Detroit News, The (MI)


February 4, 2004

Pet Adoption Network has home


Author: The Detroit News Ursula Watson


The Michigan Animal Adoption Network celebrated the
grand opening of its 2,400-square-foot facility in
Livonia last month.

The move from the Pet Supplies Plus corporate office in
Farmington Hills makes it easier for those wanting to
adopt or view 60 spayed or neutered and vaccinated
animals each Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Before the new facility opened, the nonprofit's foster
care volunteers would bring animals to a different Pet
Supplies Plus location during adoption Saturdays.

"It was like a traveling road show," Amy Wettlaufer,
network manager, said.

The facility is not a shelter, Wettlaufer said.
Volunteers provide foster homes for animals until they
are adopted.

The network, founded in 1994, is an umbrella
organization for the Animal Care Network, the
Adopt-A-Pet program and the Lost and Found Network.

The network's adoption program has found homes for 2,000
animals. The group also handles calls from low-income
pet owners who need assistance with the care of outdoor
pets in Wayne and Oakland counties.

Schedules are provided for pet owners to participate in
several Protect-A-Pet Low Cost shot clinics sponsored by the
group each year.

The group, which has has an annual operating budget of
$100,000, relies on public donations to provide such
services, Wettlaufer said.

Each weekend, volunteers give doghouses and fresh food
and water in clean bowls to owners who need assistance
with their outdoor pets, Wettlaufer said.

"Volunteers are the backbone of the organization," she
said.

How to help

What: The Michigan Animal Adoption Network

Where: 31639 W. Eight Mile

Hours: 9 a.m. 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, with animal
adoption on Saturdays only from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Information: Call (248) 474-2646 or visit
www.mi-aan.org.