Due to health issues we are no longer in full operation, however we will help if we can. Pet Haven is a foster care, adoption, placement organization for homeless and/or unwanted pets. Pet Haven is a registered Non-Profit Organization. This unique and innovative program does not have a permanent facility. Instead, it works out of volunteer foster homes until permanent homes can be found. Unlike a
pet store, 75% of the animals are mixes and not pure breeds. Cats are leukemia/AIDS blood tested while dogs are checked for heartworm and other parasites. Programs against catastrophic illnesses are initiated for both dogs and cats. The homeless are isolated for the proper period of time to protect animals from contagions. Pet Haven is a NO-KILL shelter and no animal will be euthanized except upon veterinary recommendation due to prolonged physical complications that would cause further pain and suffering. Pets are helped in three generals ways. Abandoned, hurt, or stray animals with no obvious owner to show responsibility, are taken in as soon as possible. At Pet Haven's expense, these pets are then thoroughly checked by a veterinarian to determine the health of the animal. Also, Animal Control is notified along with the newspaper and radio. If no response is reached in 15 days, Pet Haven begins its work by having the dog vaccinated and wormed, and then a place in a foster home. The second way Pet Haven aids pets and people is by a method called "referral." In this case, a pet owner calls and expresses the need to have his or her animal placed in another home. The owner is encouraged to hold the pet until Pet Haven can check its cross-index of people having called in expressing a desire to own a pet. Then, begins the task of matching up the right pet with the right owner. The third part of the program is adoption. Prospective pet owners calling in are asked several questions ranging from what type of pet they desire, current household animals, and children to just name a few. Veterinary references are also requested. This policy is in order to maximize quality and satisfactory placement. When a pet, which Pet Haven has actually taken in, is placed, a contract is prepared which benefits not only Pet Haven, the pet, but also the new owner. It states all information about the animals plus veterinary record and date by which the animal must be spayed or neutered, it it has not already been done. A very special feature of the Pet Haven contract provides the service of re-claiming the pet should the owner finds the animal is not working. This return policy alleviates the owner from being burdened with finding a home for the pet, and insures the fact that Pet Haven will take the pet back, at no charge. Pet Haven does not sell pets. The costs are determined by whatever care-shots, worming, spaying or neutering have been involved. Most generally only a partial amount of the cost is recouped. If an animal is placed by referral, $25.00 plus a donation is required from both parties. This helps to keep some money in the fund which generally operates on a shoestring budget paying for vet bills, food costs, and advertising. This is Pet Havens 34 year in operation. In the most productive year, approximately 200 pets were placed into secure, permanent homes. About 6800 pets have been spayed or neutered in our years of operation, bringing them off the streets and cared for properly. These strays have not been euthanized or sold into research. Instead, they have found loving homes and become an extended family member with undying devotion! Pet Have ins more than an adoption and placement service. For example, in extended care and nursing facilities, Pet Haven initiated the visiting pets program in the area. Also, in recent years, the Special Consideration Senior Citizens (SCSC) program offers, in certain instanced, handicapped Pet Haven pet owners assistance in bringing pet food to their homes and occasionally have taken their Pet Haven pets to the vet for veterinary care when necessary. Pet Haven dogs are frequently call upon to be a blood donor for canine surgeries. Pet Haven dogs are also partner in the 4-H program. Pet Haven also attempts to promote knowledge in the care of pets, not only physically but also emotionally, to make owners aware that animals ahve deep and sincere feelings. This gives the pet owner a clear understanding of their responsibility to the animal which results in a happy, lasting reciprocation of love and devotion between the family and their pet. In the future, Pet Haven directors hope to someday have an actual building to be used as a permanent shelter where volunteer help can be used in the care of animals. However, even then, the value of the mistreated animals, who are very often frightened, bewildered and confused because of their bad experiences. Foster homes become a great element in reorienting these pets for placement in new homes. Although low on funds, the organization is grateful and fortunate to the many kind of people who make donations. Donations are so vital, they are the only way in which Pet Haven receives funds so that no animal, especially emergency cases, do not have to be turned down. Offers to help take many forms. Money, of course, is an obvious and needed donation. but food collars, bowls, leashes and dog houses have been donated, all very useful items. Donating time and love as a foster home is another most appreciated form of service being very vital to the program. In other cases, people have offered ad space for Pet Haven material allowing the opportunity to make known to the public the pets available for adoption. A rather new form of notion is a memorial fund. Without donations, Pet Haven could not exist. Pet Haven benefits have been far reaching to both people and pets in other communities as well as Sturgis. It is our hope that through community support that Pet Haven can continue to be a successful factor in placing pets in good homes, helping to promote useful and informative ideas concerning pet care, and aiding communities and animals by encouraging the spay/neuter program. Pet Haven volunteers are the "un-sung" heroes. To make them known is to show your appreciation for all their help by sending a donation to:
Pet Haven
PO Box 853
Sturgis, MI 49091
