aren’t lost dogs getting back home in Washtenaw County?

The Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV), the only shelter in Washtenaw County and Plymouth for stray animals, has seen a significant decrease in the number of animals returned to owners this year. While HSHV has been taking in more lost/stray animals than in past years, in 2023, the shelter ...
Adopt a pet free at Humane Society of Huron Valley

Adopt a pet free at Humane Society of Huron Valley

Animals don’t have a time limit at The Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV), but they still can’t wait to find a home.  So HSHV is rolling out a new initiative to help them get one faster. For animals who’ve been at the shelter longer than normal, HSHV is waiving ...
Humane Society of Huron Valley honors pets’ forever legacy with first-ever digital memorials

Humane Society of Huron Valley honors pets’ forever legacy with first-ever digital memorials

“Love Stays Here” digital collectibles will honor lost pets and support animals currently in need Ann Arbor, MI (December 20, 2022) — The Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) offers pet owners and lovers a lasting new way to honor lost pets with the “Love Stays Here” digital collectible and ...
Attorney General visits HSHV, advocates for animals rescued from research

Attorney General visits HSHV, advocates for animals rescued from research

Michigan’s Attorney General Dana Nessel, Senator Dayna Polehanki and State Representative Matt Koleszar visited the Humane Society of Huron Valley in Ann Arbor, where some of the 4,000 beagles rescued from the Envigo research facility were getting new loving homes ...
4,000 Beagles rescued, a bunch aboard Love Train for Michigan

4,000 Beagles rescued, a bunch aboard Love Train for Michigan

A bunch of Virginia beagles are boarding the Humane Society of Huron Valley’s (HSHV’s) Love Train, to get a new “leash” on life in Michigan ...
Blue Dog Counseling logo

How to talk with children about pet loss

Wording is often a real challenge. Here are some prompts that may help you plan what to say to your children and/or children in your life. Remember that there are rarely "the right words" and that planning ahead, though difficult, may help you feel more prepared to discuss pet loss ...
Beagle growling

Breaking news: Washtenaw County urges State to let retired research animals be adopted

The Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) applauds the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners for the Washtenaw County Resolution in Support of Teddy’s Law passed Wednesday, March 16, 2022. The resolution notes that though it is standard practice for research facilities to kill the dogs and cats “at the end ...
Casting Call for Ann Arbor Pets

Casting Call for Ann Arbor Pets

Award-winning local pet photographer Kat Ku hopes to tell heartwarming “tails” of Ann Arbor. She’s calling on area pet owners to share stories of their pets while helping her support the homeless animals at the Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV). For $150, which includes a $50 donation back to ...
Ypsilanti Woman Pleads Guilty to Animal Cruelty, Again

Ypsilanti Woman Pleads Guilty to Animal Cruelty, Again

Ann Arbor, MI (March 4, 2022) — Faced with a repeat felony charge of Cruelty/Neglect to more than 25 animals, Ypsilanti resident Suzanne Marie Thompson reportedly will make a plea bargain for Abandonment/Cruelty to 2-3 animals, a misdemeanor. In November 2020, Cruelty Investigators at the Humane Society of Huron Valley ...
gavel

Ypsilanti Man Charged with Animal Cruelty

Ann Arbor, MI (March 1, 2022) — Charged with abandonment/cruelty to an animal for allegedly leaving his young dog tied to a door with no food or water, Ypsilanti resident George Clark is to be arraigned March 16. In late August 2021, following reports from concerned citizens, Animal Cruelty Investigators ...
Dog found frozen in cage, Tips wanted - CASH REWARD

Dog found frozen in cage, Tips wanted – CASH REWARD

Ann Arbor, MI (February 17, 2022) — Ann Arbor, MI (February 18, 2022) — Thanks to donations by concerned individuals, the Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) is offering up to $500 cash reward for information leading to the prosecution of the person(s) responsible for the dead dog found in ...
5 cats rescued from Lodi Township

5 cats rescued from Lodi Township

On January 26, 2022, Cruelty Investigators at the Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) in coordination with the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s department executed a search warrant on a structure in Lodi Township, leading to the rescue of five adult cats. The cats were reportedly found without water and in a ...
Humane Society of Huron Valley had largest intake in the state

Humane Society of Huron Valley had largest intake in the state

Where’s the biggest and best animal shelter in Michigan? You might be surprised. Recently published annual reports on licensed animal shelters in Michigan show Ann Arbor’s Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) took in more animals in 2020 than any other shelter in the state ...
Free Kitty Kisses and Hugs for Highschoolers

Free Kitty Kisses and Hugs for Highschoolers

Ann Arbor, MI (December 7, 2021) — With so much anxiety and sadness in the air, particularly for high schoolers, Humane Society of Huron Valley’s Cat Café is offering free kitty comfort for teens. The Tiny Lions lounge and adoption Center (TLC) is free to high school students this Wednesday, ...
Animals Welcome Local Children on the Autism Spectrum 

Animals Welcome Local Children on the Autism Spectrum 

Ann Arbor, MI (October 26, 2021) — Story Time at the Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) just got warmer and fuzzier. “We’ve offered our Little Paws Story Time for several years, but we know some children struggle with sitting still for longer stories, or feel overwhelmed by bright lights ...
Free food getting to pets in need in Washtenaw County

Free food getting to pets in need in Washtenaw County

HSHV, Community Action Network (CAN) and Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels (AAMOW) have recently partnered to help feed the needy furry residents of Washtenaw County ...
Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners commended by HSHV for opposing wildlife killing contests

Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners commended by HSHV for opposing wildlife killing contests

Ann Arbor, MI (July 9, 2021) — The Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) applauds the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners for passing a resolution Wednesday opposing wildlife killing contests in Michigan and encouraging the state to ban them outright. The resolution notes that such contests promote indiscriminate killing, are ...
Bald Eagle rejoins Ann Arbor family, after rescue from fishing wire

Bald Eagle rejoins Ann Arbor family, after rescue from fishing wire

Ann Arbor, MI (May 21, 2021) — Dangling upside down, entangled in a mass of fishing line which tied him to a branch hanging over Huron River, about 4 feet from shore and 1 foot from water, a Bald Eagle needed rescuing. Fortunately, a Good Samaritan called the Humane Society ...
In memorium - Nora Mayes

In memorium – Nora Mayes

With heartfelt sympathy for her many friends and family, we are saddened by the loss of our beautiful young friend and coworker, Nora Mayes. Nora died May 11, 2021 after suffering a severe allergic reaction from an insect sting. Nora was well known for her incredibly sweet and helpful nature ...
Ypsilanti Resident Charged with Animal Cruelty, Sentenced to Probation 

Ypsilanti Resident Charged with Animal Cruelty, Sentenced to Probation 

Ann Arbor, MI (March 26, 2021) — After pleading “no contest” to animal cruelty, on February 18, 2021, the Honorable Judge Erane Washington sentenced Ypsilanti Resident Connie Denham to one year probation and over $5,000 in restitution fees. In late December 2019, Animal Cruelty Investigators from the Humane Society of ...
Deer Doctor makes a virtual house call to Ann Arbor

Deer Doctor makes a virtual house call to Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI (March 12, 2021) – In 2015, Ann Arbor City Council approved a four-year deer management plan including shooting deer in city limits; 2020 was the fifth year. To date, Ann Arbor has spent over $750,000 on deer management, including $469,700 to contracted sharpshooters who have also been counting ...
Humane Society of the United States awards HSHV's Cruelty and Rescue Supervisor

Humane Society of the United States awards HSHV’s Cruelty and Rescue Supervisor

Melinda Szabelski, Cruelty and Rescue Supervisor at Washtenaw County’s Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV), was named a “local hero” in the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) Stop Puppy Mills Campaign. The award is given annually to 14 people across the nation who’ve made a difference fighting puppy ...
3 Dead Puppies found in Ypsilanti’s Peninsular Park; Humane Society of Huron Valley asking for Tips

3 Dead Puppies found in Ypsilanti’s Peninsular Park; Humane Society of Huron Valley asking for Tips

Ann Arbor, MI (December 18, 2020) — A woman who regularly walks her dog in Ypsilanti’s Peninsular Park was startled to see a dead puppy off the side of a floating dock last Thursday night. She contacted the Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV). Upon investigation, a Humane Society of ...
BOW... Wow! We're the Best of Washtenaw because of you!

BOW… Wow! We’re the Best of Washtenaw because of you!

Only because of you can we do what we do! Save animals. Help people. And keep spreading the love. And every year, you push us to do better, and we couldn't do that without you, either! (Check out our annual report here.) So we are thrilled not only to be ...
HSHV rescues 45 dogs and cats from Pittsfield Township home

HSHV rescues 45 dogs and cats from Pittsfield Township home

Ann Arbor, MI (September 1, 2020) — Following a tip from concerned sources that animals weren’t being properly cared for, Animal Cruelty Investigators from the Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) executed a search warrant and seized 14 cats and 31 dogs from a Pittsfield Township residence Friday afternoon. Investigators ...
Augusta Township Supervisor Sentenced for Animal Cruelty

Augusta Township Supervisor Sentenced for Animal Cruelty

Ann Arbor, MI (July 30, 2020 — On Monday, July 27, Augusta Township Supervisor Brian Shelby and his wife Tammy, were sentenced two (2) years’ probation for animal cruelty. Judge Swartz of Michigan's 15th Judicial District Court issued the ruling following an investigation from the Humane Society of Huron Valley ...
Humane Society of Huron Valley ranked in top 3% of Charities

Humane Society of Huron Valley ranked in top 3% of Charities

Ann Arbor, MI (June 23, 2020) — The Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) was awarded a ninth straight topmost 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America's largest independent charity evaluator. Only 3% of evaluated charities have received more than eight consecutive 4-star ratings. Charity Navigator says HSHV outperforms most other ...
Humane Society goes virtual during Covid-19 crisis

Humane Society goes virtual during Covid-19 crisis

April 6, 2020 (Ann Arbor, MI) – Like many other animal shelters in Michigan, HSHV is offering only essential services and following all official recommendations to stop the spread of COVID-19. Adoptions and animal intakes are by appointment only. The outpatient veterinary clinic is no longer performing outpatient sterilizations or other ...
Dead and Sick Puppies Seized from Ypsilanti Pet Store

Dead and Sick Puppies Seized from Ypsilanti Pet Store

Animal Cruelty Investigators from the Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) seized seven puppies, dozens of reptiles and small mammals from Pet City Pets in Ypsilanti Township.  ...
Augusta Township Supervisor Found Guilty of Animal Cruelty

Augusta Township Supervisor Found Guilty of Animal Cruelty

Brian Shelby, Augusta Township Supervisor, recently pled guilty to seven counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty, and his wife, Tammy Shelby pled to one misdemeanor, after Animal Cruelty Investigators from the Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) found 71 animals living in neglectful conditions.  ...
Humane Society of Huron Valley offers new “private rehoming” service

Humane Society of Huron Valley offers new “private rehoming” service

Moving and can’t take your pets? There’s an alternative to taking them to a shelter: rehoming on your own. And the Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) is making it less stressful for local residents ...
Photo by Nandhu Kumar on Unsplash

Before doing Yoga with Goats (or puppies or kitties or…)

Have you tried yoga with goats, cats, dogs, or even bunnies?  Chances are that if you haven’t, you know someone who has.  Animal yoga has been sweeping the nation, gaining in popularity and ever expanding the species involved.  These yoga experiences can be great fun for both people and animals, ...
9 dogs seized by Humane Society of Huron Valley from condemned homes

9 dogs seized by Humane Society of Huron Valley from condemned homes

Thanks to a tip from a Good Samaritan, nine allegedly neglected dogs have been rescued from homes determined unfit for living. Animal Cruelty Investigators from the Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) found the dogs in two separate homes in Ypsilanti Township the first week of December ...
2019 HYA Award Winners

Local compassionate teens win Humane Youth Awards

Ann Arbor, MI (October 17, 2019) – The Humane Society of Huron Valley’s (HSHV) second annual Humane Youth Awards recognize three local teens who are working to make a more compassionate community for both humans and animals. Katie Moore, 16, has been a Junior Volunteer at HSHV for four years and ...
Resolution for Humane Pet Acquisition Ordinance unanimously passed by Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners

Resolution for Humane Pet Acquisition Ordinance unanimously passed by Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners

Ann Arbor, MI (September 19, 2019) – HSHV and Puppy Mill Awareness of Southeast Michigan applaud the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners for unanimously passing a resolution to encourage local communities to adopt a Humane Pet Acquisition Ordinance, as introduced by Commissioner Andy Labarre. It is well-known that commercial breeding facilities, known ...
2018 Humane Youth Award Winners Claire Roffi, Kaitlin Barrett-Huff and Emilia Callan

Who’s the most humane youth you know? Call for entries for Humane Youth Award

“Young people inspire us daily,” says Karen Patterson, director of humane education and volunteering at the Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV). “They donate their birthday gifts to animals, take time to read to and calm animals in shelters, and ultimately teach all of us adults to be more compassionate ...
HSHV celebrates Dependence Day

HSHV celebrates Dependence Day

(July 2, 2019) – “Animals depend on us,” says Tanya Hilgendorf, CEO/President of the Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV). “This July 4, we’re celebrating all the people who’ve made wonderful things happen for the animals in our community.” Donors, adopters, volunteers and staff are among the many folks celebrated ...
Dog hiding under bed

Red, White and Boo

Consider July 4th the Halloween for pets. Some don't mind it; others want to run for the hills. Though your companion animals may never see the 4th of July celebration as a treat, here are some tricks to make the upcoming days more comfortable. First, though you may want to celebrate with your ...
HSHV investigating abuse of kitten by a juvenile

HSHV investigating abuse of kitten by a juvenile

(June 25, 2019) – The Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) is investigating the alleged abuse of a four-week-old kitten by a pre-teen in Ypsilanti. Witnesses reported seeing the child kick the kitten twice, then toss him in the air several times—allowing the kitten to fall onto cement—then douse him ...
HSHV receives 8th consecutive Charity Navigator rating and 4 Best of Washtenaw awards, including Best Non Profit

HSHV receives 8th consecutive Charity Navigator rating and 4 Best of Washtenaw awards, including Best Non Profit

(June 17, 2019) – HSHV recently received several accolades. HSHV’s strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency have earned it an eighth consecutive 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator.  Only 4% of evaluated charities have received at least 8 consecutive 4-star evaluations, indicating that the ...
Workplace wellness - doggie date

HSHV brings dogs to your work (and your work to cats)

Feel like work is for the birds? Now, it’s for the dogs and cats with the Humane Society of Huron Valley’s (HSHV’s) new Workplace Wellness program ...
Disease on the rise in Washtenaw County wildlife, pets

Disease on the rise in Washtenaw County wildlife, pets

Raccoons acting strangely. Skunks wobbling around. The Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) is reporting a significant increase in Washtenaw County wildlife with distemper and parvovirus, diseases that can be deadly to pets if they’re not vaccinated ...
turtle crossing the road

How to Avoid Spring Wildlife Collisions

As Michiganders are waking up from winter slumber and traveling more, so, too, are lots of species of wildlife. For many, this is also baby season and the time when vehicles accidentally injure and orphan millions, the evidence of which is sadly popping up all over. “We live in a community that ...
cruelty-free chart

Could you be supporting cruelty without knowing it?

Did you know you may be supporting cruelty to animals without knowing it?  Many common products, such as cosmetics, shampoos and cleaning products, are tested on animals (like rabbits) before they are sold.  Products are usually placed on an animal’s eyes or skin to test for irritation.  Besides being painful ...
Dog and cat in snow

5 ways to help furry friends in frigid temperatures

Brrr... it's cold outside!  Here are 5 tips on helping our four-legged friends when the temperature dips. Bring them in. If it's too cold for you, it's too cold for them! Just like people, animals are subject to frostbite -- especially on paws and ears. And also just like people, our ...
Humane Youth Award Winners

Area Youth Win the First Ever Humane Youth Awards

Three local teenagers are being recognized by the Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) for their work in making a positive impact on the lives of animals and people in the community ...
John U. Bacon

Humane Society to “humanely” roast John U. Bacon

Sports fans and animal lovers alike will get their chance to roast New York Times bestselling author John U. Bacon at the Humane Society of Huron Valley’s (HSHV’s)13th annual Compassionate Feast fundraiser on Friday, November 9 ...
Bailey Grace the hounddog

Bailey Grace says gracias

Have you ever spoken out for the voiceless? Thank goodness someone did for Bailey Grace!  Animal Cruelty Investigators received a video of her abuse. A puppy on a leash being kicked over and over.  Investigators addressed the situation and Bailey Grace left with them. Her life changed in that moment ...
Michigan Township Supervisor Surrenders 20 Animals, Faces Felonies for Neglect

Michigan Township Supervisor Surrenders 20 Animals, Faces Felonies for Neglect

Acting on a search warrant, the Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) investigated the home of Augusta Township Supervisor Brian Shelby, and rescued 71 animals from unsanitary, overcrowded and neglectful conditions. Brian Shelby and his wife Tammy now face three (3) felony counts of animal neglect to 10 or more animals, ...
Boy with dog

Who’s our community’s Most Humane Youth? HSHV launches first ever local award

“Young people inspire us daily,” says Karen Patterson, director of humane education and volunteering at the Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV). “They donate their birthday gifts to animals, take time to read to and calm animals in shelters, and ultimately teach all of us adults to be more compassionate ...
Best of Washtenaw winner ad with cat and dog

We won!

We are so honored! Thanks to you, we won a bunch of awards in Current Magazine's "Best of Washtenaw" contest. These awards help get the word out about the needy animals in our community and services that help them, so thank you to all who voted! Thanks to you, HSHV won Best ...
This weekend's forecast: HOT DOG

This weekend’s forecast: HOT DOG

10 tips for summer pet safety The “dog days of summer” are on their way. “Every year, beloved pets suffer from heat exhaustion and worse, as unknowing owners leave them in the car,” says Michele Baxter, Cruelty and Rescue Manager of the Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV). “Pets don’t ...