Little Traverse Bay Humane Society Launches Lost Pet Recovery Program to Strengthen Community Reunification Efforts
Harbor Springs, MI - January 27, 2026— Little Traverse Bay Humane Society (LTBHS) is proud to announce the launch of its Lost Pet Recovery Program, a new initiative designed to help reunite lost pets with their families and improve recovery outcomes for animals who go missing in the community.
The program is made possible through a generous grant from Petoskey Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation, supporting LTBHS’s ongoing mission to support pets and the people who love them.
LTBHS routinely cares for animals who are fearful, shut down, or overwhelmed due to past trauma or sudden changes in their environment. Many of these pets transition through foster care or into new adoptive homes as part of their path to safety. Even with the best intentions, pets can panic and escape, especially during periods of adjustment or stress.
“When an animal goes missing, time and informed action are critical,” said Elise Ramsey, Executive Director of Little Traverse Bay Humane Society.
“This program allows us to respond quickly, use specialized tools and training, and guide pet owners through what to do, and what not to do, when a pet is lost. Our goal is always reunification, and to make sure families don’t feel alone during an incredibly stressful experience.”
As part of the Lost Pet Recovery Program, LTBHS has invested in high-quality thermal drone technology, which can detect heat signatures and assist in locating lost animals even in low-visibility conditions. This technology enhances recovery efforts for both shelter-related cases and owned pets in the community, helping responders focus search efforts more effectively and safely.
Already, the program has helped local families search for Rickey the miniature horse and Milo the lost dog, thanks to the dedication of LTBHS volunteers and community partners, including Keep It Real Social.
The Lost Pet Recovery Program is intended to support foster animals currently in LTBHS care, pets recently adopted from the shelter, and owned animals in the community. In addition to hands-on recovery efforts when available, the program provides education, guidance, and expert support to help families take the most effective steps during the early stages of a lost pet situation.
To ensure long-term sustainability, recovery services are offered on a donation basis, with proceeds reinvested directly into program resources and future response efforts. Services are provided based on staff and volunteer capacity. The program’s primary service area is Emmet County, with limited assistance available in neighboring areas as capacity allows.
The launch of the Lost Pet Recovery Program also aligns with LTBHS’s expanded role in the community following the start of its Emmet County stray animal contract on January 1. Through this contract, LTBHS serves as the primary intake and holding facility for stray animals in the county, ensuring lost pets are properly cared for, documented, and given every opportunity to be reunited with their owners in accordance with local ordinance.
Together, these efforts reflect LTBHS’s continued commitment to reunifying pets with their people — whether a pet arrives as a stray or a family reaches out for help searching for a missing companion.
Pet owners seeking assistance can submit a recovery request through a form available on the LTBHS website under “Lost and Found Pet Resources”.
https://ltbhs.org/lostandfound
LTBHS extends sincere thanks to the Petoskey Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation for investing in programs that strengthen the safety and wellbeing of pets and people throughout the community.
About Little Traverse Bay Humane Society
Little Traverse Bay Humane Society is a nonprofit animal welfare organization dedicated to sustainably and respectfully serving pets and the people who love them through compassionate, comprehensive, and exemplary care.