The Copper Country Humane Society (CCHS) is a non-profit (501c3) organization that is dedicated to the welfare and humane treatment of animals. CCHS provides the following services for Keweenaw, Baraga and Houghton Counties plus the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC). 100% of the money needed for vet care, spay/neuter and medical needs for the 900 animals CCHS cares for annually is raised through monthly fundraising events and private donations. We thank you for all the support.
* CCHS is a local non–profit organization and not part of any state or national organization.*
A little History
CCHS was founded in 1974 to help animals in our community through providing foster homes for lost and abused animals. In 1992 the Keweenaw Animal Alliance (KAA) was opened as the first animal shelter in the area. In 1994 the CCHS and the KAA combined resources thus forming one organization to better serve the community and the animals. The organization and shelter is now known as the Copper Country Humane Society. In the beginning less than 100 animals were cared for at the shelter annually, but CCHS has quickly grown and now cares for approximately 900 cats and dogs annually.
In 2005, CCHS opened the doors to a new state of the art animal shelter after 3 years of fundraising and planning the construction was completed. The new facility with bright colored walls, spacious kennels, play areas and lots of care allows CCHS to help more animals. It also encourages more people to adopt homeless animals and to volunteer at CCHS. Both the community and the animals are winners with this new animal shelter.
About Cody, formerly the CCHS mascot: CCHS tribute to Cody (pdf)
Adoption Services – Our successful adoption program matches homeless animals with responsible people seeking pets. The nominal adoption fee helps defray some of the costs of the initial vaccination, de-worming and spaying/neutering of adopted dogs and cats. CCHS helps over 900 animals annually and ninety percent of our dogs and cats are adopted or claimed every year. There is NO time limit on our animals looking for homes, CCHS cares for them for as long as they need us. CCHS cares for about 80 animals each day at our shelter.
Education– CCHS provides outreach and education to schools, civic organizations and other interested groups. Speakers discuss various animal-related issues with emphasis on caring for pets. When appropriate, a shelter animal accompanies the speaker, giving audiences a chance to see an example of the animals available for adoption. In addition, CCHS uses all forms of media such as TV, radio, newspaper, newsletters and handouts to inform and educate the community about all aspects of animal care.
Spay/Neuter Program – CCHS is dedicated to controlling the dog and cat population. No animal leaves the shelter without being sterilized (unless advised not to due to health reasons by a veterinarian). In addition, CCHS raises money through volunteer fundraising to assist low-income families cover the costs of sterilization procedures.
*CCHS also provides low cost vaccination clinics to also assist people in keeping their pets healthy and happy*
Our Mission
It is the primary mission of CCHS to operate a “no time limits” shelter for domestic (non-feral) dogs and cats from Keweenaw, Houghton, and Baraga Counties and the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community in accordance with the guidelines set by the Michigan Department of Agriculture. The shelter receives animals from animal control and private citizens. CCHS works to return lost animals to their owners and to identify suitable homes for the remaining animals. These animals are not judged by “time of stay” to determine adoptability. Euthanasia will be considered per veterinarian recommendation based on health, temperament and quality of life and will only be performed by a veterinarian. While in our care, animals receive professional, quality care by concerned individuals dedicated to helping animals.
Staff and Board of Directors
Board of Directors
Laura Putwen – President
Kerri Sleeman – Vice President
Stacy Hollenbeck – Treasurer
Morgan Kari – Secretary
Betty Aebli
Diane Trudgeon
Heather Sander
Tara Lassila
Eve Wakeham
Melissa Parker
Management
Becki – Manager
Rebecca – Assistant Manager
Animal Caretakers
Genna, Acacia, Madison, Jadyn, Samantha