Pets Make Life Better
Homeward Bound Animal Shelter
Shelter information
Homeward Bound is a 501(c) nonprofit no-kill shelter that receives no state or federal funding, and relies on memberships, donations, and fundraising events. We offer opportunities for people who want to contribute more specifically to the shelter through various funds.
The day-to-day management of the shelter is the responsibility of two, full-time employees: Our Shelter Manager and Animal Welfare Supervisor.
Under their oversight, Homeward Bound provides daily care for 75-130 animals, which includes housing, food, veterinary care, and clean living quarters.
They ensure prior to adoption that every animal is vaccinated, de-wormed, and spayed or neutered. Because the shelter provides care 365 days of the year, including holidays, we rely upon part-time employees for cleaning and laundering when volunteers are not available.
In addition to staff, volunteers help to socialize, walk, and play with the animals. It is the goal and mission of Homeward Bound to meet all of the needs of our animal residents while they wait to find their new home.
Oversight of Homeward Bound Animal Shelter is provided by the Manistee County Humane Society Board of Directors made up of five to nine volunteers who are committed to animal welfare in their community. The Board of Directors' responsibilities include ensuring proper management, setting policy, fiscal responsibility, strategic planning, and fundraising for the shelter.
About Us
Our Team
Our amazing staff and volunteers are committed to helping the shelter and the animals that come here. We take our convictions and turn them into action. Think you would be a good fit?
Our History
Homeward Bound Animal Shelter is a 501(c) non profit, no-kill shelter located in Manistee County. The shelter is governed by the Manistee County Humane Society which was formed in the late 1970's by a group of citizens dedicated to helping the lives of homeless or abandoned animals. In April of 2005 the dream of opening a shelter came true and since that time has helped thousands of animals find new homes. While at the shelter each animal is vaccinated, spayed/neutered and receives loving care. We rely on donations, memberships, fundraising and grants for our operating revenue. If you would like to be a part of this wonderful organization, please consider becoming a volunteer or member.
Our Mission
It is our responsibility to provide food, shelter, socialization, humane care and Veterinary treatment for abandoned and relinquished, adoptable animals until a permanent, loving home can be found. It is our mission to ensure all animals are spayed or neutered before adoption.
Board of Directors
Colleen Kenny - Board President
Colleen has been on the Board of Directors since 2011. She is a Financial Controller working for Packaging Corporation of America at their Filer City facility. Colleen has adopted several dogs and cats from Homeward Bound and is currently mom to 3 handicap cats.
Michael Bull - Vice President
Michael has been on the Board of Directors since 2019. He is semi-retired working as an independent engineer consultant. Michael volunteers as a puppy raiser for Paws for a Cause.
Mary Tebbenhoff - Secretary
Mary has been on the Board of Directors since 2019. She is retired from Coca-Cola where she served in several management positions including Plant Manager. She is mom to her rescue dog Lilly.
Catherine Ciotte - Board Member
Catherine has been on the Board of Directors since 2019. She also volunteers as a puppy raiser for Paws for a Cause. Catherine is a retired middle school math teacher.
Kathleen Wellington - Board Member
Kathleen has been on the Board since 2021. Kathleen has worked in management positions in operations, safety, HR for several fortune 500 companies. She is mom to 2 rescue cats and a Welsh Corgi.
Open
If you have an interest in serving on the Board please contact us.
Gifts and Grants
Grant Received
In 2021 we received a generous grant from the Mary Dunn Revocable Trust. The grant allowed us to provide needed care for our shelter animals that we might not have otherwise been able to provide. We are truly grateful to have received this grant which was used for the following expenses:
Medical Care: $22,375.34
Vaccines: $1,762.25
Medication: $1,039.06
Food: $1,965.74
Cat Litter: $3,818.62
Animal Care Attendants: $3,886.54
Animal Care, Medical and Safety Supplies: $7,652.45
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