This program was made possible by The Buhr Family and is in memory of Ann Buhr and Kathy Buhr
Studies show pets can be literal life savers, protecting against isolation and improving mental health. HSHV’s Friends for Life helps protect the bond between people and their companion animals, particularly for seniors and others struggling to care for their pet.
Are you a senior or someone in Washtenaw County/Plymouth experiencing difficulties caring for your companion animal?
Or know someone who is?

Essential Services & Supplies
Providing basic care for beloved pets can sometimes be challenging, whether due to an owner’s health, transportation issues or financial difficulty. We can help with:
- Dog and cat food
- Essential care items (collars, leashes, litter boxes, etc.)
- Short in-home pet care support such as dog walking or litter scooping
We’re grateful to be able to repurpose food donations and gently used pet supplies from members of the community to others in need. We also welcome donations via our Amazon Wishlist (please save your receipt for tax purposes; we cannot duplicate Amazon receipts).
In addition to distributing pet food onsite at HSHV, we also work with other well-known organizations in the community to get supplies to those who need them. Our current partner list is below, with more to come. (Interested in partnering with us? Please contact us!)
- Meals on Wheels Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor
- Community Action Networks
- Manchester Family Services

Veterinary Assistance
Pet injuries and illness often cause seniors to give up their companion animals. We’d like to prevent this. Our full-service nonprofit veterinary clinic may be able to assist through:
- Discounted service rates for senior pet owners
- Financial assistance (as available)
- Free cat and dog vaccine clinics (2025 dates will be posted soon!)
- Transportation assistance for appointments (as available, Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti only, 7 days notice requested)
Please call our veterinary clinic for more information @ 734-662-4365.

Short-Term Housing Help
Are you in need of short-term emergency housing for your pet and have nowhere else to turn? Thanks to our wonderful foster families, we are sometimes able to provide temporary housing during challenging periods and emergencies. For more information, please visit our Safe Harbor page. To request help, please submit a Safe Harbor request, or call 734-661-3552 or 734-661-3528.

Pet Behavior Advice
Behavior issues don’t have to be a reason to part with a beloved pet. Changes in behavior often have roots in medical issues or may be alleviated by providing enrichment or by making simple changes at home. We can help with:
- Online resources by our behavior specialists
- DIY Pet Toy Enrichment classes

Animal Visitation, Group Programs & Adoption
While HSHV’s adoption center is open 7 days/week to visitors and potential adopters, we know not all are able to make it here. So we’re bringing the joy of animals to those in the community, too! To learn more about our programs or get one scheduled, please visit our Friends for Life programs page!
We offer:
- Free senior-to-senior adoptions
- Animal visits and programs to community centers, living facilities and more!
- In-shelter volunteer opportunities (including single day group projects)
- Senior focused programs at Tiny Lions Lounge and Adoption Center