Does the Harbor Humane Society have a program for senior citizens to adopt animals at a reduced cost?
Yes, we offer a program called Pets for People, sponsored by Ralston Purina. It’s for people age 60 and over. The interested party will need to fill out an application to participate in the PFP program. We waive $50 of the adoption fee. We are only allowed 24 of these adoptions a year, so please check to see if there are any still available.

I would like to apply for a job at Harbor Humane Society. Where can I get an application?
If we are accepting applications, you may come to the shelter to pick up an application.

How old must you be to work at Harbor Humane Society?
Paid staff members must be at least 18 years old.

I would like to schedule a tour. Do you provide for that?
Yes, we would be happy to have your group visit our facility. Contact our Humane Education Manager at 616.399.2119.

I have a stray dog/cat in my yard. Will you come and get it?
No, you will need to contact Animal Control at 800.249.0911. You may also want to file a report in our lost and found department by calling 616.399.2119.

How long do you keep your animals?
We hold stray animals without identification for 4 days, after which we put them up for adoption if they are adoptable. Those with identification we hold for 7 days, after which we put them up for adoption if they are adoptable. We hold all adoptable animals as long as we have the kennel space. There is no specific time period given.

I found an animal with a tag on it. Can you tell me who owns it?
Harbor Humane Society has a list of all animals that are registered in the county. We would be happy to assist you with locating the owner.

I have a dog/cat I want to give you for adoption. May I bring it to you?
If you have exhausted all other options to find the pet a home and are no longer willing to work with the situation, as a last resort you may bring it here, but, you should understand we cannot guarantee the animal will be placed for adoption. We evaluate each animal shortly after it arrives and decide whether or not it will be put up for adoption (past history, age, health, disposition, and kennel space are all considered). We will not release final disposition UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. All animals are treated equally. You may NOT pay us extra to keep the animal until we are able to place it.

We charge $20 per animal that you are surrendering. For a litter, the cost is $20 for the first animal and $5 per animal after that.

Dog Profile Form (PDF)
Cat Profile Form (PDF)
Small Critter Form (PDF)
Elimination Questionnaire (PDF)

Can you take information on my lost dog/cat?
Since we do not process lost reports over the phone, you must visit our shelter in order to identify your pet. If you do not see your animal, we then fill out a detailed report and ask that you visit us every few days. It is essential that you visit the shelter to identify your pet. We simply cannot identify most pets from the report alone.

What does euthanasia mean?
Euthanasia is from the Greek word euthanatos meaning easy inducement of a painless death—death without suffering.

Why does Harbor Humane Society euthanize animals?
Many animals would not be good candidates for adoption because they are old, sick, injured, aggressive, or for some other reason. The Harbor Humane Society receives an average of 14 pets each day, but, unfortunately, we do not have 14 people a day ready to adopt. Because there are so many more pets than there are people to care for them, they must be euthanized.

Send your questions and comments to staff@harborhumane.org.