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.
One Voice News You Can Use
Hot Weather & July 4th Pet Safety Tips
The blistering heat of summer has arrived. These hot weather and 4th of July safety tips will help keep your pets healthy and safe.
Michigan’s First Pet-friendly License Plate Bill Passes Senate
If successful, 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.
SAVE THE DATE: 2025 Regional Workshops
This fall, we’re coming to you. Nine workshops in eight counties, tackling the topics that these communities want most.
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 meeting this mission for 35 years.
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 is one of those organizations that’s made the grade.
Member Spotlight: Saginaw County Animal Care & Control
Along Bay Road in Kochville Township, you’ll find a shiny new 23,000-square-foot animal shelter and resource center, under new leadership, and bursting with passion and ideas for the future while embracing change for the animals of Saginaw County
Member Spotlight: Jen Clarkson
In 2016, two outstanding animal welfare organizations, Dog Aide and Bark Nation, embarked on a collaborative effort called Project Grace, which offers free spay/neuter surgery for the dogs of Detroit through a voucher system.
In addition to spay/neuter surgery, Project Grace dogs get free pain and antibiotic medications, nail trimming, needed vaccinations and microchipping.
Parvo Dog Virus Treatment
If not treated, nearly 100% of all puppies and dogs infected with canine parvovirus (CPV) will die. MPA Board Member Michelle Spranger spoke with Dr. Courtney White from Humane Society of Huron Valley to learn how to treat this deadly disease, including the new game-changing Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody by Elanco.
What is Parvo?
Parvo is a highly contagious and deadly disease, but 20% of dog owners aren’t even aware of it, according to a survey done by Elanco. MPA Board Member Michelle Spranger spoke with Dr. Courtney White from Humane Society of Huron Valley to learn more about this deadly disease and how to prevent it.
Parvo Tips for Animal Shelters
Dr. Courtney White from Humane Society of Huron Valley shares tips for animal shelters on how to manage and treat parvo, including the new Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody from Elanco.
Ditch the Bowl
Eating out of a bowl is sooo boring! Ditch the bowl to entertain, engage and enrich your dog at mealtime.
How to Imprint an Odor on Your Dog
If you and your dog have mastered indication, level up your dog’s scentwork skills by imprinting an odor. Special thanks to Laurie Horn from Sniffing Out Solutions and author of “Scent 4 Shelter Dogs” for helping us produce this video. Happy sniffing!
How to Teach Your Dog Coin Indication
Is your dog a Scent Scout? Scent Scouts have a real interest and aptitude for searching. They like to use their nose and are ready for more than just search games and puzzles. In this video, you will learn how to play Coin Indication with your dog. Special thanks to Laurie Horn from Sniffing Out Solutions and author of “Scent 4 Shelter Dogs” for helping us produce this video. Happy sniffing!
How to Prevent Dog Bites: Understanding Dog Body Language
“Any dog with a mouth can bite. Learning to read a dog’s body language can help you understand how they are feeling and what they are thinking, which can also help you prevent a dog bite.
How to Make a Snuffle Mat
A snuffle mat is a fun and engaging enrichment activity for your dog, cat, ferret, rabbit … any pet with a nose! Let your dog play for just a few minutes a day to tire them out. This is especially a great activity for the winter or a rainy day! Special thanks to Laurie Horn from Sniffing Out Solutions and author of “Scent 4 Shelter Dogs” for helping us produce this video.
Rough Kitten and Cat Play
It can often be difficult to understand if your cats are playing or fighting, causing concern for a lot of cat owners, foster parents, and folks working with cats in a shelter or rescue environment. There are a few things you can look for to have a better idea of when to step in and de-escalate or let them continue playing.