Causes: Animal Protection & Welfare, Animals

Mission: Pound Pals Downriver is an all-volunteer group that assists in the care of animals impounded from the cities of Allen Park, Southgate and Wyandotte. Proceeds and donations benefit animals impounded in need of veterinary care to increase adoptions and reduce euthanasia. We also have implemented a spay/neuter program which is covered in the adoption fee when adopting an animal from the shelter.

Direct beneficiaries per year: We help approximately 2000 adoptable animals yearly find placement into screened homes. All animals that are not already spayed or neutered upon impound are altered prior to adoption.

Geographic areas served: Detroit metro area

Programs: Approximately 2000 animals are impounded into the downriver central animal control annually. The volunteer program cares for the animals while at the facility and promotes adoptions through internet, cable and offsite events. With proper veternary care, injured and ill animals that might otherwise be euthanized are also given a chance to find permanent, loving homes. This care along with the implementation of a spay neuter program has reduced the city's euthanasia rate from 80% to less than 10%.