In a continuing effort to improve service delivery and efficiency for the Southfield community and due to several ongoing issues with Almost Home Animal Rescue, the city of Southfield opted to discontinue the organization’s operation of the City’s animal shelter. The Southfield Police Department continues to be responsible for all animal-related issues and complaints occurring within the city of Southfield. On November 29, Almost Home vacated the Southfield Animal Shelter located at 25503 Clara Lane and is no longer associated with the City. Almost Home staff made arrangements for the boarding of all the remaining animals in their care, and there are currently no animals at the Southfield Animal Shelter.

The city of Southfield submitted an application to the State of Michigan last week to resume operations at the City’s animal shelter facility. The City is also currently in the process of hiring an additional animal control officer and the shelter is being prepared for future use by the Southfield Police Department. In the interim, all strays or vicious animals are being taken to Oakland County Animal Shelter located at 1200 N. Telegraph Road in Pontiac.

Almost Home Animal Rescue had served as the city of Southfield’s official animal shelter since 2006. Throughout that time, the organization repeatedly failed to adhere to the terms of the contract with the city of Southfield. As such, the city of Southfield officially notified the organization of its intent to sever the relationship last June.

Some of the many violations and issues with Almost Home Animal Shelter, include: 

• Failure to accept animals brought in by Southfield Police Department and Animal Control Officer as required;
• Failure to accept animals surrendered by Southfield residents;
• Failure to adhere to safety protocols and procedures resulting in several serious injuries to Almost Home employees, volunteers and others from vicious dog attacks;
• Spaying and/or neutering animals without the permission of owners; and
• Disproportionate number of animal adoptions not awarded to Southfield residents.

Moreover, the City categorically denies any claims of bias or mistreatment throughout the bid process as well as any claims that the City or its agent acted improperly with regard to any specific animal or its owner.

The city of Southfield continually reviews all city vendors and contractual agreements in an ongoing effort to maximize every tax dollar spent. The city of Southfield issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) last March for management of the City’s animal shelter to ensure the best possible service for our community. The City received only two proposals including Almost Home’s; however, after thorough review it was determined that neither would provide the level of service that the city requires.

Southfield recently completed extensive renovations to retrofit the City’s animal shelter facility to better suit the needs of the community. In an ongoing effort to provide residents with a modern and efficient animal shelter, the city of Southfield invested over $300,000 last summer to upgrade and improve the facility. Renovations included a complete overhaul of the kennel area as well as upgrades to the main office. Each kennel now includes privacy walls on each side along with doors leading to a covered and fenced outdoor area. With this new improvement, dogs can go in and out of their kennels independently without leashes. The kennel area also received a brand-new epoxy floor, sanitary drains and freshly painted walls. Upgrades to the main office included a new floor, paint and drywall. In addition to the interior improvements, the facility received new sidewalks, outdoor dog runs and fencing. The outdoor area is also now equipped with concrete and sanitary drains for easy cleanup.

All non-emergency animal issues and complaints should be directed to Southfield Animal Control at (248) 796-5410 or the Southfield Police Department at (248) 796-5500.