Michigan Pet Alliance

06/18/2026

June Member Spotlight: DocuPet

Every day in the United States, more than 4,600 pets go missing. That amounts to more than 1.7 million dogs, cats, and other furry or feathered companions separated from their families.

Many of them, far too many, will never see their homes again. How many? About 37% of dogs and about 50% of cats will remain lost, according to the Pet911.org’s 2024 Lost Pets in America report.

That’s a lot of numbers to absorb; more to the point, that’s a lot of our pets.

Enter Jackie Rose, chief strategy officer for DocuPet, a third-party, pet licensing provider that helps bring together owners and their lost pets through registration and its 24/7 lost and found recovery service.

“Our focus today is helping to keep pets out of shelters,” Rose says. “We are 100% committed to helping lost pets find their way home. It’s a mission-driven focus for us. Our goal is to get a tag on every pet.”

That’s why DocuPet, which operates in both the U.S. and in Canada, provides free pet tags to owners. It can, then, enter the information it gathers into its database and use it to locate the owners of a wandering pet, notifying them that he or she has been found.

“We have about 5 million pet records in our system with data that includes information about a pet,” Rose says. “It’s detailed information that even includes physical descriptions and distinguishing physical traits.

“Every pet in our system has a data profile. We’re the only organization that can check by visuals.”

The roots of DocuPet go back to a modest launch by its founder, Grant Goodwin, in Kingston, Ontario, with five employees and a dream to expand coverage as far and as fast as Goodwin and his colleagues reasonably could.

Today, DocuPet partners with more than 350 jurisdictions across North America to help provide safe and happy homes for all pets through proper registration. According to its website, DocuPet developed the National Animal Shelter Network to connect shelters across hundreds of jurisdictions. Together, they collaborate, access real-time pet data and reunite lost pets more efficiently than ever before.

Today, DocuPet adds a new partner every three days.

With pet reunification at the heart of DocuPet’s business, the initial tags that identify a pet are provided for free.

However, if a pet owner wants something a bit more fun and personal, they can purchase a “designer tag” with enhanced graphics, or they can design their own tag.

DocuPet also offers pet owners the opportunity to purchase a GPS tracking device for their dog, which not only provides location services but also measures health and activity levels.

Rose’s company is now a member of MPA because she sees awareness of DocuPet’s services as an important way to spread the word about what they can offer and speed reunifications, shortening the time gap between when a pet becomes lost and its owners are located and notified.

Rose’s involvement with DocuPet comes from a 20-year career managing shelters and gaining a close look at the gaps in the system that make reunification of pets and owners more difficult.

“In many ways, we’re more of a data company,” Rose says. “Because we’re all about reunification, we try to move our data as quickly as possible for that pet and make it as easy as possible to bring them home.”

Michigan Pet Alliance is proud to have DocuPet as a member. Meet them and learn more in October at the 2026 One Voice Conference & Expo.

06/17/2026

The 2026 Better Together Awards & Grants program is now open.

Michigan Pet Alliance offers $10,000 in grants and awards every year to shelters and nonprofit organizations that support impactful programs that serve animals and the people who care for them across the state of Michigan.

Apply for one award or for all of them. There is no limit, and there is no fee to apply.

Next Level Innovation in Animal Welfare
Presented to an organization that demonstrates forward-thinking ideas and creative solutions to improve the lives of animals and strengthen animal welfare practices. This award recognizes innovation that drives meaningful progress in pet retention, progressive adoption practices or access to veterinary care through programs, partnerships or lifesaving initiatives that create lasting positive change for animals and the community.
Grant Award: $3,000

Next Level Community Impact
Presented to an organization whose dedication and service have made a significant and lasting impact on the community and the animals within it. This award honors those who build connections through humane education, inspire involvement through volunteering, and strengthen community support through advocacy, outreach and collaboration.
Grant Award: $2,000

Next Level Compassion in Action
Presented to an organization that consistently demonstrates exceptional compassion, empathy and dedication in the care and treatment of animals and people. This award recognizes those who lead with kindness, integrity and a commitment to making a difference in their community and beyond through everyday actions that embody the heart of animal welfare.
Grant Award: $2,000

Training Grant: Scentwork in a Shelter or Foster Home
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. Tell us about your current dog training and enrichment program, how many dogs you serve annually, why you need this training and what goals you currently have to improve your dog enrichment program.
Training Award Value: $400

Animal Control Officer of the Year
The work performed by animal control officers demands strength, compassion and diligence, and their efforts and achievements should be celebrated. Nominate an animal control officer 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.
Grant Award: $500

Joel Penny Volunteer of the Year Award
In memory of Joel Penny, this award honors an individual who gives selflessly of their time volunteering in various aspects of animal welfare and who takes every opportunity to learn and know more. Nominate a volunteer who exemplifies these characteristics for the betterment of animals in Michigan.
Grant Award: $100 gift card

Eligibility
To be considered for the above grant and training awards, organizations must meet one of the following criteria:

- Animal shelters must be licensed with MDARD
- 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

Deadline to apply: July 31, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET.

Awards and grants will be presented at the 2026 One Voice Conference & Expo in October.

Visit https://www.michiganpet.org/mpa-awards/ for more information and to apply for grants and awards.

2026 Next Level Awards Application Michigan Pet Alliance is offering grants and awards of up to $9,500 to shelters and nonprofit organizations that support impactful programs serving animals and the people who care for them across the state of Michigan. Some awards allow nominations. Categories incl...

06/05/2026

St. Clair County Animal Control Director Melissa Miller resigned after commissioners passed a new ordinance. See link below ⬇️

📸 Andy Jeffrey/Times Herald

05/28/2026

Communities thrive when people and animals are supported together. Jen Clarkson, founder of Detroit’s Dog Aide, discusses the essential steps for building an effective, sustainable outreach program that improves animal welfare in meaningful ways. Whether you’re part of a shelter, nonprofit, school, or grassroots initiative, this session equips you with the tools to turn compassion into organized action.

Jen Clarkson is a prominent animal welfare leader and community advocate who has been a driving force in Detroit’s outreach landscape since 2011. After identifying a systemic gap in support for Detroit pet owners, Jen co-founded Dog Aide, where she serves as Executive Director. Her mission is centered on preventing shelter surrender by providing families with the education, medical resources, and support systems necessary to keep their pets at home.

A veteran of systemic reform, Jen served on the 2016 reform committee for Detroit Animal Care and Control and is a board member of Michigan Pet Alliance, serving on the Policy and Advocacy Committee. Her leadership extends beyond Michigan; she frequently provides guidance on structural development to organizations across the country looking to establish successful community outreach models. Jen’s unique approach to animal welfare is informed by her extensive background in healthcare, having served as a Nursing Home Administrator and an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). She holds a bachelor’s degree in Community Development from Central Michigan University, a foundation she uses to bridge the gap between public health, community needs, and animal advocacy.

JOIN MPA TODAY
Become a member of Michigan Pet Alliance (MPA) today! MPA is a nonprofit 501(c)3 tax-exempt charitable organization. MPA was formed as a membership-based, professional trade association to bring together all of Michigan’s pet lovers and animal welfare advocates, to speak with one voice and to raise the standards of care for companion animals in Michigan.

Communities thrive when people and animals are supported together. Join us as Jennifer Clarkson founder of Detroit’s Dog Aide discusses the essential steps f...

05/20/2026

UPDATE: Thank you to everyone who spoke in support of Queenie's Law today. The committee did not vote, but did take testimony. Important points were made by two senators that, in addition to what's in front of them with Queenie's Law, Teddy's Law is broken. It is not working and Wayne State appears to be ignoring it.

The speakers who gave supporting testimony, including Michigan Pet Alliance chair Tanya Hilgendorf, were phenomenal. The testimony in opposition from Wayne State was a grand display of gaslighting, misdirection and complete BS. It was disheartening to hear Michigan State University, University of Michigan, Zoetis and Michigan Association of Pure Bred Dogs oppose the bill in favor of continued animal torment and extreme cruelty.

Today's hearing on Queenie's Law begins at 2 p.m.

Tune in live or catch the recording later. If passed, WSU dog experiments could be a thing of the past. https://cloud.castus.tv/vod/misenate/video/61f1d10e765b120008f2f027?page=HOME&type=live

05/19/2026

UPDATE: Thank you to everyone who spoke in support of Queenie's Law today. The committee did not vote, but did take testimony. Important points were made by two senators that, in addition to what's in front of them with Queenie's Law, Teddy's Law is broken. It is not working and Wayne State appears to be ignoring it.

The speakers who gave supporting testimony, including Michigan Pet Alliance chair Tanya Hilgendorf, were phenomenal. The testimony in opposition from Wayne State was a grand display of gaslighting, misdirection and complete BS. It was disheartening to hear Michigan State University, University of Michigan, Zoetis and Michigan Association of Pure Bred Dogs oppose the bill in favor of continued animal torment and extreme cruelty.

Thank you to Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine for your leadership and compassion.

ACTION ALERT: QUEENIE'S LAW

From a number to a name.

From the dark into the light.

From concrete floors to cozy beds.

The world is watching in awe as 1,500 beagles are freed from a life of torment, subjected to continuous breeding, research and experimentation.

Not because their captors had a change of heart, but because animal welfare advocates would not relent. No was not an option.

“We have been asking our political officials to help these dogs for almost 10 years,” said Rebekah Robinson, president of Dane4Dogs, during a recent protest at the state Capitol in Wisconsin. “We have bought billboards. We have had yard signs. We have done protests. We have done vigils. We have done email campaigns and phone call campaigns asking our elected officials to help the dogs at Ridglan Farms."

Michigan is all too familiar with this fight. Queenie's Law, which will prohibit dog experiments in Michigan, has been introduced and reintroduced session after legislative session, yet our elected representatives fail us session after legislative session.

Regardless of what the federal government decides to do on a national level, Michigan cannot take no for an answer.

We will pass Queenie's Law, HB 4254 / SB 127, which prohibits conducting research or training activities on dogs in a manner that causes pain or distress.

Your voice is needed now.

A tentative hearing for Queenie’s Law is scheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday, May 20 in the Michigan Senate Regulatory Affairs Committee, and committee members need to hear your voice, especially if you vote in their district.

Recent reporting indicates that funding for the dog experiments at Wayne State University has been paused, and the university says there are currently no dogs involved in testing. But it’s unclear whether any dogs are still in confinement and what happens next.

Without action, the cruelty could restart at any time, and Wayne State isn't the only abuser in Michigan conducting live research.

But for decades at Wayne State, these taxpayer-funded experiments have subjected dogs to invasive procedures and death, with no benefit to human health.

We must keep the pressure on to end this cruelty once and for all.

HOW YOU CAN HELP RIGHT NOW
Contact members of the Michigan Senate Regulatory Affairs Committee, especially if you are represented by one of the following senators:

Contact: Jeremy Moss (D), Committee Chair, 517-373-7888, [email protected]
7th District: all of Auburn Hills, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township, Lake Angelus, Lathrup Village, Pontiac, Southfield, and parts of Detroit, Southfield Township and Waterford Township

Contact: Sean McCann (D), 517-373-5100, [email protected]
19th District: all of Alamo Township, Antwerp Township, Brady Township, Charleston Township, Comstock Township, Cooper Township, Galesburg, Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo Township, Oshtemo Township, Parchment, Pavilion Township, Portage, Prairie Ronde Township, Richland Township, Ross Township, Schoolcraft Township and Texas Township

Contact: Sylvia A. Santana (D), 517-373-0990, [email protected]
2nd District: Dearborn, Dearborn Heights, parts of Allen Park and Detroit

Contact: Sam Singh (D), 517-373-3447, [email protected]
28th District: parts of Grand Ledge, Lansing, Lansing Township, all of Bath Township, Bengal Township, Bennington Township, Bingham Township, Caledonia Township, Corunna, Dallas Township, DeWitt, DeWitt Township, Duplain Township, Durand, Eagle Township, East Lansing, Fairfield Township, Greenbush Township, Hazelton Township, Laingsburg, Locke Township, Meridian Township, Middlebury Township, New Haven Township, Olive Township, Ovid, Ovid Township, Owosso, Owosso Township, Perry, Perry Township, Riley Township, Rush Township, Sciota Township, Shiawassee Township, St. Johns, Venice Township, Vernon Township, Victor Township, Watertown Township, Westphalia Township, Wheatfield Township, Williamston, Williamstown Township and Woodhull Township

Contact: Roger Hauck (R), Minority Vice Chair, (517) 373-1760, [email protected]
34th District: Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Osceola, Mecosta and Isabella counties and parts of Bay, Clinton, Lake, Midland and Saginaw counties.

Contact: Dan Lauwers (R), (517) 373-7708, [email protected]
25th District: Huron and Sanilac counties, along with portions of Tuscola, St. Clair and Macomb counties.

Contact: Joseph N. Bellino Jr. (R), (517) 373-5932, [email protected]
16th District: most of Monroe, Lenawee and Hillsdale counties

WHAT THEY NEED TO KNOW RIGHT NOW
Urge them to support and vote Queenie’s Law out of committee
Make it clear that Michigan taxpayers should not fund painful experiments on dogs
Share with friends and family in the districts below

Be polite and respectful while thanking them for their support.

The historic "open rescue" at Ridglan Farms may be the first operation by animal welfare advocates to end large-scale mass abuse by research and breeding facilities, but we know it won't be the last.

While organizers work to free the remaining 500 dogs at Ridglan Farms, they have publicly announced their next target: Marshall BioResources, the world’s largest breeder of animals for experimentation, located in North Rose, New York.

“Marshall Pet Products, also known as Marshall BioResources, is calculating, cruel and dishonest for selling toys and treats to animal lovers on one hand, while quietly condemning thousands of animals to research labs with the other. Marshall is a horrible puppy mill for animal experimentation, only worse, because their puppies have no hope for a home,” said President Shannon Keith, Beagle Freedom Project.

"Marshall Pet Products is the arm of the family company selling pets and pet merchandise, and they are breeding and selling animals to research under the name of Marshall Farms Ltd, (dba Marshall BioResources). All are based just minutes from each other in upstate New York and share a singular family history, overlapping key executives and the exact same annual revenue of $11.666 billion dollars."

As for the dogs rescued from , Keith states in a press release, "every one of these dogs will be treated as an individual deserving of care, healing and a home."

Michigan residents, voters and taxpayers want the same outcome for every dog tormented by experimentation in our state.

Call today. Send a follow-up email today. And, with One Voice, speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.

05/14/2026

As the world watches more than 1,000 beagles leave captivity and a life of breeding and experimentation, it is more critical than ever to speak up NOW to help Michigan pass Queenie’s Law and end painful dog research.

A tentative hearing is scheduled in the Michigan Senate Regulatory Affairs Committee for Queenie’s Law, and committee members still need to hear your voice – especially if you vote in their district.

Recent reporting indicates that funding for the dog experiments at Wayne State University has been paused, and the university says there are currently no dogs involved in testing. But it’s unclear whether any dogs are still in confinement and what happens next.

Without action, the cruelty could restart at any time.

For decades, these taxpayer-funded experiments have subjected dogs to invasive procedures and death, with no benefit to human health.

We must keep the pressure on to end this cruelty once and for all.

1 Contact members of the Michigan Senate Regulatory Affairs Committee - see photo in comments for contact information

2 Urge them to support and vote Queenie’s Law out of committee

3 Make it clear: Michigan taxpayers should not fund painful experiments on dogs

4 Share with friends and family in the districts below