Michigan Pet Alliance

Michigan Pet Alliance (MPA) is a nonprofit association of Michigan’s animal welfare organizations and pet advocates. We work together to ensure every Michigan animal shelter, home-based foster rescue organization, and all other groups/organizations providing services to companion animals operate using industry best practices. Uniting our voices we speak for those who cannot speak for themselves to create state and local laws/regulation which improve care and eliminate cruelty for all companion animals.

Advocacy: Michigan Pet Alliance Policy and Advocacy Committee tracks current animal welfare issues and proposed legislation which impact Michigan’s Companion Animals. The committee develops position statements on current issues for the Board of Director’s consideration and approval. They also review and track pending legislation and provide the Board of Director’s their recommendations on support, changes, and/or opposition. Approved position statements and legislative positions are posted on the website as they are approved by the Board of Directors.

In-shelter Training: Michigan Pet Alliance offers a reasonably priced training program that teaches your management, staff and volunteers how to address the psychological needs and welfare of the animals in your care, while considering the physical opportunities and limitations of your shelter. Instruction is both classroom and hands on.

8 dog-related training sessions designed specifically for the shelter environment with a certified dog trainer with extensive shelter experience,
3 organizational training sessions with a seasoned shelter leader, and
an opportunity to increase the professional status of your staff. Individuals who successfully test and complete the four sessions of Canine Body Language, Force Free Training, Safe and Humane Handling and Stress Reduction will receive a certification as a Humane Shelter Canine Handler.

In-shelter Assessment: MPA offers in-shelter assessments. Shelters can benefit from a review of their current conditions and practices by a shelter medicine professional who can look with fresh eyes at your facility and provide guidance toward best practices, keeping the shelter population physically and mentally healthy, while understanding limited budgets and resources. Time is spent on-site touring and listening with management, staff and volunteers. Review is provided of policies and Standard Operating Procedures, and a written report is provided which can be used as a blueprint for improvements.

Hands-on Workshops and Conferences: MPA presents hands-on workshops and conferences covering all topics related to shelters, rescues, and animal welfare.

Annual Statewide Live Release Rate Report: MPA produces the Annual Live Release Rate reports for shelters in Michigan.

Rescue Certification Program: Reviews and certifies animal rescues based on best practices.

Grant and Awards Programs: Awards grants and awards to shelters and rescues through various programs.

MPA is comprised of an all volunteer Board consisting of professionals in the rescue and shelter arena. This expertise and proven dedication is used to promote the goals of the organization. Various committees comprised of volunteers with experience in this field also offer direction and expertise.

Through our efforts, we have seen the number of homeless pets being saved increase dramatically. The state has gone from one county shelter being No Kill to over 60 counties with many more making vast improvements in saving animals.

We have assisted many municipal shelters and rescues understand, adopt and use best practices. We continue to strive to help shelter managers and rescues adopt best practices for saving the animals in their care. We offer semi-annual statewide conferences and workshops to present and discuss the best practices proven to improve save rates, and, in-shelter training and assessments.