Pet Organizations
& Favorite Websites

Animal Rescues and Adoptions

Pet organizations are great places to find a new best friend. If you are planning to get a pet or would like to volunteer your time to help homeless pets, be sure to check with the animal shelters in your area.

Almost every city has at least one Humane Society or other animal shelter and they're usually very glad to find dedicated volunteers to help out with a variety of duties.

Below are some great pet organizations in the Muskegon/Ottawa area.


Pets Best Friends
P.O. Box 66 Montague, MI 49437 (231) 893-6128

Pets Best Friends is a different kind of pet organization. Their objective is to teach humane education to the elementary students in Whitehall and Montague. They are also able to offer financial assistance to local pet owners who may need help paying for the high cost of spaying or neutering their pets.


Lifeline for Pound Buddies

Lifeline for Pound Buddies is a non-profit pet organization that works to help the dogs that end up at Muskegon County Vector Control. Pound Buddies makes it possible for the dogs that are not claimed by their owners to find new forever homes. If you are thinking of getting a dog, I hope that you will consider checking out Pound Buddies as these dogs are not able to stay at the shelter permanently and therefore, need to find homes as quickly as possible.

Unlike other pet organizations, Pound Buddies is run strictly by volunteers and also has a great fostering program that helps get some of the dogs out of the shelter while they're waiting for forever homes. Most weekends you can find these volunteers working adopt-a-days at local areas in a wonderful effort to bring the dogs and potential adopters together.

Pound Buddies welcomes volunteers at the shelter, so even if you can't adopt a dog right now, you can still help make their lives better.


The Noah Project

Noah Project is a no-kill, nonprofit organization dedicated to the rescue of abused, abandoned, and unwanted animals. The shelter is run by some great volunteers and is really a fun place to visit.


Christine's Critter Cafe and Rescue

Did you know it's not just homeless dogs and cats that need to be rescued? Many bunnies, rats, hamsters and other small animals are abused, neglected and abandoned every day.

Christine's Critter Cafe and Rescue is a pet organization that takes in many small animal rescues as well as some cats and dogs. So, if you're thinking about adding a small critter to your family, please avoid pet stores and consider adopting instead.

Pet stores get their animals from breeders who often use the parents as breeding machines. On top of that, while those cute little animals at the pet store may look healthy and well cared for, you just never know what might be lurking in their back rooms.


West Michigan SPCA

The West Michigan SPCA is a humane, no-kill, non-profit organization totally supported by donations, and staffed by volunteers. The SPCA does not receive any local, state or federal funding.

They are also a TAOS (The Association of Sanctuaries) accredited sanctuary and provide a permanent home to both native and exotic wild animals that have been abused, neglected, or orphaned and cannot be returned to the wild.

This is a wonderful organization and a fun place to visit so I would recommend that everyone check it out. It is truly a haven for many different types of animals.


Harbor Humane Society

Harbor Humane Society (formerly Ottawa Shores Humane Society) is located off US 31 just north of Holland. It is a clean, friendly facility and a great place to find a new best friend. (I was a volunteer and employee there for many years).

If you can’t take a new pet into your home right now but would like to help an injured animal, you might want to consider donating to this organization's Hope Fund. The Hope Fund allows them to get vital medical help for seriously injured pets that would normally have to be euthanized. If you have a minute, check out their website and see a few of this organization's Hope Fund stories.


Bellwether Harbor
7645 W. 48th St., Fremont, MI 49412 (231) 924-9230

Bellwether Harbor is another great organization where you can adopt a new dog or cat. They also offer training classes through the White River Dog Training Group to help you and your new friend learn how to be better forever companions.


Michigan Humane Society

The Michigan Humane Society (MHS) is a private, nonprofit organization serving the animals and people of metro Detroit and beyond since 1877.

The largest animal welfare organization in Michigan and one of the largest in the country, the Michigan Humane Society receives no government funding and is not a United Way agency. Instead, the generosity of individual and corporate supporters allows the continued operation and growth of the MHS’ many programs and services. The MHS provides services for more than 100,000 animals each year.

While the Michigan Humane Society operates in the metro Detroit area, their services often benefit animals throughout Michigan. They were also active participants in the efforts to rescue pets left behind during Katrina.

The services provided by the Michigan Humane Society include:

Cruelty Prevention and Rescue

Humane Education

Legislation

Wildlife


Humane Society & Animal Rescue of Muskegon Michigan
2640 Marquette Avenue, Muskegon, MI 231-773-8689

The Humane Society provides a place for many homeless cats and dogs, and even a few birds and guinea pigs. The caring volunteers work hard to take in any animal with no place to go, and they make them comfortable while they are waiting for loving forever homes.

My Favorite Organizations
Training, Pet Care, & Other Pet Websites

A More Loving & Natural Way to Train Your Dogs
www.Voice4Dogs.com

For me, my dogs have always been friends, companions and important members of the family. Since I would never want to make a friend "submit" to me, I've always had a problem with training methods based on the old dominance theory.

That's why I was thrilled to find this website which shows you a better way to train your four legged friend. Instead of resorting to fear tactics and power struggles, learn how to teach your dog in a gentle and loving way.

Mindful Leadership brings out the Best in your Dog.
Everyone can do it! Every dog responds to it!

Pet Care Unleashed
Not just another run of the mill website, Pet Care Unleashed offers a fresh look at caring for your best friend. I especially like the tips on pet insurance.

Dog & Cat Care Basics:
Just what sort of breed is an "outside" dog anyway?







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