LANSING – The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2020 Animal Welfare Fund grants. This year, MDARD will distribute $127,240 to 23 registered animal shelters throughout the state to support the spaying and neutering of shelter dogs and cats to help them be more adoptable. Grants also help support many anti-cruelty and proper care programs and training around the state. Registered shelters can also receive assistance through the grant program for the unrecovered costs of care for animals involved in legal investigations.

The Animal Welfare Fund is supported by generous Michiganders during tax season when they check the fund’s box on Form 4642, Voluntary Contributions Schedule, with their state tax returns. Since 2010, MDARD has distributed more than $1.3 million to more than 185 local animal shelters. One hundred percent of the contributions made to this fund are used for Michigan animal welfare programs.

“Throughout Michigan, small towns and big cities alike struggle to find resources they need to provide care to the animals they rescue,” said State Veterinarian Nora Wineland, DVM. “What is unique about the Animal Welfare Fund is that every penny we collect goes directly to the programs that protect and provide care for neglected animals or homeless dogs and cats in our state–which ultimately helps get them into a safe place.”

This year, MDARD received 47 applications totaling more than $402,274 in requests. Some of the innovative projects chosen this year included the following:

Assisting the setup of shelter surgical suites where local veterinarians have agreed to provide free or low-cost sterilization surgeries, to reduce the stress on the animals that currently must be transported off-site and reduce the length of stay for shelter animals.

Advertising a program that promotes and educates the public regarding the benefits of adopting cats that are already spayed or neutered.

Sterilizing shelter cats and dogs that are adopted by military veterans, a program connecting rescued animals and veterans with second chances and new beginnings.

Supporting training courses for animal control and animal law enforcement officers, enhancing expertise on new methods, emerging animal welfare issues, updated laws, and specific training on the care and protection of animals.

The following animal shelter organizations were awarded 2020 Animal Welfare Fund grants:

Addison Veterinary Clinic PC – $5,120

BestPals Animal Rescue Center – $5,000

Capital Area Humane Society – $1,190

Cass County Animal Shelter – $10,000

Charlevoix County Humane Society Inc. – $10,000

Friends of Companion Animals – $5,000

Gratiot County Animal Shelter – $5,000

Humane Society of Genesee County – $670

Kalkaska County Animal Shelter – $2,940

Macomb County Animal Shelter – $1,490

Madison Heights Animal Shelter – $4,640

Manistee County Humane Society’s Homeward Bound Animal Shelter – $6,129

Newaygo County Animal Shelter – $874

Pet Angel Adoption and Rescue Inc. – $7,500

Roscommon County Animal Shelter – $10,000

Saginaw County Animal Care Center – $8,000

Sanilac County Humane Society Inc. – $7,000

St. Clair County Animal Control Shelter – $6,000

St. Joseph County Animal Shelter – $7,520

The Ferndale Cat Shelter – $5,000

The Michigan Humane Society – $9,000

The Ogemaw County Humane Society – $4,583

Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter Inc. – $4,584