Want to make a real difference for outdoor cats in your neighborhood? Learn what it takes to be a Certified Cat Caretaker. This overview will assist in understanding how to stop the cycle of feline homelessness through Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR), gain expert tips on humane trapping, winter sheltering, responsible feeding and colony management. If this Lunch… Continue reading WEBINAR: Wednesday, August 19, 2026 – Intro to Community Cat Caretaker Certification, Angelica Roth, All About Animals Rescue
One Voice News You Can Use
Buddy’s Law Remains in Committee While Weather Extremes Continue
As many of you know — and have experienced firsthand through your calls and outreach (thank you!) — Buddy’s Law (HB 4130, 4131, 4132) still sits in the Michigan House Judiciary Committee. The recent cold snap may have passed, but the summer heat is coming, and winter will be back soon enough. Outdoor dogs remain… Continue reading Buddy’s Law Remains in Committee While Weather Extremes Continue
Safety Response Planning: ICE Activity
Crisis planning is part of running any animal welfare organization. Organizations review and update their plans on a regular basis, then communicate those plans to their staff and volunteers. Recently, organizations have added ICE to their list of potential crises. This article provides planning tips and resources to ensure your organization is prepared. To prepare… Continue reading Safety Response Planning: ICE Activity
Member Spotlight: Humane Society of Huron Valley
If you suggest to Karen Patterson of the Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) that volunteers are the backbone of any pet-oriented organization, you’ll have no argumentfrom her. In an organization with more than 2,000 active volunteers, one would think that must be the case. But, according to Patterson, vice president of volunteers and humane… Continue reading Member Spotlight: Humane Society of Huron Valley
WEBINAR: Wednesday, July 15, 2026 – Scent Work Programs for Shelter and Rescue Dogs, Laurie Horn
New environments, such as shelters or foster homes, can be overwhelming for dogs, often increasing anxiety and leading to unwanted behaviors. Certified dog trainer and author Laurie Horn will guide staff, volunteers, and foster caregivers in using a dog’s most powerful sense – their sense of smell – to help dogs feel calmer, more confident,… Continue reading WEBINAR: Wednesday, July 15, 2026 – Scent Work Programs for Shelter and Rescue Dogs, Laurie Horn
WEBINAR: Wednesday, June 17, 2026 – How to Get the Most Out of Grant Writing, Julie Townsend
Unlock the potential that grants can provide. If you feel overwhelmed by the process, don’t worry! This short program will break down the steps of finding grants, collecting data, and applying for funding into simple, manageable concepts. It’s easier than you might think, and funding is available if you’re willing to take a chance. Julie… Continue reading WEBINAR: Wednesday, June 17, 2026 – How to Get the Most Out of Grant Writing, Julie Townsend
WEBINAR: Wednesday, May 20, 2026 – Creating an Outreach Program or Outreach Organization, Jen Clarkston, Dog Aide
Communities thrive when people and animals are supported together. Join us as Jennifer Clarkson founder of Detroit’s Dog Aide discusses the essential steps for building an effective, sustainable outreach program that improves animal welfare in meaningful ways. Whether you’re part of a shelter, nonprofit, school, or grassroots initiative, this session equips you with the tools… Continue reading WEBINAR: Wednesday, May 20, 2026 – Creating an Outreach Program or Outreach Organization, Jen Clarkston, Dog Aide
WEBINAR: Wednesday, April 29, 2026 – Building Safe & Effective Community Response Protocols: Preparing for ICE Encounters, Jennifer Schorn
Join Jennifer Schorn, LGSW (she/her), for a timely and practical webinar focused on preparing for potential interactions with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in shelter and community-based settings. This session provides a concise overview of the need for ICE response protocols, followed by practical guidance for developing your own. Participants will learn who to… Continue reading WEBINAR: Wednesday, April 29, 2026 – Building Safe & Effective Community Response Protocols: Preparing for ICE Encounters, Jennifer Schorn
WEBINAR REPLAY: Disaster Planning for Pets and Livestock
From weather emergencies to man-made and natural disasters, when it’s time to evacuate to safe areas, what are your plans for pets and livestock? Are you, your staff and volunteers prepared at home? What about your community? Is your county prepared? Watch this video to learn more about disaster planning for you, your pets and… Continue reading WEBINAR REPLAY: Disaster Planning for Pets and Livestock
Conversational Adoption Counseling to Decrease Length of Stay in Your Animal Shelter or Rescue
Conversational counseling can help overcome common barriers to adoption by taking a more personalized approach to customer interactions. In this video, Alison Balow — adoptions and front-of-house manager for the Humane Society of Huron Valley in Ann Arbor, Michigan — demonstrates how conversational adoption counseling can decrease length of stay and lead to fewer returns. Alison will provide examples of the techniques best suited to engaging in friendly and thoughtful discussions with potential adopters.
Member Spotlight: Karma Kat Cafe
Mystie Beckwith was an only child who spent her days in the woods with books and nature or just down the road at her grandparents’ farm, riding horses and caring for animals. Then and there, in that childhood, Mystie’s love of living beings grew strong. Her desire to help animals in need began to sprout.… Continue reading Member Spotlight: Karma Kat Cafe
Member Spotlight: All About Animals
In southeast Michigan, there’s an organization that every rescue and TNR team knows. It’s All About Animals Rescue (AAAR), headquartered in Warren, with additional locations in Flint, Auburn Hills and Detroit. With a clear vision to end pet homelessness, suffering and unnecessary euthanasia, All About Animals launched in 2005 as a foster-based rescue in Macomb… Continue reading Member Spotlight: All About Animals
Member Spotlight: Friends of Michigan Animals Rescue
It always starts with a need, a passion and a drive to help homeless pets. Rescues are born from those ideals, and most strive to one day grow into a shelter. The dream of walls and a roof to provide a haven to animals in need, beyond the foster care network, is present day and… Continue reading Member Spotlight: Friends of Michigan Animals Rescue
Hot Weather & July 4th Pet Safety Tips
The blistering heat of summer has arrived. Remember to protect pets from hot weather hazards: The 4th of July is just around the corner. Share these extra safety tips to keep pets safe this holiday.
Michigan’s First Pet-friendly License Plate Bill Passes Senate
WHAT: MPA proposes a fundraising license plate to benefit Michigan’s dogs and cats. Michigan will join 26 other states with a nonprofit license plate to fund critically needed spay/neuter programs and initiatives for low-income families and community programs across the state, as well as training and support for animal welfare organizations. WHO: Michigan Pet Alliance… Continue reading Michigan’s First Pet-friendly License Plate Bill Passes Senate
Member Spotlight: Attorneys for Animals
Advocacy is a core mission for every animal welfare organization, including Michigan Pet Alliance. We speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. We fight for laws and ordinances to protect them. We advocate for their needs and resources. One member organization that lives and breathes this ethos is Attorneys for Animals, and they’ve been… Continue reading Member Spotlight: Attorneys for Animals
Help Wildlife Beat the Heat
You can help animals outdoors beat the heat wave that starts tomorrow. Community cats, strays, lost pets, wildlife, bees, butterflies and other insects need a helping hand when it’s too hot or too cold. 1. WATER. Lots and lots of water access. Refresh the water at least daily. Water is critical. 2. SHADE. You might… Continue reading Help Wildlife Beat the Heat
Member Spotlight: Shelter to Home
Ideas are powerful. They can have significant impact. They can even be transformative, growing and spreading into something beautiful. In animal welfare, successes are built on ideas, but only after those ideas are explored, nurtured and shared. That’s what happened 18 years ago. A few friends spent a cold afternoon walking the track at a… Continue reading Member Spotlight: Shelter to Home
Get Your Paw Print Gear
Get your gear and support animal welfare in Michigan. Michigan Pet Alliance launched its merchandise shop, featuring nine unique designs. All proceeds benefit the programs of MPA. Great gifts for loved ones, as well as yourself. Shop now!
Member Spotlight: Happy Feet Pet Rescue
To build a successful animal welfare organization, you have to snap together a lot of parts. Learning to work together, advocating with one voice, is the common denominator we see most often in groups that create lasting change. MPA member Happy Feet Pet Rescue (HFPR) is one of those organizations that’s made the grade. How… Continue reading Member Spotlight: Happy Feet Pet Rescue