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 exceptional 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’d like to help! We’re grateful to be able to repurpose donations of pet food and gently used supplies from member of the community to others in need.
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
For those needing an extra hand with a walk for their pup or litter box scooping, stay tuned! Soon, our volunteer team will be ready to assist— all to help keep pets in their loving homes.
Veterinary Assistance
Pet injuries and illness are often what causes seniors to give up their companion animals, and we’d like to prevent this. Our full-service nonprofit veterinary clinic can assist through:
- Discounted service rates for senior pet owners
- In-home veterinary visits
- Financial assistance (as available)
- Community clinic events (coming soon!)
Short-Term Housing Help
Are you a senior in need of short-term boarding for your pet (such as during surgery) and have nowhere else to turn? Thanks to our wonderful foster families, we are often able to provide temporary boarding during challenging periods and emergencies. Please give us as much advance notice as possible to maximize our ability to help.
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 and other classes (coming soon!)
- Behavior Q&A sessions (coming soon!)
Animal Visitation & 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 adoptable animals to those in the community, too!
- Adoption consultations for seniors
- Free senior-to-senior adoptions
- Friendly animal visits to community centers, living facilities, etc
- In-shelter volunteer opportunities (including single day group projects)