Human Society of Huron Valley Recognized for Saving Animals

The Humane Society of Huron Valley was honored by the Michigan Pet Fund Alliance at its first statewide “No Kill Conference” held March 25 in Ann Arbor.  

The group gave Outstanding Shelter Awards to three open admission shelters with the best 2009 save rates. Awards were given to large, medium and small animal welfare organizations.

Representatives from animal shelters and rescue organization across the state were in attendance. The Humane Society of Huron Valley, located in Washtenaw County, was presented with the “Outstanding Large Shelter Award” with a 75 percent save rate in 2009. HSHV officials said they were proud to be at an 81 percent save rate today, with a goal of 85 percent for 2011.

"We are very honored by this award,” said Tanya Hilgendorf, HSHV Executive Director. “I accepted the award, but it is certainly not mine…it belongs to our staff and volunteers who provide the love, refuge, protection, and new beginnings to the lost, hurt and abandoned. It is created through the magical alchemy of their blood, sweat and tears. It is also for our Board members, donors, and government officials who believe in what we are doing and make sure we have the support to do it well. Being truly successful is always a story about love and about perseverance. When you have both, you can’t be stopped from meeting your goals.”

HSHV ranked first among all of the large animal shelters in Michigan based on 2009 statistics (large shelters take in over 5,000 animals each year).

Below are how some of the other shelters performed:

• Oakland County Animal Control — 56 percent save rate

• Saginaw County Animal Shelter — 29 percent save rate

• Michigan Humane Society — 28 percent save rate (three shelters combined)

• Macomb County Animal Shelter — 26 percent save rate

• Genesee County Animal Control — 18 percent save rate

• Kent County Animal Shelter — 17 percent save rate

HSHV is the only animal shelter in Washtenaw County that takes in all unwanted, injured, lost, stray, abandoned and abused animals, helping over 10,000 dogs, cats, rabbits and other small animals every year.

“Some people believe that all humane societies are governed by one organization or receive money from other agencies,” said Hilgendorf. “That is not the case. All animal welfare groups are completely independent and do not share donations. It’s important that people do their homework when deciding where their donor dollars are going and which organizations are really saving lives. It’s up to community members to demand more from the organizations caring for the homeless pets in their hometowns.”

The Humane Society of Huron Valley is an independent 501(c)(3) non‐profit organization serving all of Washtenaw County, Canton, and Plymouth, and relies solely on donations from businesses and individuals to support our community programs. HSHV is not affiliated with, nor does it receive donations from Michigan Humane Society or any other humane organization. The mission of HSHV is to promote responsible and compassionate care of all animals in our community. For more information, call (734) 662‐5585 or visit www.hshv.org.