Adopt-A-Pet Enhances Shelter Environment for Animals
Fenton, MI…For more than 30 years, Adopt-A-Pet has focused on providing a safe and healthy environment for the animals of the shelter, located at 13575 N. Fenton Rd., Fenton, MI. In addition to medical care and socialization of both cats and dogs, it has always been important to provide the animals with their best chance at finding a forever home. Recent positive changes at the shelter have increased this opportunity, as well as offering the animals the best possible environment while at Adopt-A-Pet.
“With the new year comes a new look and feel inside our main area,” said Jody Maddock, Director at Adopt-A-Pet. “And we’ve really focused on the well-being of the animals while in this environment.”
Each animal is focused on individually upon arrival at Adopt-A-Pet. Assessment is given to determine the best environment for each cat or dog. Some animals are put directly into foster care, if the shelter isn’t the best choice for their well-being. Those who enjoy interaction are allowed into play groups. Volunteers and staff provide physical and/or mental stimulation daily to dogs needing extra attention. Puzzle bowls are provided, which turn mealtime into an enrichment activity, giving mental sharpness while also slowing down eating, which is better for digestion. In addition, a variety of essential oils are diffused throughout the shelter to help with anything from calming nervous dogs and cats, to giving scared animals additional confidence. Dogs are offered a change in scenery by experiencing the on-site agility course, and enjoying break out rooms that allow additional interaction with other dogs, as well as staff and volunteers.
Inside the main building, improvements include brightly painted rooms, cat walks throughout the main level and more perches in the windows that allow for the cats to observe the outdoors. All these changes, according to Maddock, allow the cats to feel more safe and comfortable, both with each other and potential adopters.
According to Maddock, the changes have provided staff and volunteers with better insight into the personalities of each individual animal. The more positive environment has led to a progression of happier animals and an improved overall experience, which lends itself to better and quicker adoptions.
To learn more about Adopt-A-Pet and the programs being offered at the shelter, visit www.AdoptAPetFenton.com, call (810) 629-0723 or visit at 13575 N Fenton Rd., Fenton.
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Adopt-A-Pet’s long term goals are to continue to find loving families for homeless dogs and cats as well as assist people in the community with their personal animals. In addition, we continue to educate the public on the importance of spaying and neutering their pets as well as proper pet care. We have programs to help reduce the amount of animals entering shelters. We will continue to work with other shelters to reduce the amount of animals killed in overcrowded shelters each day. We look forward to a day when no animal will be without a loving family!