Ann Arbor, MI (August 4, 2026) — With over 380 cats currently in their care, the Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV) invites the community to make room in their hearts and homes for animals in need through limited-time adoption promotions.
Adult cats and working barn cats are available for no adoption fee, while families adopting a kitten can adopt a second kitten free.
HSHV is experiencing one of its busiest kitten seasons ever. In June alone, over 530 cats came into the shelter—an increase of 256 felines since the same time last year, and the most in any month since at least 2010.
“Kittens are adorable, tiny bundles of energy,” said Wendy Welch, HSHV’s communications director. “Studies show kittens raised in pairs are often happier and better socialized. They entertain and learn from each other, and make the transition into a new home easier. Whether you’re looking for a playful pair of kittens, a laid-back adult companion, or a hardworking barn cat, there’s never been a better time to adopt.”
For those who wonder whether waiving adoption fees means pets are placed less carefully, animal welfare research says otherwise.
Multiple studies have found fee-waived adoption promotions successfully increase lifesaving, without compromising quality of homes. HSHV continues to use the same adoption counseling and matching process, and research has shown that pets adopted during free adoption events remain in their homes at rates comparable to those adopted with standard fees. In many cases, adopters report being just as attached to—and committed to—their new family members, while the waived fee simply removes one financial barrier to adoption.
Every HSHV cat is spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped before going home. HSHV staff work closely with every adopter to help find the right match based on lifestyle, personality, and expectations.
Visitors can meet adoptable cats and kittens starting 11 a.m. daily at the Humane Society of Huron Valley, 3100 Cherry Hill Road in Ann Arbor. Available animals can also be viewed online at hshv.org/adopt.
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About The Humane Society of Huron Valley (HSHV):
The Humane Society of Huron Valley, located in Ann Arbor, is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and relies solely on the generosity of our supporters to provide critical community programs and services. HSHV is an award-winning organization, recognized for our best practices and highest animal “save-rate” among all similar shelters in Michigan. Charity Navigator, the nation’s top charity evaluator, awarded HSHV a 4-star ranking, the highest possible. The mission of HSHV is to promote the loving, responsible care of all animals in our community. HSHV is not affiliated with any other humane organization and does not receive funding from the United Way. More information can be found on HSHV’s website (hshv.org) and on our annual report (hshv.org/annualreport).