 
Note from the Director
Dear Community Members,
As we embark on our new year’s resolutions and look ahead to spring, I want to take a moment to reflect on our incredible achievements in 2025. It was truly a year of compassion, as our devoted staff welcomed 2,756 animals into the shelter, including cats, dogs, rabbits, chickens, and even a bearded dragon. Our dedicated volunteers generously contributed 7,240 hours caring for shelter animals and took dogs out for 473 enriching field trips. In addition, our talented shelter veterinarian and her support team performed over 1,900 spay and neuter surgeries. We also distributed more than 8,000 pounds of food to help keep pets and families together.
Together, we made a significant, positive impact on pets and people throughout Kent County.
Looking ahead, we continue to have a positive impact. Also, keep an eye on our social media channels as we have several adoption events throughout 2026, so if you are considering adding a furry family member, we would love to help you meet your match.
Angela Hollinshead
Director, Kent County Animal Shelter
|
A QR Smart Dog License Is Your Dog’s Ticket Home!
Did you know Kent County utilizes smart QR dog licenses? Not only do these licenses come with an individual number like previous style licenses, but they also come with a QR code.
In the event a pet goes missing, anyone can simply scan the back of the license and view the pet’s profile, which includes the owner's custom contact information- 24 hours a day, seven days a week! This is a FREE service that comes with the purchase of the license.
These licenses provide one more tool for Kent County residents to be reunited with their pets in the event they go missing.
No smartphone? No problem! There are several ways to locate owner information. You can search the license number at Pethub.com to locate the pet’s profile and owner contact information, or call the toll free number on the license. Also, license numbers are recorded in the KCAS license system, and a shelter staff member can perform a quick search over the phone.
Dog licenses can be purchased online, at the shelter or in person at one of the many participating partners around the county. Please visit our website to learn more and purchase your license today!
|
Winter Pet Safety
As we enjoy some warmer days this February, we need to remember that Michigan weather will always keep us guessing and we are not quite finished with freezing temperatures.
We want to remind everyone that winter weather can be tough on pets, here are a few quick tips to keep them safe and comfortable:
- Bring pets indoors during freezing temperatures and provide a warm sleeping area.
- Wipe paws after walks to remove ice melt and prevent irritation.
- Limit time outside, especially for puppies, seniors, and short-haired pets.
- Check that outdoor water isn’t frozen.
- Tap your car hood before starting to protect cats seeking warmth.
- Make sure collars and microchip information are up to date in case pets get lost.
If you need support this winter, KCAS is here to help, together we can keep pets safe and families together.
Pictured above, MayMay, out on a field trip in her winter sweater. She is ready for adoption at KCAS!
|
Thank You To Lincoln Development Center!
 One of our wonderful volunteers works at Lincoln Development Center, in a classroom with young adult students with significant physical and cognitive disabilities. They are always looking for ways to get more involved and allow their students, who are often the ones needing to receive help, to give back to their communities. The Lincoln students help make edible enrichment for KCAS shelter dogs.
The students use an adapted pouring machine that allows them to pour the “trail mix” into paper bags just by hitting a button. Other students help crumble the bags or load them into a bin for us to bring to the shelter. These activities meet several students' occupational therapy/fine motor goals. During morning meetings they will often show pictures of the shelter pups who may have received a bag they made. This gets a lot of great conversations going! They’ve been expanding this activity to a few other classrooms as well, for interested students. We want to thank the students of Lincoln Development Center for all their help in enriching our shelter dogs’ lives!
When A New Cat Moves In - What To Expect
Bringing home a new cat can feel unpredictable, but research from a survey of multi-cat households shows that most introductions go better than expected.
During the first month, interactions are usually friendly or neutral, with curiosity and play outweighing conflict. New cats tend to be more social and eager to explore, while resident cats often take a cautious “wait and see” approach, a little hissing isn’t unusual, but it rarely defines the relationship.
Introduction style can matter. Younger cats often adapt quickly, and a simple introduction may work well. Older cats, however, usually benefit from a slower process with separate spaces, scent swapping, and gradual meetings.
One key takeaway: cats mirror each other’s energy. Calm, positive interactions help build harmony, while tension can escalate if left unchecked.
Bottom line: There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, watch your cats, go at their pace, and give them the support they need to build a peaceful household.
|
Pets Available for Adoption
Be sure to visit our website if you are interested in adopting a pet. We have dozens of dogs and cats looking for forever homes and even have some smaller furry and feathered friends as well. To view our full list of adoptable pets, please visit here.
Support Our Shelter: Make a Difference Today
We need your help to make a difference at the shelter. Your support can change lives—both for the animals in our care and the families in our community.
Every donation, whether big or small, goes directly towards providing essential care, comfort, and love to animals in need. From medical treatment to adoption services, your generosity ensures that every animal has a chance at a happy, healthy life.
Please consider giving today. Whether it's a one-time donation, a monthly contribution, or volunteering your time, your support is invaluable.
|
