Telegram - Serving Metropolitan Detroit Since 1944

If opening your home to an animal in need of a forever family is something you'd like to do, consider the semi-annual event, Meet Your Best Friend at the Zoo. The event will be held on Friday, September 14 and Saturday, September 15. Hours for the event will be noon to 6 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday.

The event will be held outdoors in the front parking lot of the Detroit Zoo, beneath the water tower. There will be no admission or parking charge for the adoption event. Regular admission and parking fees will apply to those visiting the zoo, however.

The event is hosted by the Detroit Zoological Society (DZS) and the Michigan Humane Society (MHS) and is being presented by Purina. Hundreds of animals will be available for immediate adoption.

More than 20 local animal welfare organizations will be on hand with animals for adoption, including dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens. Adoption policies and fees will be set by each participating adoption group. Those interested in adopting must present a valid drivers' license or state ID card. All adoptable animals will be in good condition, will have received a medical checkup and appropriate vaccinations. Animals will be adopted out only to qualified homes, as deemed by the adoption agency involved.

A get-acquainted area will be available to allow guests to visit with an animal before deciding on adoption. For health and safety reasons, attendees should leave all current pets at home.

"We and our partners have been bringing hundreds of homeless pets to the Detroit Zoo for more than 25 years," says Matthew Pepper, president and CEO of MHS. "This selection makes our event arguably the best place for families to adopt their newest loved ones."

The Michigan Humane Society's Public Relations Specialist, Shaun Bailey, says, "We are super happy to be hosting this event with the Detroit Zoo." The event receives additional support from Pet Supplies Plus and The Suburban Collection. A handful of organizations will have information tables at the event as well. These include Purina, Suburban Subaru, PetSmart Charities, and Pet First Pet Insurance.

Meet Your Best Friend at the Zoo began in 1993. The event is held twice a year, in the spring and fall. It is considered one of the nation's largest off-site companion animal adoption events. In its 25-year history, more than 25,000 dogs, cats and rabbits have been placed in forever homes.

The Michigan Humane Society was founded in 1877. It is the oldest and largest non-profit animal welfare organization in the state. MHS operates three shelters and veterinary centers in Detroit, Rochester Hills, and Westland.

The Detroit Zoo is located at 8450 W. Ten Mile Road, west of Woodward Ave. in Royal Oak.

For more information on how to meet your best friend at the zoo, visit http://www.michiganhumane.org/zoo or call 1-866-MHUMANE