HUMANE HEROES

They’re a special breed.

michiganhumane.org

2017 COMMUNITY REPORT


MISSION
To improve and save lives through compassionate care,
community engagement and advocacy for animals.
INSIDE:
CEO Letter 1
Compassionate Care 2
Community Engagement 4
Advocacy for Animals 6
Impact Data 8
Board and Leaders 9
So proud and honored to be an MHS volunteer!
To be able to contribute to an organization
that has never lost sight of their original
mission through whatever needs to be done is
immensely rewarding. Because of MHS, even
my beloved and recently lost Alex was able to
do his part to help with their mission. Their
compassion knows no bounds.”
- Judy Murray
1
MATTHEW PEPPER
President and CEO
After 140 years, the Michigan Humane Society remains the largest, oldest and
most impactful animal welfare organization in the state. In the past few decades,
organizations throughout the country, MHS included, have seen the numbers of
animals entering shelters reduced. This is in large part because of the impact
that spay/neuter programs, humane education and accessible preventive
veterinary services have had on our communities.
However, fewer animals don’t translate into less work.
Roughly two-thirds of the animals that enter MHS are categorized as “treatable.”
That means that a greater percentage of our placements than in previous years
need advanced medical care and/or behavioral work prior to adoption.
As a result, the majority of pets we rescue are staying in MHS shelters longer.
A longer stay means increased costs for higher levels of care. In the past, these
animals would have been left behind. But our goal is to give every deserving pet
an opportunity at life: a second chance.
At MHS, treatable represents a broad and deep spectrum of issues that include
amputations, heartworm, fractures, disease, and behavioral issues arising from lack of socialization, fearfulness and more. I am
proud to report that MHS has a 100 percent placement rate for 2017. In fact, we have saved the life of every healthy and treatable
animal presented to us since late 2015.
Another important metric is the live release rate, which is the unfiltered percentage of animals that leave MHS with a positive
outcome. It cannot be used alone to measure the success of a shelter, but as an indicator it highlights some of the challenges we
still face in the community, including a lack of preventive care and education, access to resources, non-socialization and the
continued use of animals for purposes other than companionship. Still, in 2017, MHS has a live release rate of over 80 percent.
That’s compared to 39 percent just five years ago. There is more that we can do.
What does “more” look like? MHS leadership and its Board of Directors recently completed a three-year strategic plan to help
focus efforts in several key areas. The plan is comprehensive and includes strategies to address issues in the community, animal
cruelty and neglect, access to services and, above all, our opportunity to save more lives.
This year, 2017, has been nothing short of incredible for the animals and people impacted by MHS programs and services. Never
has the support of the community been more important. As more and more animals come to us in need of advanced medical and
behavioral rehabilitation, the cost of operating our three facilities has increased significantly.
We need the support of the community to continue this critical work. Together, we can build upon programs to combat, address
and prevent animal cruelty and neglect. We can further our work to unify the animal welfare community so that every animal,
regardless of the community partner sheltering it, has the same chance at life. We always need volunteers, foster homes and
adopters for the thousands of animals coming through our shelters and benefitting from our care.
Just as it has for 140 years, MHS is dedicated to building upon its impact in both Southeast Michigan and beyond long into the
future. Thank you for supporting our mission and being passionate about saving animal lives.
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COMPASSIONATE CARE TRAP-NEUTER-RETURN

• Free sterilizations reduce community cat
PET ADOPTIONS #HAPPYTAILSSTORIES
• Three adoption centers and five partner sites help
The Michigan Humane Society keeps animals safe and healthy by providing emergency rescues and populations MHS pets find forever homes
• MHS trains community caretakers throughout • 8,296 pets placed into forever homes
lifesaving veterinary care, investigating animal cruelty and finding permanent homes for thousands of pets Metro Detroit • 100 percent of healthy or treatable animals were
each year. • 747 cats sterilized at a cost to MHS of $43,400 adopted, returned to their owners, or transferred
to another animal welfare organization
Providing comfort to animals in need was important to our mother. In her memory, family and friends
directed their donations toward the purchase of a Baier Hugger system, which is used after surgery. Our
mother would be happy knowing each surgical patient receives comfort and hugs from this on-going gift.
- Family & Friends of Frances E. Gardella

MHS rescue found Trinket trapped in a

ANIMAL CRUELTY INVESTIGATION crate in the ruins of a burned-out house.
AND RESCUE She was sitting in a cold puddle; her coat
was matted and filthy.
Three shelters provide a safe haven for animals in need. BEFORE
• 8,791 cruelty or rescue response calls
• Average of 24 cruelty or rescue response calls per The MHS vet team removed two pounds
day of foul-smelling hair to reveal a playful,
• In 2016, MHS sheltered 13,854 animals loving young dog. Trinket’s journey from VETERINARY CENTERS
hopeless to healthy resonated worldwide Three Detroit-area veterinary centers provide preventive and specialized care and state-of-the-art dental and surgery services.
AFTER with coverage as far away as Australia. • Grosfeld Veterinary Center, Detroit
• Berman Center for Animal Care, Westland
• Rochester Hills Center for Animal Care, Rochester Hills
EMERGENCY MEDICAL FUND
• Expert medical resources for shelter animals and
community pets
• Preventive and specialized care, surgery, and dental
care
48,433 7,677 10,690 3,456 269
MHS worked with MSU to reconstruct Baron’s nose, close Animal client Microchips Sterlilizations Clients on payment “Low income”
the lacerations on his hind legs and treat his disfigured tail. visits implanted administered programs discounts
Restoring Baron to a happy life in a loving home = $15,000
I know the impact the Michigan Humane Society has in the lives of animals. Their veterinary services, rescue
efforts, specialized treatment to each animal, statewide cruelty services and community education are growing
exponentially. MHS needs contributions to provide these services and I am happy to be a part of supporting
BARON
their efforts.
-Charlene Handleman, Member, MHS Board of Directors
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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROTECT-A-PET CLINICS

• Free and low-cost pet vaccinations and microchipping in neighborhoods throughout Detroit
Through numerous animal care and support programs, MHS helps community members keep their • 61,859 vaccinations
• 2,671 animals given lifesaving vaccines, 669 pets microchipped
pets nourished, healthy and warm. This creates a happier, healthier community at large.

SPAY/NEUTER PROGRAMS
• Low-cost services for families in need • All MHS healthy and treatable animals are
• Pit-bull-focused programs sterilized
• 10,690 dogs and cats sterilized in FY 2016

PET PANTRY
• Temporary pet food source to help families keep STRAW AND SHELTER PROGRAM
their pets • Free doghouses and straw delivered throughout the
• 7,368 food bank clients served coldest months
• Some 7,500 animals stayed warm and dry thanks to
MHS supporters
We support the MHS Pet Pantry because no one
should have to make the decision whether to The Keeping Families Together program is so
buy food for their family or buy food for their meaningful in giving pet owners the
pet or even worse give up their pet because they opportunity to continue having the company
temporarily can’t afford to feed them. and comfort of their animals during trying
- Betty Tower and Kelly Tower times.
- Ann Land
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ADVOCACY FOR ANIMALS

The Michigan Humane Society educates law enforcement, legislators, and the community on animal welfare
and safety issues, helping to improve the lives of people and their pets across the state.

HUMANE EDUCATION
• K-5 lesson plans are approved by the State Board of
Education
• Plans available in Spanish, Arabic coming soon
• 3,148 students in 54 schools participated
• Scout and faith-based groups participated
• 22 groups completed extra projects to help MHS
shelter animals

LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY
MHS helps state legislators introduce and strengthen • Felony offense for killing an animal
laws that protect animals, including: • Animals as part of personal protection orders
• Felony offense for dog- and cockfighting
LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING
• MHS educates law enforcement agencies statewide on animal control and animal crisis
situations.
• MHS Statewide Response Services provides expertise and assistance in animal issues and crises.

GREAT LAKES ANIMAL WELFARE CONFERENCE

My support of MHS … is best summed up by my agreement with an old quote: A society can be judged
by how it treats its animals. I believe that people are responsible for caring for each other, for the • MHS organizes an annual regional conference for professionals in animal
welfare, law enforcement and veterinary medicine, with national
animals, and for the earth ... speakers, seminars and networking. Now in its 14th year, GLAWC helps
- Judge Sharon Finch build and foster collaboration among animal welfare professionals.
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THE LIVES MHS TOUCHES MHS is a highly credible and trusted leader in animal welfare ... It is well managed with clear goals that
they work to implement ...  And our customers and employees think better of our own company because
Meet Meet we support the work MHS does ...  In short, MHS is a great organization to align ourselves with as a
partner to contribute back into our community in general, and towards animal welfare in particular.
ANDREW MONICA - Joe Nashif, us-mattress.com

MICHIGAN HUMANE SOCIETY LEADERSHIP

HAPPY & HEALTHY
Thanks to MHS, Andrew and
Fella stay happily and healthily
together. Andrew is training for a
5k with Fella, who has become the
neighborhood’s favorite pet.
ANIMAL ADVOCATES
MHS investigates a complaint
about a skinny dog.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Now, Monica tells everyone how one
little MHS kitten changed her life.
• Matthew Pepper, President and Chief Executive Officer • Kelley Meyers, D.V.M., Vice President of Operations
• Doug Plant, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer • Ron Carr, Vice President, Human Resources
• Dan Ginis, Senior Vice President and Chief Advancement Officer • Andy Seltz, Vice President, Community Engagement, Field Services
COMPASSIONATE CARE
• Matthew Kubler, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer • Shirene Cece, D.V.M., Medical Director
Monica adopts a kitten at MHS’
Meet Your Best Friend at the Zoo • Robert Fisher, D.V.M., Vice President and Chief Mission Officer
event. The cat brings her joy. She
begins to “follow” MHS on social
media.

ADOPTION COUNSELOR MICHIGAN HUMANE SOCIETY BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PET PANTRY PROGRAM
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Andrew says he’s been laid-off,
needs help feeding his dog, Fella,
Andrew learns about an MHS but doesn’t know where to go.
Protect-A-Pet clinic from a The rescue team tells him about
neighborhood flyer and, for less the MHS Pet Pantry Program, and
than $20, gets Fella all of his provides a dog house, straw.
vaccines.
AFFORDABLE MEDICINE FREE STERILIZATION
A year later, she again attends
MHS’ Meet Your Best Friend at the
• Paul M. Huxley, Board Chair • Jan Ellis • Kristin A. Lusn
Zoo event. Now, she’s an adoption • Dennis J. Harder, Vice Chair • Marianne T. Endicott • Robert A. Lutz
counselor helping others engage.
VOLUNTEERING • Gregory M. Capler, Treasurer • Jennifer M. Farber • Marcia M. McBrien
Monica learns that MHS needs • Beth Correa, Secretary • Charlene Handleman • Dave Meador
volunteers to socialize shelter • Daniel A. Wiechec, Immediate Past Chair • Amelia Hughes • Rick Ruffner
dogs and cats to help them find
HEALTH PERK homes.
• Daniel H. Minkus, Legal Counsel • Laura A. Hughes • Bill Sullivan
Since adopting a pet from MHS, • Linda S. Axe • Andrew Humphrey • Bruce Thal
Monica feels less stress. Her blood • Madge Berman • Ross Lerner • Peter Van Dyke
pressure is lower. She’s sleeping
better.

FINANCIALS: FISCAL 2016

At the MHS vet clinic he speaks Andrew visits the MHS Pet Pantry
BEFRIENDS STAFF
with a veterinarian about Fella’s for dog food, learns about MHS’ pit
other medical needs. He buys bull sterilization program. He goes She visits an MHS shelter each
TREATABLE ANIMALS
affordable medicine to prevent
fleas, ticks and heartworm.
online and qualifies Fella for free
sterilization. She fosters three kittens.
week, interacts with animals and
befriends the staff.
Assets Statement of Activities
• Cash and Investments $10,253,941 Revenues
• Land, Buildings and Equipment (net) 20,754,570 • Contributions, Special Events and Bequests (net) $17,104,156
• Estate, Pledge and Other Receivables 6,587,223 • Adoption Center and
• Other 685,530 Charitable Veterinary Hospital (net) 6,363,663
• Total Assets $38,281,264 • Investment Activity (net) 451,217
• Property and Equipment Disposal (88,716)
Liabilities • Other 16,404
• Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses $1,129,968 • Total Revenues 23,846,724
• Loans Payable 4,964,203
• Total Liabilities 6,094,171 Expenses
FOSTERS AND VOLUNTEERS • Net Assets 32,187,093 • Program Services 16,045,306
• Total Liabilities and Net Assets $38,281,264 • Management and General 476,148
• In 2016, MHS fosters helped save 2,131 pets. The need is daily! 2,827,232
• Fundraising
• 1,000+ volunteers provided 34,834 hours of assistance, including dog • Total Expenses 19,348,686
walking, shelter work, event support and administrative work.
Increase in Net Assets $4,498,038
I foster dogs because it is very rewarding, you are saving lives. It
is one of the most enjoyable things I do, I have been fostering for
the Michigan Humane Society since 1992.
- Alice Humphries
 Celebrating 140 Years
MHS Administrative Offices MHS Mackey Center for MHS Rochester Hills Center for MHS Berman Center for Animal Care
Bingham Farms Animal Care Animal Care 900 N. Newburgh Road
30300 Telegraph Road 7887 Chrysler Drive 3600 W. Auburn Road Westland, MI 48185
Bingham Farms, MI 48025 Detroit, MI 48211 Rochester Hills, MI 48309 Adoption: 734.721.7300
248.283.1000 Adoption: 313.872.3400 Adoption: 248.852.7420 Veterinary: 734.721.4195
Veterinary: 313.872.0004 Veterinary: 248.852.7424

MHS Animal Resource Center

866-MHUMANE
Visit us online at michiganhumane.org

ADOPTION PARTNERS