About Us
The Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan is a 501-C3 non-profit organization. We do not receive funding from any government agencies and rely solely on donations from the community. Our organization exists to provide shelter and care to sick, homeless, abused and unwanted animals. It is our goal to provide good homes for all these precious animals.
The Humane Society has a General Information Brochure available to read on-line or to print out. Please click the link below to view it.
Info Brochure
FAQ & ANSWERS
- Where is the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan located?
We are located at 641 S. Crystal Ave in Benton Harbor. This is easy access from I-94. Driving directions from I-94. Take exit 30 and head west on Napier Ave. At the light by Home Depot turn north (away from Home Depot). Go up about 1 mile and we are on the east side (right). - What are the Shelter Hours? The shelter is open Monday, Thursday, Friday 12-5PM, Wednesday 12-6PM, Saturday 11-4PM. We are closed on Tuesday & Sunday.
- Does the shelter have a website and what is on it?
Yes. The website is www.humanesocietyswm.org we also have a presence on Petfinder (www.petfinder.com) . Our website contains basic information about the shelter, online donation ability, current news for both visitors and volunteers, schedule of upcoming events, and adoptable pets. Petfinder also lists adoptable pets. Our website is run by volunteers and is updated on a regular basis. - How do I adopt from the Humane Society?
It is our goal to place adoptable animals in the best suited home for them. We do NOT operate on a first come first serve basis. Persons wishing to adopt an animal from the shelter will need to fill out an application/questionaire that will help our staff and volunteers ensure an appropriate match is made between the adopter and the pet. Landlord approval is required of renters and all adults in the household must be aware and approve of an adoption. Animals living in a household prior to adoption of a new pet must be current on their vaccines and any necessary vet care. - How much does it cost to adopt?
The Humane Society is committed to finding loving homes for our adoptable pets and realize that sometimes initial costs of adopting a pet may prohibit some of our pets from being adopted. We also realize that there are lots of options available to people who are looking to add a pet to their household. Because of this the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan has initiated a new adoption fee schedule for our animals with an additional rebate incentive made available with a grant from the Heart of Cook Foundation.
Our new adoption fees are as follows:
Adoption fee for dogs is $50.00 + $25.00refundable Spay neuter deposit required by law = $75.00
Adoption fee for cats is $35.00 + $25.00 refundable spay neuter deposit required by law = $60.00
Along with the $25.00 refund, a $10.00 refund from the Heart of Cook Grant will also be given to each adopter when proof of spay/neuter is presented. Total refund: $35.00. - Why does it cost so much?
It costs the Humane Society approximately $150 per month per animal to house and care for it. We do not receive any government assistance or tax money. We rely on donations, fundraisers, and fees to continue to provide care for the animals who come in. Most of the animals who are brought to the shelter are brought in by low income families or persons not willing to contribute to their care. If we turned these animals away due to their relinquishers inability or unwillingness to donate the animal would be the one to suffer. The adoption fee does not cover our expenses on the animal being adopted but does help cover some of the costs. The rest of the expenses must be made up in fundraising efforts and through donations. - Does the Humane Society pick up animals?
No. We do not pick up animals. Animals are brought to us by owners, good samaritains, law enforcement officials, and other organizations. - How do I report Animal Abuse or Cruelty?
There are several organizations in our area who handle these types of complaints. County Animal Control agencies (Berrien's # is 269-471-7531) can investigate neglect and cruelty situations. Local Law Enforcement agencies can also help with abuse and neglect complaints. Animal Aid of Southwestern Michigan also handles some abuse/negelct cases (269-934-7729). In all these situations you will need to be specific and accurate in the conditions and concerns you have. - Does the Humane Society Handle Wildlife?
No. Special permits and training are required to care for and rehabilitate wild animals. The Humane Society DOES have contact numbers they can refer you to if you find an injured wild animal.
10. I've lost or found a pet what do I do?
Many times when a pet is lost or found it can be reunited with the proper owner quickly. Phone calls should be placed to your local Animal Control (Berrien County 269-471-7531) Agency, the Humane Society (269-927-3303) and Animal Aid of Southwestern Michigan (269-934-7729). All of these agencies keep logs of lost and found pets to match with. Also if you find an animal you can place an add in the Herald Palladium at no charge. If you have lost an animal you can pay a small fee to list your animal. Posters with your pets picture distributed in your neighborhood will also help reunite animals with their owners.
11. Does the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan euthanize animals?
The Humane Society intakes several thousand animals each year into the shelter. Some of these animals are sick or suffering from untreatable injuries or ailments, in these cases the most humane thing we can do is end their suffering. Animals that are brought into the shelter that are vicious or aggressive and pose a threat to the public or our staff are humanely euthanized. Although every effort is made to place adoptable animals into loving homes and major initiatives have been enacted to increase space at the shelter for these animals as well as adoption initiatives to move these animals into homes at times we simply have no more space to house animals. After efforts are made to move these animals into rescue or other adoption programs, foster homes, or permanent homes if we still have space issues painful decisions must be made. In these cases one of our rotating licensed veteranarians euthanizes the animal by lethal injection.
12. Can I Volunteer for the Humane Society?
YES! We accpet all kinds of volunteers! Kid Volunteers through adults. Kid volunteers must be 14 years of age, however we do allow younger kids to come and volunteer if they are accompanied by an adult. Shelter volunteers do everything from transport animals to events, help with special events, assist at the front desk with reception tasks, create and/or deliver posters, lawn & garden maintence at the shelter, make crafts for us to sale, and other fundraising efforts. We also have volunteers who take photos, walk dogs, do website tasks, return phone calls, and bathe animals! So YES there is a job for anyone who shows an interest. Persons interested in volunteering can call the shelter, go online and fill out an application, or contact the Shelter Manager for more details!
13. What items are MOST needed at the Humane Society?
Money! Monetary donations allow us to pay the bills that come with running a shelter and to purchase items most needed. Also running a shelter includes maintaining the building, repairs and upgrades of equipment and staff costs. Other items that are most needed always include Bleach, Laundry Soap, Cat Litter, Trash Bags, Floor Cleaner, and Paper towels. We do not require Name Brands on any of these items and we encourage people to get the most bang for their donation buck by using the dollar stores or store sales!
14. How is the Humane Society funded and why are they always asking for money?
The Humane Society receives no money from taxes, dog license, government agencies, or national humane organizations. We rely soley on fundraising efforts, donations, memorials, fees, grants, and planned giving gifts to operate. This requires ongoing and continous fundraising efforts. During tough economic times donations to animal organizations tend to decrease which requires us to work harder and become "louder" in our pleas for assistance.
15. Do you ever get purebred animals?
YES! Approximately 25% of the animals who come into the shelter are purebred. Many of them are less then 1 year of age. Owners obtain them without realizing the time or financial commitment behind them and relinquish them to the shelter when they decide they no longer wish to care for them. Most of them are there for no other reason then human irresponsibility.
16. Does the Humane Society recommend any specific Veteranarians?
NO! We are committed to working harmoniously with area veteranarians. In fact we have a rotation system of many different vets from several different offices who come to the shelter to care for our animals. We are working hard to build postive relationships with all the area veteraniarns. If you are seeking someone to care for you animal we recommend you contact offices close to your home and speak directly to them about the services they can offer you and your pet and find the best match for your needs.
17. What methods of payment for services, purchases, and donations do you accept? For adoptions we accept cash or credit card. For merchandise and donations we accept cash, check or credit cards. If you have any questions about methods of payment please ask.