History

Way back in 1979 a group of people became concerned about the plight of homeless pets in our community.
They were horrified when they discovered just how many thousands of animals were euthanized in Berrien County
every year and wanted to do something about it.  Animal Aid began.  

This group of animal rescue pioneers began to examine all the issues that plagued the animals.
1. Over population
2. Lack of funding to care for sick or injured animals.
3. Lack of funding to ensure that pets at the shelters remained healthy until adopted.
4. Lack of education in the community about the value of animals.
5. Lack of education in the community about spaying and neutering.
6. Lack of resources in the community for those who couldn't or wouldn't pay for spaying and neutering.

Once these rescue pioneers identified the issues, the began to put in place programs that would address the issues.
They began fundraising, recruited foster homes, and started a community wide education effort to let people 
know about the plight of homeless animals in Berrien County. 

When they started almost 20,000 animals were euthanized in Berrien County.  Now, although its still 
to many, the number is down under 7000.  The Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan has done away with
their Carbon Monoxide Gas Chamber form of euthanasia and went to the more humane form of injection that is
used in owned pets.  

Spay Neuter programs have been sponsored by Animal Aid and new organizations have begun focusing specifically
on the Spay Neuter issue.   

There have been many bumps along the road, however Animal Aid still has a strong influence on the issues of homeless
pets in our community these 30 years later. 

Thirty years ago naysayers said a group of volunteers couldn't make a difference.  Thirty years later Animal Aid still is!