Kent County Animal Shelter Quarterly Newsletter | Quarter Two, 2024

Dear Community Members,

One December morning in 2022, as I sat at my desk, a large folder arrived. Inside was a notice that the Kent County Animal Shelter (KCAS) had been named a beneficiary of the Marie B. Schipper trust. When I saw the total gift amount, my heart skipped a beat. I suspected it was likely the largest donation the shelter had ever received, and I knew it would impact shelter animals for years to come.

With thoughtful planning and consideration, we finally decided how to use the funds. Fast forward two years to April 2024. On a warm spring day, I watched excitedly as flagged wooden stakes were replaced one by one with metal poles that would support over 800 feet of fencing. Over the next two weeks, shelter staff eagerly observed as the newest addition to our facility took shape.

I cannot even begin to describe the impact this pet exercise area will have on the dogs that temporarily call KCAS home. Our dedication to saving lives means that dogs sometimes stay with us for months while waiting to be adopted. These dogs need a lot of mental and physical enrichment to ensure they stay healthy during their time with us.

A large, enclosed natural area provides some of the best canine enrichment. Here, dogs can feel the dirt under their paws, smell where the squirrels have been, dig in the ground, and engage in all the activities they love. These experiences significantly reduce their stress.

The 44,000 square foot enclosure is located next to the animal shelter. The space will also include several activity items for the dogs including a raised platform, a vertical ramp, tire obstacle course, and lots of tree stumps with nooks and crannies to hide yummy treats for them to sniff out.

To say we are excited is an understatement. This gift will be life-changing for so many shelter dogs. We cannot thank Marie B. Schipper and her family for this gift. Her legacy will continue to impact countless shelter animals for years to come.

Your support is greatly appreciated,

Angela Hollinshead

Director, Kent County Animal Shelter

We are overflowing with adorable kittens and cats in need of loving foster homes! By fostering, you can help alleviate overcrowding at the shelter, help socialize and prepare our cats for adoption, and can enjoy the companionship of a pet without a long-term commitment.

In the image on the right is Airstream who arrived at the shelter with her litter of six one-week-old kittens. Airstream will care for her kittens until they weigh about two pounds, at which point they can be spayed or neutered and adopted into new homes.

While many cat moms can stay outside with their litters until the kittens are ready for adoption, the mother cat sometimes chooses an unstable or dangerous place to give birth, or she may become incapacitated, leaving the kittens alone. Each spring, the KCAS receives dozens of litters, like Airstream's, and relies on dedicated volunteers to keep the kittens happy and healthy while they prepare for adoption.

Ready to make a difference? There are foster opportunities available for dogs and puppies as well as cats and kittens. Please email Namiko-Ota-Noveskey@kentcountymi.gov to become a foster today!

The Animal Humane Society estimates that one in three pets will go missing in their lifetime. One way to increase the chances of finding your lost pet is by getting a new Kent County dog license.

These new licenses offer 24/7 lost and found pet support using technology that most people have in their pockets - cell phone. Each license has a QR code and phone number on the back. 

Dog owners are encouraged to register the license for free and add emergency contact information. When a lost dog is found by a community member, the finder can use their cell phone to immediately access the emergency contact information and reconnect the dog with its owner.

Dogs are eligible for a license when they have a current rabies vaccine or if their vet indicates the dog should not receive a rabies vaccine for medical reasons. This protects our community by curbing the spread of rabies. Additionally, the State of Michigan mandates that any dogs aged four months or older be licensed.

KCAS is pleased to partner with many local municipalities and veterinary hospitals throughout the county to sell dog licenses, making it convenient for you to obtain one nearby. Licenses can also be purchased online here.

Ensure your lost pet gets home faster by purchasing a new Kent County dog license!

Many family trips include our four-legged family members. If you plan to take your pet with you on your next trip, remember that traveling can be stressful for you and your pet. However, there are a few things you can do to help ensure a safe and enjoyable journey for everyone.

Before you travel with pets, one of the best things you can do is to make sure your pet is microchipped and that your contact information is up to date. We also suggest your pet wears a collar with a tag displaying your contact information.

When making travel arrangements, it's essential to plan for your pet's accommodation if they cannot accompany you at all times. We advise contacting your intended destinations in advance to inquire about their pet policies.

Remember, leaving a pet unattended in a car is never safe as temperatures can escalate to life-threatening levels within minutes, even with a slightly open window. Even on cooler days, the temperature inside a parked car can soar to 140 degrees Fahrenheit in under an hour.

It's important to remember that new environments and people can be unsettling for pets. To help them feel more at ease, be sure to pack their favorite treats and a familiar item from home, such as a blanket or toy. These familiar scents and tastes can provide a sense of comfort and security during the journey.

By taking a few simple steps and planning ahead, you can have a fun and memorable trip.