The Lansing Humane Society: A Comprehensive Guide to Saving Lives

Overwhelmed by the plight of homeless animals, a group of Lansing residents founded the Lansing Humane Society (LHS) in 1952. Their mission was clear: to provide shelter, care, and adoption services for lost, abandoned, and unwanted animals. 70 years later, LHS continues to stand strong as a beacon of hope for animals in need, having facilitated the adoptions of over 100,000 animals.

Our Core Values

The foundation of LHS is built on unwavering principles that guide our every action:

• Compassion: We treat all animals with empathy and understanding, respecting their dignity and intrinsic value.
• Excellence: We strive for the highest standards in every aspect of our work, ensuring the well-being of the animals in our care.
• Innovation: We embrace new ideas and technologies to enhance our animal care practices and adoption outcomes.
• Collaboration: We work closely with our community partners, animal welfare organizations, and veterinarians to maximize our impact.
• Accountability: We are transparent and responsible, adhering to the highest ethical standards and actively seeking feedback to improve our services.

Our Services

LHS offers a comprehensive range of services designed to meet the needs of animals and their caregivers:

Animal Care and Shelter:

• Intake and Evaluation: We welcome animals into our care, regardless of their condition or circumstances, and provide necessary medical treatment and evaluations to ensure their well-being.
• Shelter and Enrichment: Our state-of-the-art shelter provides a safe and comfortable environment for animals awaiting adoption, complete with specialized play areas, enrichment activities, and access to veterinary care.
• Spay/Neuter Services: We proactively prevent unwanted litters and reduce animal homelessness by offering affordable spay/neuter surgeries for cats and dogs.

Adoption Services:

• Adoption Counseling: Our dedicated staff provides individualized counseling and support to potential adopters, ensuring that matches between animals and families are well-suited and long-lasting.
• Adoption Events: We host regular adoption events in our shelter and throughout the community to increase the visibility of our adoptable animals and connect them with loving homes.
• Post-Adoption Support: After adoption, we remain committed to providing resources and guidance to ensure a successful transition for both animals and their new families.

Veterinary Services:

• Wellness Exams: We offer comprehensive wellness exams to diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions, ensuring the optimal health and well-being of animals in our care and the community.
• Surgical Services: Our skilled veterinary team performs various surgical procedures, including spays, neuters, and emergency interventions, to meet the medical needs of our animals.
• Dental Care: We provide dental services, such as cleanings, extractions, and periodontal treatments, to maintain the oral health and overall well-being of animals.

Our Impact

LHS's impact on the Lansing community and beyond is undeniable:

• Lives Saved: Since 1952, LHS has facilitated the adoption of over 100,000 animals, giving them a second chance at a happy and fulfilling life.
• Animal Homelessness Reduction: Through our spay/neuter services, we have proactively prevented the birth of thousands of unwanted litters, significantly reducing the number of animals entering shelters.
• Community Outreach: Our educational programs, adoption events, and volunteer opportunities have reached tens of thousands of residents, fostering a culture of animal welfare and compassion.
• Economic Impact: LHS contributes to the local economy by providing employment opportunities, utilizing local businesses, and reducing the burden on taxpayer-funded animal control services.

Become a Part of Our Humane Family

As a non-profit organization, LHS relies on the generous support of our community to continue our life-saving work. There are numerous ways to make a difference:

• Adopt: Provide a loving home to a deserving animal, giving them a second chance at happiness.
• Foster: Temporarily care for a homeless animal in your home, providing them with love and socialization while they await adoption.
• Donate: Every dollar donated empowers LHS to provide essential services to animals in need. Consider making a one-time gift or becoming a monthly donor.
• Volunteer: Join our dedicated team of volunteers to make a tangible impact by assisting with animal care, adoption events, and various administrative tasks.
• Advocate: Spread the word about LHS's mission and services, and encourage others to support our work.

Figures that Matter

The following statistics underscore the magnitude of LHS's impact on the community:

Stories of Transformation

Lily's Second Chance: Abandoned as a puppy, Lily was found wandering the streets, scared and alone. Thanks to LHS's intake and care services, she received medical attention and a warm bed, waiting patiently for her forever home. When a loving family adopted Lily, she blossomed into a playful and affectionate companion, forever grateful for her second chance.

Max's Road to Recovery: Max, a stray cat, suffered severe injuries after being hit by a car. LHS's veterinary team worked tirelessly to mend his broken leg and provide him with the necessary care. After weeks of rehabilitation, Max made a full recovery and found a loving home where he could spend his days purring and cuddling.

Buddy's Happy Ending: Buddy, a senior dog with arthritis, was struggling to find a home due to his age and health condition. LHS's foster program provided him with a loving foster family who cared for his needs and made him feel like a part of their family. Eventually, a compassionate couple adopted Buddy, providing him with the perfect place to spend his golden years.

What We Learn from These Stories

These heartwarming tales illustrate the profound impact that LHS has on the lives of animals and the community:

• Every animal deserves a second chance: Animals who come to LHS have often endured traumatic experiences, but with love, care, and support, they can overcome adversity and find happiness.
• The power of compassion: Acts of kindness, both small and large, can make a world of difference for homeless animals. By providing shelter, medical care, and loving homes, we can transform their lives.
• Collaboration is key: Partnerships with animal welfare organizations, veterinarians, and the community allow us to maximize our resources and reach more animals in need.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Adopting a pet is a significant commitment, and there are some common pitfalls to be aware of:

• Impulse Adoption: Don't adopt an animal on a whim; carefully consider your lifestyle, living situation, and financial responsibilities before making a decision.
• Ignoring Health Needs: Animals may come with unknown health conditions or require ongoing medical care; be prepared to cover these costs and provide necessary veterinary attention.
• Overlooking Behavioral Issues: Some animals may have behavioral issues that require training or professional help; it's essential to assess an animal's temperament and be prepared to address any challenges.
• Not Spaying/Neutering: Unwanted litters contribute to animal homelessness; proactively prevent this by spaying or neutering your pet.
• Surrendering Too Easily: Every pet deserves a loving home; if you're facing challenges with your animal, consider seeking professional help or resources rather than surrendering them to a shelter.

How to Adopt an Animal from LHS

Adopting an animal from LHS is a rewarding and life-changing experience:

1. Visit Our Shelter: Come meet our adoptable animals in person at our shelter, located at 9333 Capital Circle NW, Lansing, MI 48906. Our staff will provide you with information and assist you with the adoption process.
2. Complete an Adoption Application: Fill out an adoption application online or at the shelter, providing details about your lifestyle, living situation, and veterinary history.
3. Meet with an Adoption Counselor: An adoption counselor will review your application and discuss your preferences to help you find the perfect match for your family.
4. Home Visit: For certain animals, we may conduct a home visit to ensure that your home is a safe and suitable environment.
5. Adoption Finalization: Once your application is approved, you can finalize the adoption process and take your new furry friend home.

Pros and Cons of Adopting from LHS

Pros:

• Save a Life: Give a deserving animal a second chance at a happy and fulfilling life.
• Wide Selection: Choose from a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, rabbits, and more.
• Expert Guidance: Our adoption counselors are knowledgeable and can help you find the right fit for your family.
• Medical Care: All animals receive necessary medical attention before adoption, ensuring their health and well-being.
• Support and Resources: LHS provides post-adoption support and resources to help you navigate the journey of pet ownership.

Cons:

• Waitlist: For certain animals, there may be a waitlist due to high demand.
• Adoption Fee: There is an adoption fee to cover the costs of medical care and other services provided to the animals.
• Behavioral Challenges: Some animals may come with behavioral issues that require training or