Our mission is to keep families and pets together by providing temporary foster care and practical support during periods of housing instability, domestic or family crises, or medical emergencies.

We envision a community where no one has to surrender a beloved pet, or remain in harm's way, because safe options for their animal don't exist. Families stay connected, pets are protected, and the human-animal bond is recognized as essential, not optional.

• Dignity & Respect: We honor each person's story and treat every family, and every pet, with compassion and non-judgment.

• Keeping Families Together: We believe pets are family. Our work is built around preserving that bond whenever safely possible.

• Safety First: We prioritize safety for people, pets, foster homes, and partner agencies in every decision.

• Equity & Accessibility: We work to reduce barriers to services, especially for those most impacted by poverty, homelessness, and system inequities. 

• Collaboration: We partner with shelters, social service agencies, healthcare providers, and community groups to create coordinated support.

• Accountability: We use donations and resources responsibly and are committed to transparent, ethical practices.

SPA supports individuals and families who are:

• Experiencing or at risk of homelessness

• Fleeing domestic or family violence

• Entering emergency shelter or transitional housing

• Admitted to hospitals, treatment centers, or rehabilitation programs

• Facing short-term crises that make it unsafe or impossible to care for their pets

1. Referral or Self-Contact: Families are referred by shelters, outreach teams, hospitals, social workers, or they contact us directly for help with their pet.

2. Safety & Needs Assessment: We gather information about the pet, the family's situation, safety considerations, and estimated length of care needed.

3. Match With a Foster Home: We place pets with trained, screened foster families who can provide temporary, loving care. SPA helps with supplies and coordinates care as available.

4. Support During Crisis: While the pet is in foster care, we stay in touch with both the foster home and the pet's family, working alongside community partners to support the person's stability and recovery.

5. Reunification: When it is safe and stable for the family, we support reunification - helping pets and their people come back home together whenever possible.

SPA is led by a small, community-rooted team of people with lived experience in housing instability, social work, animal welfare, and nonprofit leadership.

Our Board of Directors provides oversight, guidance, and accountability as we grow. Together, our staff, board, volunteers, and foster families form a network dedicated to keeping pets and their people together.

• Homeless service providers and Continuum of Care partners

• Domestic violence shelters and victim service agencies

• Street outreach teams and community resource centers

• Veterinary clinics, animal shelters, and rescue organizations

• Local governments, faith communities, and grassroots groups

SPA currently serves Macomb County, Michigan, with a focus on communities experiencing high rates of housing instability and limited pet-friendly resources. As our foster network and partnerships grow, we hope to expand our reach to neighboring areas.

Sanctuary Paws Alliance (SPA) is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
EIN: 39-3887762

Donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. We are committed to transparency in our finances, partnerships, and programs as we grow.