Families throughout the country are leashing-up this oppawtunity while they’re staying at home to welcome a new furry friend into their family through adoption or fostering. In fact, in some U.S. cities, shelters are empty and fostering has increased up to 90%. Some of our region’s shelters have developed an appointment system with safety requirements to allow families to still meet their new companions while remaining socially distant. Other shelters, like the SPCA (remember the great work they do in our region?) are in need of foster homes.

Stephen Lawrence, director for the Kalamazoo County Animal Services and Enforcement, explained that adopting an animal at anytime is an exciting and sometimes overwhelming process. “The best advice I can give is to talk to the staff at the shelter. They know the animals and their behaviors best,” said Stephen. “Let the staff know what you are looking for in a pet, and most times, they can steer you in the right direction to find the perfect match.” With Stephen’s advice in mind, plan your visit at one of these local shelters:

• Animal Rescue Project | Kalamazoo
• Kalamazoo Animal Rescue | Kalamazoo
• Humane Society of South Central Michigan | Battle Creek
• Al-Van Humane Society | South Haven
• Richland Animal Rescue | Richland

Mid-Michigan Cat Rescue | Albion