For older adults and others, pets can be literal life savers.
HSHV’s Friends for Life helps people keep their pets, and pets keep their homes.

YouTube video

If isolation is a “secret killer,” pets are a secret lifesaver. Among seniors who live alone, pet owners are much less likely to feel lonely. Myriad studies show companion animals increase social contact, lower blood pressure, lessen chronic pain, and decrease depression. (By contrast, surrendering an animal can have dire effects—grief, and, some say, loss of their reason to get up in the morning.)

In the last year, Friends for Life:

253

households served

48,550

pounds of food distributed

157

animals vaccinated at free vaccine clinics

140

new clients receiving vet care in 2025

And the need is growing:

153% increase

in veterinary financial assistance from 2024

46.4% increase

in vet care recipients

140 new clients

received vet care in 2025

How we do it

Essential Services & Supplies

In addition to pet food from our Bountiful Bowls dog and cat food pantry, we provide free essential care items (collars, leashes, litter boxes, etc.) for those in need. And when people need temporary in-home pet care support (e.g., dog walking, litter scooping) while in surgery or other crisis, our volunteers step in to help our community, too.

Veterinary Assistance

Friends for Life provides discounted or free veterinary services for senior pet owners, free cat and dog vaccine clinics to the public, and transportation assistance to vet appointments.

Housing Help

During emergencies and challenging times, we help with short-term housing for people’s beloved pets.

Pet Behavior Help

Sometimes it’s just the matter of getting behavior or training help. our behavior specialists help out with counseling and online resources.

Animal Visits & Adoption

We offer free senior-to-senior adoptions, in-shelter volunteer opportunities, senior-focused programs at our Tiny Lions Lounge and Adoption Center, and animal visits and programs at community centers, living facilities and more.

" From the moment he was born, Princeton Duke Von Weber brought love, happiness, laughter, and kindness into this world. Full of energy, he loved giving kisses and always wanted to play. Princeton was my best friend and soulmate. He captured my heart the day we met, giving endless love and companionship throughout his life. "

"One of life’s greatest gifts is the unconditional love of pets, their precious souls forever capturing our hearts. The Walter J. Weber, Jr. Family Foundation hopes this gift inspires others to support the Humane Society of Huron Valley’s critical work keeping families and pets together.

Together, through the $30,000 Matched for Life Challenge, we can ensure these special bonds endure, strengthening our community for generations to come."

- Walter J. Weber, Jr. Family Foundation

Help pets keep their homes, and people keep their pets.

Please give to the Matched for Life challenge today.
Your donation will be doubled (up to $30,000).

Kate is one of hundreds of people who--thanks to Friends for Life--was able to stay in her home and keep her companion.