'22 Numbers Show the GOOD We Do TOGETHER

It was a year with some major challenges. However, our dedicated MHHS team AND our incredible community rose to each and every one, producing powerful successes for the animals. Together we sheltered, we rescued, we united and reunited, we kept families together, we trained, we treated, we taught and we saved so many lives. We are proud to have achieved a live release rate of 93.3%!

Take a look at our recap video and read on for more details.

2,333 ADOPTIONS
Our adopting community opened their hearts and homes to shelter pets of all breeds, mixes, and ages, some with special needs. From spirit cats (the very shy and unsocialized) and senior pets - to those with chronic conditions, such as diabetes - our adopters came to give unwanted pets a fresh start, even if it would require extra work, care, or expense. The updates we receive from those telling us that they adopted the perfect new family member warms our hearts every single time.

47 FOSTER-TO-ADOPT PETS
Some of the pets we rehomed were part of our foster-to-adopt (FTA) program. FTA pets have received extra behavior and training support here in the shelter to prepare them for life outside the shelter. This could range from building confidence and reducing fear to helping overly outgoing (or naughty!) dogs become more well-behaved. The three-week “trial” adoption is supported by access to our staff whenever a question or concern arises. This helps adopters feel more confident as they are deciding whether or not the match will be just the right fit.

21 CROSSROADS PETS
CrossRoads pets are those with terminal conditions, but still enjoying life. In loving homes, they live the final leg of their journeys to the fullest. Our CrossRoads adopters stayed in touch with us, sharing updates and joyful moments. Some of these animals lived well beyond their expectancy, reminding us that with love, anything is possible.

428 PETS RETURNED TO OWNERS
We provided safety and shelter to stray and unidentified pets, reuniting 428 of them with their families.

1,068 COMMUNITY LOW-COST SPAY/NEUTER SURGERIES and
1,198 WELLNESS SERVICES
During a time when the nationwide veterinarian shortage is creating a true pet care crisis, our in-shelter clinic helped pet owners access low-cost spay/neuter and wellness care, including vaccinations and microchipping.

1,590 SPAY/NEUTER SURGERIES and
3,503 WELLNESS SERVICES FOR SHELTER PETS
Our amazing vet team also provided exceptional care to each of our shelter residents. This is just a fraction of all the examinations, surgeries, and treatments they provided with great expertise and an abundance of compassion.

1,654 STRAY/UNLICENSED ANIMALS
With stray and unlicensed intake up by over 27.4% from 2021, we were stressed for dog kennel space. There were times when holding rooms were converted from cat to dog space, and offices were filled with foster pets. Our team turned crisis into opportunity by expanding our foster base.

770 FOSTER PETS
69 FOSTER HOMES
Our foster families for dogs grew by an amazing 33%! In all, 69 foster caregivers stepped up to provide homes when the shelter was beyond its capacity. They also provided supportive care for orphaned kittens and animals with medical needs, such as post-op recovery, or an environment that would allow for special behavioral care.

92,379 PET MEALS
We saw a greatly increased need in our community for pet food and supplies. As part of our Loved for Life pet retention program, the Goldstein Auto Group Furry Friends Pet Food Pantry was an important source of support, helping hundreds of pet owners facing tough economic times. This program is driven by community donations, for which we are truly grateful! Contributions of any type of dry cat or dog food for the pantry may be dropped off at MHHS, at any Goldstein location, or shipped to us directly via our wish list.

5 NEW PEACE OFFICERS ON STAFF
165 ANIMALS RESCUED
We added a Director of Outreach and Humane Law Enforcement (HLE) to coordinate greater engagement with law enforcement and provide oversight for the growing number of cruelty and neglect cases in our community. In 2022, five staff members achieved Peace Officer status, bringing our total staff officers to eight. Through ongoing training opportunities, several additional staff members also achieved animal response team (ART) qualification status to be able to provide hands-on support for the safe capture and removal of animals from cruel and neglectful situations. While our HLE officers worked beside local police to rescue victims of cruelty and neglect, our entire shelter team then provided care, rehabilitation, and placement. We rescued 38 cats, 87 dogs, 39 farm animals, and 1 exotic.

21,804 VOLUNTEER HOURS
by 515 UNIQUE VOLUNTEERS
The dedication of our volunteers never ceases to inspire us. They took on nearly every shelter function, increasing our collective impact beyond measure. Dog walking, animal care, adoption counseling, laundry, dishes, sorting Empties for Animals, helping with fundraising and outreach events, and supporting our front desk, and our behavior and enrichment program are just some of the many ways they devoted their time to the animals. We are most grateful and we always welcome more volunteer help!

27 DOG TRAINING CLASSES
35 PRIVATE BEHAVIOR CONSULTATIONS
120 BEHAVIOR HELPLINE INQUIRIES
We are fortunate to have a team of qualified and experienced trainers on staff and we love sharing their skills with the community. Through in-shelter training classes, private consultations, and our free Behavior and Enrichment Helpline, our efforts to improve behavior, solve problems, and enrich bonds, helped to keep many pets and their families together.

HUMANE EDUCATION
86 SUMMER CAMP PARTICIPANTS
67 TELLING TAILS READERS
We introduced two new summer camp programs. Paw Pals is for grades K-5 and Humane Heroes is for grades 6-12. Humane Heroes is a hybrid educational/volunteer-based program that gave kids the know-how to work hands-on, helping staff during our busiest time of year. They logged a total of 320 hours of service. Our Telling Tails readers spent 130 hours reading to pets to provide socialization and enrichment. We also held regular educational seminars for the community, conducted many in-shelter tours, and participated in school visits and assemblies. We have plans for the expansion of all of our humane education programs in 2023.

This is a snapshot, and there is even more! If you have questions about any of our programs or services, please email us.