FAQs

  • We accept owner-surrendered animals, strays that have not been claimed from the Emmet County Stray Center, animals from other humane societies that euthanize, and animals from rescue groups.

  • To us, “no-kill” means no animal will be euthanized for lack of space. We keep all of the animals in our care 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.

  • You need to contact Animal Control at 911. The officer 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 more than seven days it is considered yours. The county will no longer accept responsibility for the animal.

  • 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 five years. Currently, the Bay Area Pet Resort is our county’s stray center. It is located on US 31 toward Charlevoix. Bay Area Pet Resort shares a parking lot with Jensen’s Animal Hospital. Bay Area Pet Resort can be reached at 231.348.5550.

  • Call 911 for all Animal Control complaints and to receive officer assistance. Little Traverse Bay Humane Society does not handle abuse or neglect issues. Once the issues have been resolved and if they aren’t claimed or adopted through Emmet County Stray Center, we will take the animal into our shelter to be adopted.

  • To arrange to have your pet spayed or neutered, please contact Little Traverse Bay Veterinary Clinic at 231-622-6363.

EMMET COUNTY STRAY SERVICES FAQ’s

  • Beginning January 1, Little Traverse Bay Humane Society will assume responsibility for stray animal services for Emmet County. This means stray animals found in Emmet County will be brought to LTBHS, where they will receive compassionate, above-and-beyond care while we work to reunite them with their families or find them loving homes.

  • LTBHS has served Emmet County and Northern Michigan for nearly 75 years. This transition allows us to extend the same high standard of care we already provide to adoptable animals — including medical treatment, enrichment, and behavioral support — to stray animals in our community.

  • We are grateful to the Emmet County Stray Center for their service to animals in our county. LTBHS has been a proud partner, taking animals directly from the Stray Center to place into adoptive homes throughout the years. This transition builds on that collaboration and strengthens the overall safety net for animals in Emmet County.

  • This transition is supported by Emmet County leadership, including Sheriff Matt Lierstein, and reflects a shared commitment to animal welfare, public safety, and responsible stewardship of community resources.

  • No. In 2025, 98% of animals served by LTBHS originated in Michigan, and more than 66% came from Emmet, Cheboygan, and Charlevoix counties. Serving our local community has always been — and continues to be — our primary focus.

    Occasionally, LTBHS may assist with special-circumstance transfers when space allows, but these represent a very small percentage of our total intake and never replace our commitment to local animals.

  • When a stray animal is brought to LTBHS, our first priority is reuniting them with their family. Animals receive medical evaluations, safe housing, enrichment, and daily care during the required stray holding period. If an owner is not located, the animal may then become available for adoption.

  • By housing stray animals at our campus, we’re able to offer expanded lost-and-found resources, increased visibility through our website and social media, and dedicated staff/volunteer support focused on reunification efforts — helping pets get home faster.

  • LTBHS supports pets and people through a wide range of community programs, including:

    These services are designed to keep pets in homes where they belong whenever possible.

  • Community support is vital. Residents can help by: