In this issue:

• Legislative Update: Michigan's First S/N License Plate
• August Lunch & Learn: Community Cat Caretaker Certification Intro
• 2026 One Voice Conference & Expo: Afternoon Workshops Added
• Replay Lunch & Learn: Grant Writing
• Welcome New Members
• August Member Events

Note: the next local advocacy committee meeting is Wednesday, August 26 at 7 p.m. MPA members who'd like to join, please reply to request the meeting link.

On July 8, Michigan's legislature entered a marathon session, and around 1:30 a.m. on July 9, Senate Bill 106 passed, creating our state's first specialty license plate to provide additional funding for spay/neuter services and training.

On July 27, the governor signed SB 106 into law. Michigan Pet Alliance is the designated program administrator, and we will meet with the state soon to discuss the timeline and program details.

We do not yet know what the plate will look like. The design parameters are created by the state, but we're excited to dive in and explore all of the possibilities.

We believe the specialty license plate will be available in mid to late summer 2027, and we expect it to cost an additional $35.

The revenue generated from the sale of the specialty license plate will provide funding for two of Michigan's most significant animal welfare priorities:

• Expanding access to affordable spay/neuter services
• Strengthening Michigan's animal welfare organizations through training, education and professional development

While this specialty license plate program will create an important new funding source, the need for affordable spay/neuter services across Michigan will continue to exceed available resources.

But the more drivers who purchase the plate, the more funding available for critical spay/neuter services, including TNR.

There are still areas of Michigan with limited to no access to affordable spay/neuter services, as well as training and education.

The pet-friendly specialty license plate is intended to complement existing efforts and to provide sustainable support that improves outcomes for animals, shelters, rescue organizations and the communities they serve.

Michigan Pet Alliance is committed to administer the specialty license plate program for pets with full transparency and accountability.

SB 106 isn't the only animal welfare bill to move through the marathon legislative session and into law this month. A package of bond and forfeiture bills, SB 293/294, modifies current state law to require individuals convicted of animal cruelty or neglect to pay restitution toward the cost of animal care and rehoming the victimized animals.

In Michigan, those being investigated for animal neglect or cruelty may have their pets seized while the case is pending.

They are required to post a bond to cover the cost of the animals’ housing and care.

Owners who fail to post a bond may forfeit ownership of their animals, reducing the days, weeks, months and years that seized animals currently spend in confinement while awaiting a final disposition to their owner's charges.

Michigan Pet Alliance and all of our members send a huge thank you to Senator Dayna Polehanki, D-Livonia, for sponsoring all of this animal welfare legislation. 

Join us for this free Lunch & Learn webinar in August.

"Intro to Community Cat Caretaker Certification"

Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at noon ET

Presenter: Angelica Roth, All About Animals

Want to make a real difference for outdoor cats in your neighborhood? Learn what it takes to be a certified cat caretaker. This overview will assist in understanding how to stop the cycle of feline homelessness through Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR), gain expert tips on humane trapping, winter sheltering, responsible feeding and colony management.

If this Lunch & Learn piques your interest, the All About Animals certification course is offered in person and online every month. There will also be a full, four-hour, in-person certification course at the Michigan Pet Alliance One Voice Conference & Expo at Macomb Community College in Clinton Township on Thursday, October 1 (the day before the conference begins).

On Saturday, October 2 at the conference, Angelica will present a one-hour, hands-on workshop on how to build outdoor shelters for community cats. Conference registration opens August 10. Scholarship applications are open now.

If you can't attend the August webinar live, register anyway to receive the replay link.

Continuing Education Credits Available

CAWA: Michigan Pet Alliance is an approved provider of content that enhances professional competence and aligns with the CAWA Exam Specifications.

NACA: Education and training provided by Michigan Pet Alliance has been approved for Continuing Education Units by the National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA). National certification holders can submit for credit consistent with the NACA CEU policy.

Save the Date: September 16, 2026

Free Lunch & Learn Webinar: Beyond the Tag: Practical Reunification Tools That Work

The 2026 One Voice: Michigan Pet Alliance Conference & Expo is just two months away. Registration opens August 10. Scholarships are available now.

In addition to two full days of breakout sessions and networking opportunities, there will be two half-day workshops available on Thursday, October 1, the day before the conference begins.

Thursday, October 1: Afternoon Workshops

These workshops are offered as add-on options to the conference. Limited space is available. Registration opens August 10.

Next Level Community Cat Colony Certification

SPONSORED BY ALL ABOUT ANIMALS

Learn how to safely trap and care for community cats, including many special tips and tricks. We’ll cover practical trapping tips, ways to keep cats comfortable during the process, winter weather care, and how to properly manage and support a colony. This workshop is designed to give you the confidence, knowledge and tools to make a real difference for community cats.

LADDER Training: Local Approach to Discussion-based Disaster Exercises and Readiness

SPONSORED BY MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION

Natural and manmade disasters highlight how animal health and security impact human safety and critical infrastructure. Often, animals are excluded in community disaster plans and exercises. This workshop will inform stakeholders at every level, including emergency managers, health department professionals, veterinarians, government officials, first responders, animal control officers, and animal shelter staff and volunteers, how to forge innovative approaches to improve disaster preparedness for any community.

Friday-Saturday, October 1-2: Conference & Expo

Breakout Tracks:

• Gone to the Dogs: From playful puppies to long-timers waiting for homes, this track is all about helping our canine friends thrive while they are in our care. You’ll pick up new ideas for enrichment, behavior support and building better matches with adopters and fosters
• Like Herding Cats: This track covers everything from reducing fear, anxiety and stress to helping shy or spicy cats find success in homes. Learn about feline body language, enrichment hacks and community cat programs that work. You’ll walk away inspired to create happier, healthier environments for every feline friend you serve
• Quality of Life & Improved Outcomes: Faster paths into homes and better days along the way — that’s the goal. This track focuses on practical, real-world strategies to move animals through your shelter or rescue more smoothly without sacrificing care or comfort
• It Takes a Village: Community Engagement: You can’t do this work alone — and the good news is you don’t have to! This track is all about building stronger connections with your community. When your community’s inspired, everyone wins, especially the animals
• Executive Leadership & Operations: Behind every great mission is a strong foundation. This track explores the how of running a successful, sustainable organization, with practical takeaways to help you stay resilient, effective and mission-focused

Raffle Prizes and Scholarships

We are also accepting donations for raffle baskets and prizes to be awarded at the conference. If you have products or services you'd like to donate, please email conference@michiganpet.org. All donations are tax-deductible.

Scholarships to reduce the two-day conference registration fee to just $50 for MPA members and $85 for non-members are available based on financial hardship.

Conference registration opens August 10, but scholarship applications are open now.  

Check out the webinar replay from our How to Get the Most Out of Grant Writing Lunch & Learn, June 17, 2026.

Unlock the potential that grants can provide. If you feel overwhelmed by the process, don’t worry. Presenter Julie Townsend will break down the steps of finding grants, collecting data and applying for funding into simple, manageable concepts. It’s easier than you might think, and funding is available if you’re willing to take a chance.

Michigan Pet Alliance welcomes our newest members. Thank you for joining us. With One Voice, we accomplish more.

• Animals First
• Lauren Doughty
• Laura Jensen
• Sami Jongekryg, CSNIP
• Little Woods Animal Sanctuary
• Amanda McCann, CSNIP
• MetLife Pet Insurance
• Kristi Rozek
• Samantha Weldon, MetLife Pet Insurance
• Maureen Skayhan Dutra
• Steve Zeidman, Animals First

Encourage your partners and network to join MPA and become a member. Share the benefits of membership in Michigan Pet Alliance.

A benefit of MPA membership is free promotion for the upcoming events and fundraisers of member organizations. Here are a few opportunities to support animal welfare organizations next month:

• August 1: Patriotic Quilt Raffle Fundraiser, online, Paradise Animal Rescue
• August 2: Summer Picnic, Warren, I Heart Dogs Rescue & Animal Haven
• August 2: Coffee & Canvas, Grandville, Pleasant Hearts Pet Food Pantry
• August 3: HSGC Golf Outing, Flint, Humane Society of Genesee County
• August 3: Bingo Night, Boyne City, Charlevoix Area Humane Society
• August 7: Blueberry Bark-B-Que, South Haven, Al-Van Humane Society
• August 7: Mint Festival, St. Johns, Happy Feet Pet Rescue
• August 8: In-person TNR Training, Warren, All About Animals
• August 8: Adoption Event, Ann Arbor, Friends of Michigan Animals Rescue
• August 15: Little Paws Toddler Time, Ann Arbor, Humane Society of Huron Valley
• August 16: TNR Training, virtual, All About Animals
• August 19: MPA Lunch & Learn Webinar,  Intro to Community Cat Caretaker Certification, online, Michigan Pet Alliance
• August 19: Dog Vaccine Clinic, Mason, Ingham County Animal Control
• August 20: Howl at the Moon, Harbor Springs, Little Traverse Bay Humane Society
• August 23: In-person TNR Training, Flint, All About Animals
• August 25: National Action Week for Animals Summit, virtual, Best Friends Animal Society
• August 30: Meet & Greet, Grand Rapids, Fig and Friends Pet Rescue

Lend your voice and enjoy the benefits of being a member of Michigan Pet Alliance. Become a member today! It's only $35 a year for an individual. That's less than $3 a month to support pets and life-saving initiatives in Michigan.

MPA Vision:

To achieve the best quality of life for Michigan’s companion animals. 

MPA Mission:

To work in collaboration and speak with a single voice to eliminate abuse and neglect of Michigan’s companion animals and to save all healthy and treatable homeless companion animals through training, technical assistance, education, and advocacy.

313-731-2244

info@michiganpet.org

 michiganpet.org 

Michigan Pet Alliance is a 501(c)3 charitable organization as defined by the IRS

(EIN 20-0399162) and is a GuideStar Exchange Platinum Participant.

Contributions are tax deductible.

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