Providing essential aid and vital companionship, The Humane Society of Huron Valley’s Friends for Life Program is launching in Ann Arbor Animal Shelter – tripling the quantity of elderly and vulnerable residents able to keep their animals safe and loved. Such services range from veterinary access and necessary pet supplies to in-home veterinary help and short-term housing options. CEO Tanya Hilgendorf of the organization explains that many pets are given up unnecessarily due to a lack of support for pet owners, exploring the profound effect this new program could have. Program Coordinator Alicia Curley also highlights the scope of the initiatives – offering support to vulnerable people experiencing homelessness, helping them keep their dear animal companion healthy and safe with them.
Keeping Pets in Loving Homes
The Humane Society of Huron Valley Friends for Life program assists seniors and vulnerable pet owners in caring for their beloved furry, feathered, and scaley companions.
This program provides access to veterinary care, pet supplies, in-home support, short-term housing, and animal visits – designed to help pet owners keep their animals in loving homes.
HSHV CEO Tanya Hilgendorf said, “Many pets are surrendered to us by loving owners who could have kept their companions with more assistance. Our goal with Friends for Life is to extend our existing services and give those needing the extra support they require to keep their pets.”
The Friends for Life Program will proudly launch at the Ann Arbor Animal Shelter. Studies have shown that pets benefit their owners, helping fight isolation and loneliness while improving mental health. The program will offer essential veterinary care to the pets of older community members or those without transportation, as well as additional support to those facing housing insecurity or living unhoused with their pets. Alicia Curley, Program Coordinator, noted that “there is little for pets in these situations, and people experiencing homelessness can’t bring their animal companion into the homeless shelter. Some people will choose to live on the streets or in a car over giving up their furry family member. This program can help keep the animal healthy and with their person.”
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The initiative is made possible by the generous support of the Buhr family in memory of Ann Buhr and Kathy Buhr.
The program can help more pet owners keep their furry families safe and healthy.
Friends For Life is proud to invite those interested in partnering with us to contact Curley at 734-661-3550 or ffl@hshv.org to learn more about how they can help support this program.
Providing access to veterinary care, pet supplies, in-home support, and more, the Humane Society of Huron Valley Friends for Life program has immensely benefited Ann Arbor’s senior population and vulnerable pet owners. With the addition of their Friends for Life program at the Ann Arbor Animal Shelter, HSHV further enhances an already supportive environment for pet-owning citizens experiencing financial or housing insecurity. This program aligns with the goals of promoting general well-being through the unique connection between people and their pets – ultimately leading to more secure and beloved pet companions in the Ann Arbor community.
