By Andi Anderson
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) has announced $150,000 in Animal Welfare Fund grants to assist registered animal shelters across the state. These funds will help shelters care for homeless pets and expand essential services for animals awaiting adoption.
State Veterinarian Nora Wineland emphasized the importance of the growing program, stating, “MDARD has seen a steady increase in the number of animal welfare projects seeking funding through the Animal Welfare Fund and in the amount of funds being requested. These grants make a significant, positive impact on Michigan’s animals and the people who care for them. We hope Michigan taxpayers will continue to generously support animals waiting for their fur‑ever home.”
This year, the grants—made possible by Michigan taxpayers who check the “Animal Welfare Fund” box on their state tax returns—will support 24 shelters. Awards range from $750 to $12,500, covering regions across Mid‑Michigan, Northern Michigan, Southeast Michigan, Southwest Michigan, the Upper Peninsula, and West Michigan. Recipients include organizations such as Adopt‑A‑Pet in Fenton, Cheboygan County Humane Society, Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit, Calhoun County Animal Center, Delta Animal Shelter, and many others.
More than 85% of funded projects this year focus on increasing spay/neuter capacity, helping shelters manage pet populations and improve animal health. Other projects include expanding vaccination access in underserved communities, supporting a rabbit‑specific shelter with spay/neuter costs, and expanding programs that provide microchips and scanners to help families keep their pets.
The Animal Welfare Fund plays an important role in strengthening shelter operations across Michigan. Grants help facilities provide spay/neuter services, enhance staff training, improve animal health, and offer community education on responsible pet care. These combined efforts help shelters adopt out more animals and support overall welfare within their regions.
All contributions made through the voluntary tax checkoff go directly to registered shelters. Since 2010, more than $2.1 million has been distributed to over 357 shelters. MDARD credits the generosity of Michigan taxpayers for making these programs possible.
More details on the Animal Welfare Fund, contributions, and past grant stories can be found on MDARD’s official website.
Photo Credit: pexels-karolina-grabowska
Categories: Michigan, Rural Lifestyle