Michigan Animal Rescue League (A Different Breed of Shelter)

Michigan Animal Rescue League (A Different Breed of Shelter)

The Michigan Animal Rescue League (MARL) stands as a compassionate heaven for animals in Pontiac, Michigan, and it all began in 1953. With a deep-seated commitment to caring for animals in distress and securing them forever homes, MARL has flourished and advanced throughout the years. 

In recent times, a noteworthy transformation has taken place, marked by the construction of a cutting-edge facility. What truly sets MARL apart, and something I personally appreciate greatly, is their staunch dedication to not euthanizing animals due to space limitations. 

They reserve this last resort solely for instances of grave and untreatable illnesses. This unwavering principle underscores their integrity and devotion to their mission. In this article, I will provide you with an insightful glimpse into the remarkable world of the Michigan Animal Rescue League.

Mission

The Michigan Animal Rescue League (MARL) has a clear and noble purpose: it is all about making dogs and cats feel their absolute best. They achieve this by rescuing, treating medical issues, helping pets become more sociable, offering support with behavior, providing safe, temporary, and long-term homes, finding loving families for these animals, and educating the community. 

They aspire to lead the way in taking care of animals without making a profit. MARL firmly believes that every single animal should enjoy a great life, and they prove it by showering each furry friend with love and care. They've been serving Oakland County and even beyond since way back in 1953. 

And they are not just about helping animals; they also reach out to folks with limited resources to support their pets. On any typical day, they're looking after around 120 to 150 animals, and they manage to find new homes for 400 to 500 of these animals each year. 

If you are eager to lend a hand, you can pitch in by cleaning, spending time with the animals, or making sure they have enough to eat and are well looked after.

MARL's Programs and Services

MARL extends a helping hand through a range of programs and services designed to support animals in need. These offerings encompass:

1. Adoption: You will find a diverse selection of dogs and cats at MARL available for adoption. The process involves an application, an interview, and a home visit to ensure a harmonious match between the pet and the adopter's lifestyle.
2. Foster Care: The foster care program at MARL provides temporary homes for animals not yet prepared for adoption. Foster families lovingly care for these animals and help them become more socialized until they're ready for their forever homes.
3. Animal Care: MARL goes the extra mile in caring for the animals in its shelter. This comprehensive care includes medical attention, vaccinations, and spaying/neutering services.
4. Community Outreach: A strong commitment to educating the community about animal welfare issues drives MARL. They offer diverse educational programs and events, such as school visits, informative presentations on animal welfare, and adoption events to bring awareness to these important matters.

MARL's Impact ON Animals and Society

The Michigan Animal Rescue League (MARL) has a substantial impact on both animals and our society. Let's break down how they make a difference:

1. Impact on Animals

MARL takes care of over 1,000 animals every year, specifically homeless cats and dogs from southeast Michigan. They believe that the quality of care during the waiting period significantly influences an animal's future, and this principle guides their work. 

MARL is responding to the growing needs of the community by saving an increasing number of animals in dire situations. In the past year, the number of animals seeking assistance has increased by 122%.

2. Impact on Society

MARL benefits humans by helping animals. They serve a variety of people, including those who have lost their pets, individuals looking to adopt their first pet, or those interested in fostering an animal. Michigan has seen a notable increase in animal intakes, as well as animals being euthanized.

However, 70% of the state's shelters have achieved a "no-kill" status, indicating that saving animals is a top priority. In 2022, MARL saved 98,331 animals, while only 8,774 were euthanized. Moreover, in 2020, MARL unveiled a new shelter in Pontiac that is three times larger, allowing them to assist even more animals in need.

How You Can Help MARL?

MARL depends on the support of our community to sustain its vital mission. There are several ways for you to become part of this effort and aid MARL:

• Donations: You can contribute to MARL in various ways, including monetary donations, pet food, and supplies. Donations can be made conveniently online or in person at the shelter.
• Volunteering: MARL relies on dedicated volunteers who assist with an array of tasks, such as animal care, helping with adoption events, and engaging in community outreach. To volunteer, you should be at least 18 years old and complete a volunteer application and orientation.

• Fostering: MARL's foster care program is continually seeking new foster families. These families offer temporary homes for animals that are not yet prepared for adoption.
• Adopting: At MARL, you have the opportunity to adopt various dogs and cats. When you adopt an animal from MARL, you are not only giving them a loving home but also supporting the organization's vital work.

MARL's New Facility

In 2020, a new animal shelter opened its doors, significantly larger than the organization's previous facility. This state-of-the-art building was crafted by PLY+, an architecture firm specializing in creating spaces for our furry friends. Their aim in designing this new shelter was clear: to create a place that redefines the standard for animal care.

The key challenge was the site, which had irregular terrain. To overcome this, all animal care spaces are on one level, with administrative functions under the southern entrance. The medical wing in the north was smartly aligned with the foundations of the old shelter.

The design process was not just about aesthetics; it incorporated insights from peer-reviewed best practices in animal care. These insights guided the architectural choices, ensuring that the shelter would be optimized for the health and happiness of the cats and dogs in their care.

Conclusion

The Michigan Animal Rescue League (MARL) stands as a crucial pillar in the community, dedicated to offering refuge and support to animals facing adversity. Thanks to its cutting-edge facility and unwavering commitment to animal well-being, MARL is well-prepared to uphold its invaluable role in our community for many years to come.

You, too, can play a part in this noble mission. Whether it is through contributing donations, volunteering your time, providing foster care, or adopting a furry friend, there are various avenues through which you can actively engage and support MARL's impactful work.