Frequently Asked Questions

What do I do if I have lost my dog or cat?
You need to call Animal Control, which can be reached through 911 to report your dog or cat missing. Then you need to call the Emmet County Stray Center, which is the Bay Area Pet Resort at 231-348-5550, to see if your dog has been picked up and taken there. LTBHS does not handle the strays of the county, so please do not call here to report a lost animal.

What do I do if I have found a dog or cat?
You need to contact Animal Control at 911 and they will either pick up the animal or direct you to take it to the stray center, which is the Bay Area Pet Resort. It is important that all found animals are taken to this facility to aid in the return with their owner. It is also important that this is done immediately. In Emmet County, if you keep an animal for over 7 days it is considered yours. The county will no longer accept responsibility for the animal.

What and Where is the Stray Center?
The stray center is the facility where found animals are taken. In Emmet County, this is a contract that is bid on and awarded every 5 years. Currently, the Bay Area Pet Resort is our county's stray center. They are located on US 31 toward Charlevoix. They share a parking lot with Jensen's Animal Hospital. Their phone number is 231-348-5550.

Where do LTBHS animals come from?
We take in owner-surrendered animals, strays that have not been claimed from the stray center, animals from other humane societies that euthanize, and rescue groups throughout the state of Michigan.

What does “NO KILL” mean?
To us "no kill" means no animal will be euthanized for of lack of space. We keep all of our animals until they find a home. However, if an animal is severely ill, aggressive, or in severe pain, we will euthanize but only with a veterinarian's recommendation.

What do I do if I know of an animal being abused or neglected?
You need to call Jack Balchik of Animal Control. In Emmet County, the animal control is part of the Sheriff's Department. A message can be left for Mr. Balchik at 231-487-1246 ext 2400. LTBHS does not handle abuse or neglect issues. Once the issues are resolved, we will take the animal into our shelter to be adopted.