Courtesy Photo Tayor Tolsdorf, manager of the Huron Humane Society, holds Wish Bear, a cat available for adoption at the shelter. Last year, the shelter helped find homes for 488 cats, dogs, puppies, and kittens.

ALPENA — Last year, the Huron Humane Society took in 529 animals of which 488 were adopted.

That is an increase from the 467 animals the shelter took in in 2022.

Overall, in 2023 there were 496 cats and kittens taken in at the shelter and 33 dogs and puppies. Of those, 458 cats and 30 dogs were adopted and found new homes.

Most of the remaining balance of the animals who have not found new homes remain up for adoption at the shelter, Huron Humane Society Board Member Mary Eagan said.

Last week, Eagan updated the Alpena Municipal Council on the shelter, its operations, and its finances.

A majority of the animals, 301 cats and dogs, came from Alpena, which contracts with the shelter for $22,500 to assist with the cost of housing and caring for the animals. Because of the city’s investment, residents who live in it get priority admission for the animals.

Eagan broke down the numbers for council and explained the bargain the city receives. She said inflation, an increase in the number of sick animals needing veterinary care, and an inability to hire workers without raising wages were challenges last year. Eagan said when all of those factors are considered, the average cost per animal that comes and goes through the shelter last year was about $642.

For some animals, like healthy dogs, the cost may be lower because they typically have a shorter stay before moving on to new homes. Cats, however, often have longer stays, and the bills to care for them climb.

Eagan explained to the council the value the city receives from its service contract with the shelter and asked for continued support.

“The average length of stay for dogs at HHS is four days and the average length of stay for a cat at HHS is 41 days before being adopted,” she said. ” The Huron Humane Society respectfully asks for the renewal of its current service contract with the City of Alpena.”

If HHS were to bill the City the $642.64 that it costs HHS to care for each of the 301 animals HHS took in from the City of Alpena in 2022, the bill would be more than $193,400.

Eagan said last year, the shelter spent $66,577 at the two veterinary clinics in town that service the facility.

Despite the higher costs, the shelter managed to squeeze into the black financially. According to her report to council, Eagan said HHS took in $343,652 and held expenses to $339,956. It wasn’t long ago, that the shelter struggled to get out of the red, but Eagan said changes to how financial data is tracked and monitored, have helped sure-up financial ledgers.

“About six years ago, we implemented new accounting practices and can account for every penny we spend,” she said. “That prompts us to be more mindful of how we spend our money.”

There have also been investments in the shelter. The report says last year, refurbishing work for the front entryway began and is near wrapping up. A new washer and dryer and additional kennels to help make room for more cats were purchased.

A newer SUV, used to transport animals to vet visits and take donated bottles to the store to recycle, was also purchased.

“The services HHS can provide because of generous donors and funding from our service contract with the City benefit public health for animals and humans alike,” Eagan said.