State Veterinarian Hails Grants as Significant Boost for Homeless Pets Across Michigan
*LANSING, MI* — The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development announced Wednesday that 24 registered animal shelters statewide will receive $150,000 in grants to improve care for homeless animals. The funding comes from the Animal Welfare Fund, which is supported by Michiganders who check the optional contribution box on their annual state tax returns.
State Veterinarian Nora Wineland, DVM, MS, DACVPM, praised the grants as making a significant, positive impact on Michigan's animals and the people who care for them.
"MDARD has seen a steady increase in the number of animal welfare projects seeking funding through the Animal Welfare Fund and in the amount of funds being requested," Wineland said in a statement. "These grants make a significant, positive impact on Michigan's animals and the people who care for them. We hope Michigan taxpayers will continue to generously support animals waiting for their fur-ever home."
More Than 85% of Projects Focus on Spay and Neuter Services
According to MDARD, more than 85% of the funded projects this year focus on expanding spay and neuter services at shelters. This approach is a key step in reducing the number of homeless animals across the state by preventing unwanted litters.
Other projects funded through the program will:
- Increase animal vaccination opportunities in underserved communities
- Support a rabbit-only shelter with specialized care
- Expand pet retention initiatives by providing access to microchips and microchip scanners
Southwest Michigan Shelters Among Recipients
Two shelters within The Kalamazoo Press coverage area received funding this year:
- Calhoun County Animal Center, Inc. (Battle Creek): $7,500
- Van Buren County Animal Control Shelter (Kalamazoo): $1,200
The Calhoun County grant will support various animal welfare initiatives at the Battle Creek facility, which serves as a critical resource for the region's homeless pets.
"We are beyond excited to receive this grant — it comes at an incredible time as we build our new medical center," said Jody Maddock, executive director of Fenton-based Adopt-A-Pet, Inc. Adopt-A-Pet is receiving $12,500. "With this support, we'll be able to invest in a new hydraulic surgical table and LED surgical lighting, allowing us to expand our lifesaving impact not only for Adopt-A-Pet animals, but also for the animals cared for by our rescue partners."
Statewide Impact of Animal Welfare Fund
The Michigan Animal Welfare Fund was established in 2007. Since 2010, MDARD has distributed more than $2.1 million to over 357 animal shelters through the program.
This year's grants will benefit 24 shelters around the state, with funding amounts ranging from $750 to $12,500 per facility. The distribution ensures that shelters across urban, suburban, and rural communities have resources to improve their operations and care standards.
Other Notable Recipients
In addition to Southwest Michigan shelters, other recipients include:
- Mid-Michigan Adopt-A-Pet, Inc. (Fenton): $12,500
- Genesee County Animal Control (Flint): $10,000
- Macomb County Animal Shelter: $10,000
- Harbor Humane Society (West Olive): $8,500
- Humane Society & Animal Rescue of Muskegon County: $6,200
- Delta Animal Shelter: $6,800
What the Money Means for Shelters
The grants will help shelters improve care, train staff and volunteers, upgrade facilities, and ultimately adopt out more animals while strengthening animal welfare across local communities.
All voluntary contributions made by taxpayers to the Animal Welfare Fund go directly to local projects that help shelter staff care for animals, according to MDARD.
"These grants make a significant, positive impact on Michigan's animals and the people who care for them," Wineland said. "We hope Michigan taxpayers will continue to generously support animals waiting for their fur-ever home."
Residents who want to contribute to the Animal Welfare Fund can do so by checking the optional box on their state tax return. 100% of donations go directly to registered shelters.
Long-Term Impact
Since its establishment, the Animal Welfare Fund has become an important funding source for Michigan's animal shelters. The program has grown steadily, with MDARD noting a consistent increase in both the number of projects seeking funding and the amount of funds being requested.
The grants support a variety of essential services that keep animals healthy, safe, and ready for adoption. From surgical equipment to vaccination programs to microchip technology, the funding helps shelters modernize their operations and provide the best possible care for homeless animals.
The Michigan Animal Welfare Fund continues to demonstrate that when Michiganders come together to support animal welfare, the impact is felt across the entire state — from Kalamazoo to Muskegon to Traverse City and beyond.