The 2025 Better Together Awards and Grants program from Michigan Pet Alliance is now open. But don't delay because the program closes on June 30, 2025. In the animal welfare field, we accomplish more when we work together. Collaboration saves more lives and leads to new ideas and innovation. Every year, Michigan Pet Alliance awards organizations that partner and collaborate to save lives and to improve quality of care. We invite you to apply for a 2025 grant award … or get crazy and apply for all of them! Just please apply for them one at a time. We want to hear about your successful partnerships, and we want to reward you for them. DEADLINE: June 30, 2025 The Better Together Awards and Grants program recognizes those who can demonstrate their ability to accomplish more and how their programs and operations are Better Together in the following categories: Better Together Removing Barriers Award ($3,000 grant) Organizations that have implemented programs or services that reduce the length of stay for animals in their care are eligible for the Better Together Removing Barriers Award. Barriers are anything that slows or prevents live outcomes, including adoption opportunities, returns to field or transfers. Better Together Creative Programs Award ($2,000 grant) Organizations that focus on new, innovative ideas to improve animal care, living conditions and quality of life for animals are eligible for the Better Together Creative Programs Award. Organizations should demonstrate the ability to assist, educate and advocate for the animals they serve and the people who love them. Better Together Saving and Raising Funds Award ($2,000 grant) Organizations that are revolutionizing the idea of collaborative fundraising and/or cost savings are eligible for the Better Together Saving and Raising Funds Award. Organizations should demonstrate collaborative efforts in their fundraising and/or money-saving projects. On-site Cat Training Grant ($1,000 grant value) Michigan Pet Alliance will nominate and award this cat training grant to the organization that needs it the most, based on past live release rates and the state of its current cat program. On-site Dog Training Grant ($1,000 grant value) Michigan Pet Alliance will nominate and award this dog training grant to the organization that needs it the most, based on past live release rates and the state of its current dog program. On-site Scentwork for Dogs Training Grant ($400 grant value) Boost your enrichment and training programs by learning how to add scentwork. If you don’t have a program, scentwork is a great start to creating one. Scentwork helps dogs reduce stress and anxiety. It’s a great outlet for reactive dogs, too. Animal Control Officer of the Year ($500 cash award) Nominate an animal control officer in Michigan who tirelessly serves animals and their people by connecting with the community, collaborating with agencies and organizations, communicating effectively with a diverse population and creatively diverting animals from entering the shelter. Joel Penny Volunteer of the Year Award ($100 cash award) Nominate an individual who gives selflessly of their time volunteering in various aspects of animal welfare in Michigan and who takes every opportunity to learn and know more. Eligibility - Animal shelters must be licensed with MDARD - Other groups, including home-based rescue and community outreach organizations, must be based in Michigan, designated 501(c)3 nonprofits and registered with the Michigan Attorney General’s Charitable Trust Section - ACOs must serve in the state of Michigan and have a current certification Additional details are in the application: https://www.michiganpet.org/mpa-awards/ Apply by June 30, 2025. (fb)

Today's free lunch and learn begins at noon. "Increasing Adoptions, Reducing Returns" will provide tips and insight to help you take your life-saving programs to the next level. Register now at https://www.michiganpet.org/education-and-training/online-training/ (fb)