Resources

Spay or Neuter Your Dog

Sterilization reduces your dog’s urge to roam and fight, making safe confinement easier.
Spayed and neutered dogs are generally less territorial and less aggressive.

Animal Rescue Fund (ARF) Resources:

Responsible Ownership

Carefully introduce your dog to different types of people and situations so your dog learns to be less nervous and frightened under different circumstances.

License your dog and provide regular veterinary care, including rabies vaccination and boosters. For everyone’s safety, don’t let your dog roam freely.

Socialize & Train Your Dog

Carefully introduce your dog to different situations. Obedience classes are excellent for the whole family; every member should learn proper commands and techniques.

Teach Appropriate Behavior

Refrain from aggressive games like wrestling or tug of war. If your dog exhibits aggression toward people or animals, seek professional help from a vet or behaviorist.

If You Encounter a Dog

Stay Calm: Remain calm, stand with hands at your sides, and let the dog sniff you.

Petting: Always ask permission. Reach out slowly with fingers curled under. Never pet a dog that is eating, drinking, nursing, or roaming freely.

Aggressive Dogs: Back away slowly. Do not stare the dog down and do not run—their instinct is to chase.

If Attacked: Curl into a ball on the ground and cover your head.

Regional Rescue Resources

Organization

Location

Phone

Focus

SPCA

Kalamazoo, MI

269-344-1474

Cats & Dogs (Adopt/Surrender)

Animal Rescue Project

Kalamazoo, MI

269-492-1010

Cats & Dogs (Adopt/Surrender)

Kzoo Cat Café

Kalamazoo, MI

269-350-4099

Cats (Adopt)

Kalamazoo Animal Rescue

Kalamazoo, MI

269-226-8570

Cats & Dogs (Adopt/Surrender)

Hidden Acres Safe Haven

Dowagiac, MI

269-377-9759

Cats (Adopt)

Elkhart Humane Society

Bristol, IN

574-475-4732

Cats & Dogs (Adopt)

ARK Animal Rescue

Lagrange, IN

260-463-4142

Cats & Dogs (Adopt/Surrender)