Friends for Life

Studies show pets can be literal life savers, easing isolation and supporting better mental health. HSHV’s Friends for Life helps people—particularly seniors—keep their beloved companion animals and vice-versa.

Pet assistance services

Free vaccine clinics

Caring for your pet’s health is essential, but veterinary costs can add up. Our free vaccine clinics provide routine vaccinations and are held in the community throughout the year.

Emergency housing

If you’re experiencing a crisis, such as a medical emergency, housing instability, or domestic violence, our Safe Harbor program can provide a temporary safe space for your pet until you’re back on your feet.

Bountiful Bowls pet food pantry

No one should have to choose between feeding themselves or their pet. Bountiful Bowls provides free pet food and supplies to Washtenaw County residents in need.

Veterinary assistance

From routine exams to surgery and dental care, our clinic offers high-quality services at reduced rates. We also have financial assistance for community members in need so that you and your pet can get the care you deserve.

Pet loss support

Whether you’re thinking about end-of-life or grieving a loss, our Pet Loss Support group provides a safe, non-judgmental space for you to join with others who understand the unique bond between people and animals.

Basic care

Sometimes, taking care of pets can be challenging, whether due to an owner’s health, transportation issues or financial difficulty. Friends for Life can provide temporary help for dog walks, litter scooping and basic pet care.

Experiencing difficulties caring for your companion animal?

Are you or someone you know struggling to care for their four legged friend? Seniors in Washtenaw County/Plymouth experiencing difficulties caring for your companion animal? We can help! Send us a message or call us at 734-661-3550

Drop-in senior hour at the Cat Café

Every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month, 10am - 11am (September - May), guests 60+ are invited to join us for coffee, conversation, and time with the cats and kittens at our Tiny Lions cat café. Free admission and no reservation required!

Friends for Life Social Senior programs

Specially designed by the Friends for Life team at the Humane Society of Huron Valley, each 60-minute program is delivered at your location within Washtenaw County, Canton, Northville or Plymouth Township. We’re sorry, but we are unable to travel outside of these areas at this time.

Treasured Tails

Social hour with a certified therapy dog
40-60 minute program

Animal and pet lovers wanted! Join the Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) for their Treasured Tails social hour. During this 45-60 minute program, participants share stories about animals throughout their lives while enjoying a visit with a certified therapy dog. An HSHV staff member will facilitate the discussion, highlighting stories about rescued shelter animals, too! There’s no pressure for participants to share. You’re welcome to listen and visit with the therapy dog only, if that’s what you choose. Optional but encouraged: bring pictures of your beloved animals and pets for show and tell!

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Bingo with HSHV

Games, trivia, jokes and prizes

It’s bingo… with a furry twist! Enjoy a fun hour of bingo and socializing with the Humane Society of Huron Valley. You’ll play up to five rounds packed with HSHV trivia and punny animals jokes. Bingo games are played on custom, large font cards and you can play up to two cards to maximize your chances to win! Winners get to choose from a collection of small, donated prizes. Bonus: everyone gets the opportunity to visit with a therapy or shelter dog! Get ready to join in the fun and shout BINGO!

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Creature Crafts

DIY cat and dog toys

Come learn about the work we do at HSHV as well as cat and dog play behavior while making crafts for our animals in the shelter. This fun program takes a hands-on, step-by-step approach and is appropriate for all ability levels. You provide the space – we’ll bring the supplies! Toys that are made can be taken home to pets or can be donated to give to animals at HSHV. To ensure the program is enjoyable for all, we do have a 30 person maximum for Creature Crafts.

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Coffee and Cats

Kitten playtime at our Tiny Lions cat café

Available select Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 10-11 a.m.
Maximum 15 participants | $30 program fee

Join Friends for Life for an hour of kitten playtime! Your group will have Tiny Lions all to themselves during this private social program. Participants can interact and play with the kittens or sit back, relax, and sip a hot cup of coffee while watching the action.

Tiny Lions is located at 5245 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor. We’re sorry – due to the location, we are not able to offer a dog visit for this event.

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HOP Esociety kickoff Tiny Lions March2026 42

Want to try a Friends for Life program?

We kindly request a $30 fee for each program. Fee payments can be made in advance (via phone) or on the day-of. If you are unable to provide this fee, please let us know as we never want fees to create a barrier to scheduling a program.

Request a program

Programs are designed for the senior community. If you are interested in scheduling a program for a group or community that does not primarily serve seniors, please take a look at our Animal Care Education programs.

Animal Care Education programs

Senior people adopt senior pets, free

Tiny Lions cat café

Enjoy some quality time with our adoptable cats!

See more about Tiny Lions