Shelters and Rescues

Animal Shelters, Rescue Groups and Animal Control Departments in Northern Michigan. Also includes those who have adoptable cats and dogs.

The following is a list of animal shelters, animal controls and rescue groups in Northern Michigan by county. The list contains groups within approximately 80 miles of Traverse City, Michigan. If you know of a group that isn’t on the list, notice any broken links or have information on any disbanded organizations, please email us here. UPDATED JUNE 2023

ANTRIM COUNTY

Antrim County Animal Shelter
Bellaire
(231) 533-6421
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Antrimcountyanimalcontrol
Website: https://www.antrimcounty.org/departments___services_/animal_control.php
Email: animalcontrol@antrimcounty.org

Help From My Friends Pet Crisis Center
Bellaire
(231) 533-4070
Facebook: www.facebook.com/helpfrommyfriendspetcrisiscenter
Website: http://www.helpfrommyfriends.org/
Email: helpfrommyfriendsinc@gmail.com
Description: Non-profit organization. They take in primarily owner relinquished pets due to a crisis in the family. These animals came from loving homes who ran out of options and had to relinquish their pet to animal control. These animals are given all the time they need at the center to find a permanent home.

BENZIE COUNTY

Benzie County Animal Control
Beulah
(231) 882-9505
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BenzieAnimalControl
Website: http://www.benzieco.net/departments/animal_control/
Email: kmaurer@benzieco.net
Description: Government run animal control shelter.
Hours: Shelter hours are Monday thru Friday 10 am to 4 pm; Saturday 10 am to 1 pm (adoptions only)

Community Cats of Benzie County
Frankfort
(231) 383-3639
Facebook: www.facebook.com/benziecats.org
Website: benziecats.org
Email: info@benziecats.org
Description: Non-profit community service for free roaming and feral cats. We provide spay and neuter services.

CHARLEVOIX COUNTY

Charlevoix County Animal Control
Boyne City
Deputy Emily Reynolds
(231) 582-6667
Website: http://www.charlevoixcounty.org/charlevoix_county_sheriff/other_divisions.php
Email: reynoldse@charlevoixcounty.org 
Description: Government run animal control department. Shelters animals at the Charlevoix Co. Humane Society. All animal control problems should be directed to central dispatch at 9-1-1-. This includes emergencies and non-emergencies (bites, noise complaints, stray animals and other problems).

Charlevoix County Humane Society
Boyne City
(231) 582-6774
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CharlevoixAreaHumaneSociety
Website: www.charlevoixhumane.org
Email: pets@charlevoixhumane.org
Description: Non-profit no-kill animal shelter. Dedicated to the protection and care of all animals. Contracts with the county of Charlevoix to house stray, seized and surrendered pets.

Just Cats, Inc.
East Jordan
(231) 674-5261
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justcatsinc
Website: https://justcatsinc.org/
Email: Karren@justcatsinc.org
Description: Non-profit cat and kitten foster-based rescue organization

CHEBOYGAN COUNTY

Cheboygan County Humane Society
Cheboygan
(231) 238-8221
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Cheboygan-County-Humane-Society-official-fb-page-292898340756013/
Website: www.cheboyganhumanesociety.org
Email: cheboyganpets@gmail.com
Description: Non-profit animal shelter. Responsible for implementing Cheboygan County’s animal control program and operating the county’s animal shelter. For all animal control complaints, please call 9-1-1 (stray dogs, cruelty complaints, etc.)

CLARE COUNTY

Clare County Animal Shelter
Harrison
(989) 539-3221
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClareCountyAnimalShelter
Website: https://clareco.net/department/animal-shelter-control/
Email Animal Control Officer Ruanne Hicks: hicksr@clareco.net

CRAWFORD COUNTY

AuSable Valley Animal Shelter
Grayling
(989) 348-4117
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AVASCARES
Website: www.ausablevalleyanimalshelter.org
Petfinder Page: https://www.petfinder.com/member/us/mi/grayling/ausable-valley-animal-shelter-mi85/
Email: avascares@yahoo.com
Description: Non-profit animal shelter. Provides shelter, care and adoption services for homeless animals and information about animal welfare to adults and children, especially the benefits of spaying and neutering.

Crawford County Animal Control
Grayling
Kari Sieniarecki, Animal Control Officer
(989) 344-3273
Website: http://www.crawfordco.org/offices-departments/animal-control/
Email: ksieniarecki@crawfordco.org
Description: Government run animal control Department. Animals are sheltered at the AuSable Valley Animal Shelter.

EMMET COUNTY

Emmet County Animal Control
Petoskey
(231) 439-8900
Website: www.emmetcounty.org/courts-sheriff/sheriff/1241-2
Description: Animal control dept. run by the Sheriff’s Department.

Emmet County Stray Center
The Bay Area Pet Resort
4039 Charlevoix Ave.
Petoskey
(231) 348-5550
Email Shelter Mgr. Gale Hoffman: raygensmom@hotmail.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Emmet-County-Stray-Center-Michigan-120925041325241
Description: Center to re-unite stray animals with their owners

Little Traverse Bay Humane Society
Harbor Springs
(231) 347-2396
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ltbhs231/
Website: www.ltbhs.com
Email: shelterpets@ltbhs.com
Description: Non-profit no-kill animal shelter. 

GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY

Cherryland Humane Society
Traverse City
(231) 946-5116
Facebook: www.facebook.com/cherrylandhumanesociety
Website: cherrylandhumane.org
Email: info@cherrylandhumane.org
Description: Non-profit animal shelter. Also houses lost/found dogs for Grand Traverse County Animal Control.

Grand Traverse County Animal Control
Traverse City
(231) 995-6080
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Grand-Traverse-County-Animal-Control-181433922429031
Website: www.gtchd.org/771/Animal-Control
Description: Government run animal control department. Sheltering services are contracted through Cherryland Humane Society. For dangerous situations involving animal neglect, abuse, endangerment or any life threatening situations, call 911.

Great Lakes Humane Society
Traverse City (registered as Leelanau County)

(231) 846-8293

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greatlakeshumanesociety/

Website: www.greatlakeshs.com

Email: greatlakehumane@gmail.com
Description: Non-profit organization dedicated to animal welfare. Based on a 10-acre private farm in Leelanau County, about three miles west of Traverse City. All visits and adoptions are by appointment only.

H.A.N.D.D.S. to the Rescue
Traverse City
Dorothy, Special Programs, (231) 409-4833
Patti, Intake Director (231) 645-6040
Kathy, Dog Training (231) 970-9336
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/HANDDStotheRescue
Website: http://www.handdstotherescue.com/
Email: HANDDS09@yahoo.com
Description: Non-profit rescue group – rescue and adoption. Adopts dogs out of Tractor Supply, 825 US 31 S. Contact HANDDS for days and hours of adoptions. Their mission is to help those who have no voice – the dogs in need or at risk of euthanasia in local animal controls and shelters. HANDDS – Helping Abused, Neglected, Disabled, Displaced Souls.

Horse North Inc
Lake Ann
(231) 645-4674
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Horse-North-Rescue-272848065935/?ref=ts
Website: http://www.horsenorthrescue.org/
Email:  Horsenorthrescue@gmail.com
Description: Non-profit horse rescue organization. 

Kelly’s Kritters
Grawn

(231) 590-0924
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057252797729
Email: kellyskrittersrescue@gmail.com
Description: Non-profit cat rescue

Sophiea Safe Haven Sanctuary and Rescue
Interlochen
(231) 392-6796
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sophieasafehavensanctuary
Website: https://www.sophieasafehavensanctuary.com/
Email: Sophieasafehavensanctuary@gmail.com
Description: Non-profit corporation providing help to animals in the Northern Michigan region

TC Paw
Traverse City
(231) 714-4711
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tcpawcatrescue
Website: https://www.tcpaw.org/
Email: info@tcpaw.org
Description: Foster-home based cat rescue – adopting cats out of PetSmart in Traverse City

Tina’s Bed & Biscuit
Beulah
(231) 645-8944
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TinasBedandBiscuit
Website: https://www.tinasbedandbiscuit.org/
Email: Tina@tinasbedandbiscuit.org
Description: Dog rescue – taking in adoptable dogs, but focusing on dogs that need a great deal of time to adjust to a normal life.

Traverse City Parrot Sanctuary
Traverse City
Website: https://tcparrotrescue.weebly.com/
Email: Wendywares1@gmail.com
Description: Parrot sanctuary and educational outreach

KALKASKA COUNTY

Kalkaska County Animal Control
Kalkaska
Animal Control Officer Chuck Hill
(231) 258-3309
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KalkaskaAnimalControl/
Website: https://www.kalkaskacounty.net/departments/animal_control/index.php
Email: kalkaskaadoptions@gmail.com
Description: Government run animal shelter. Adoptable dogs and cats.

LEELANAU COUNTY

Leelanau County Animal Control
Suttons Bay
Animal Control Officer Wayne Balchik
(231) 256-8630
Website: https://www.leelanau.gov/animalcontrol.asp
Email: wkalchik@co.leelanau.mi.us
Description: Government run animal control department. Animals are sheltered at Cherryland Humane Society. All complaints requesting service are dispatched through the emergency services office. If the complaint is an emergency, dial 9-1-1-. Non-emergency complaints should call 231-256-8800.

The Munchkins’ Mission
Suttons Bay
(231) 360-0303
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themunchkinsmission/
Website: http://themunchkinsmission.org/
Email: themunchkinsmission@gmail.com
Description: Non-profit organization concentrating on TNR and finding homes for cats and kittens. 

MANISTEE COUNTY

Homeward Bound Animal Shelter
Manistee
(231) 721-7387 (shelter phone)
(231) 723-3170 (animal control)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HomewardBoundAnimalShelter/
Website: http://www.homewardboundmanistee.org/
Email: manisteehumanesociety@gmail.com
Description: Non-profit no-kill animal shelter. The shelter is covered by the Manistee County Humane Society. Dedicated to helping the lives of homeless or abandoned animals.
Animal Control Link: https://www.manisteecountymi.gov/178/Animal-Control
Animal Control Deputy Dillon Rosa: rosad@manisteesheriff.org

MISSAUKEE COUNTY

Missaukee Humane Society
Lake City
(231) 839-3800
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MHSPETS/
Website: http://www.mhspets.org/
Email: info@mhspets.org
Description: Non-profit no-kill rescue organization. Adoptable cats and dogs.

MONTMORENCY COUNTY

Elk Country Animal Shelter
Atlanta
(989) 785-3738
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elkcountryanimalshelter/
Website: http://elkcountryanimalshelter.org/
Email: Elkcountrypets@gmail.com
Description: Non-profit animal shelter working with county government to adopt out cats and dogs.

NEWAYGO COUNTY

Bellwether Harbor Animal Shelter
Fremont
(231) 924-9230
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BellwetherHarbor
Website: http://www.bellwetherharbor.org/
Email: contactus@bellwetherharbor.org
Description: Non-profiit organization. 

Lake Haven Rescue
Newaygo
(231) 652-7507
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/groups/40764348994/
Website: http://www.lakehavenrescue.org/
Email: info@lakehavenrescue.org
Description: Non-profit no-kill rescue organization for homeless, injured and orphaned animals.

Newaygo County Animal Control
White Cloud
Animal Control Officer Kelsey Kakoczki
(231) 689-7020
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewaygoCountyAnimalShelter/
Website: https://www.newaygocountymi.gov/departments/animal-shelter/animal-shelter/
Email: newaygocountyanimalcontrol@gmail.com

OCEANA COUNTY

Oceana County Animal Shelter
Shelby
(231) 861-5395
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oceanacountyshelter2185/
Website: http://oceana.mi.us/government/departments/animal-control/
Email: oceanashelter@yahoo.com
Description: Government run animal shelter

OSCEOLA COUNTY

Osceola County Animal Control (and Shelter)
Reed City
(231) 832-5790
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Osceola-County-Animal-Control-272528260395/
Website: http://www.osceola-county.org/residents/county_departments/animal_control/index.php
Email: oscacontrol@sbcglobal.net
Description: Government run animal shelter

OTSEGO COUNTY

Otsego County Animal Shelter
Gaylord
(989) 905-7632
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Otsego-County-Animal-Shelter-512983878748017/
Website: https://www.otsegocountymi.gov/187/Animal-Control
Description: Government run animal shelter dedicated to the humane treatment of the animals while in their care, control and custody.

ROSCOMMON COUNTY

Roscommon County Animal Shelter
Prudenville
(989) 366-0260
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Roscommon-County-Animal-Shelter-510638525622174/
Website: http://www.roscommoncounty.net/165/Animal-Shelter
Email: animalshelter@roscommoncounty.net
Description: Government run county animal shelter. 

WEXFORD COUNTY

E & E Rabbit and Farm Animal Rescue
Mesick
(231) 885-1022
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/E-Es-Rabbit-and-Farm-animal-Rescue-non-profit/100064757526364/?paipv=0&eav=AfYjEtvjRlGfh5KXt-i8QnQ_L-v-hiIZ7SVOZaZmIPEsRoFw3C_m7wko8WYozfHU2Iw&_rdr
Email: mesickfarmanimalreacuc@gmail.com
Description: Rabbit and farm animal rescue. Rescuing and re-homing rabbits and other animals who need their help.

Wexford County Animal Shelter
Cadillac
(231) 779-9530 Shelter
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100072044049901
Website: https://wexfordcounty.org/?page_id=950
Description: Government run county animal shelter – by the Sheriff’s Department.