Staying Strong for Detroit’s Dogs
How We’re Responding to the Insurance Disruption
Recently, Friends of Detroit Animal Care and Control (FoDACC) had to make the incredibly difficult decision to pause all external events involving dogs and any new fostering activities.
This sudden halt is due to a lapse in insurance coverage following our inclusion in a lawsuit despite FoDACC having no role in the dog’s care, custody, or placement.
This development has been deeply frustrating and heartbreaking, especially as we enter a season when adoptions, Dogventures, adoption events, and community engagement typically thrive. But we want our supporters to know: we are not standing still.
What We’re Doing in the Face of This Challenge
While we can’t resume off-site adoption events or our own foster programming just yet, we’re taking every possible step to restore normal operations:
Pursuing New Insurance Coverage
We’ve already applied to more than 20 insurance providers and are continuing to submit applications to others daily.
Working with Legal Counsel
We’re actively working with our attorney to be removed from the lawsuit. To be clear—FoDACC had no role in the dog’s care, custody, or placement.
Supporting Foster Through Partner Rescues
While our foster program has paused new foster intake, we’re collaborating with DACC’s transfer partners to sponsor fosters through their established programs.
Doubling Down on In-Shelter Support
We’re boosting in-shelter enrichment activities, fast-tracking urgent enrichment projects—like outdoor play yards, scent stations, and walk paths—and organizing more volunteer support for dog care at DACC to keep spirits high and dogs happy.
Continuing In-Shelter Adoption Support
With fewer pathways out of the shelter and our inability to host offsite adoption events, adoptions at DACC are now more critical than ever. We continue to support in-shelter adoptions and promote the incredible adoptable dogs at DACC.
How You Can Help
You don’t have to wait to make a difference—here are real ways you can step in today:
Adopt a Detroit Shelter Dog
Visit Detroit Animal Care and Control at 1431 East Ferry Ave any day of the week between 10:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. to meet your new best friend.
Foster Through a Partner
Were you planning to foster a DACC dog? Apply with one of our trusted partners.
Support Shelter Enrichment
Pick up one of our DIY Take-and-Make Enrichment Kits, or shop our Amazon Wishlist to send supplies directly to the shelter.
Volunteer On-Site
If you’ve already trained to be a shelter volunteer, now is the time to put those hours in. Not yet trained? Sign up for an orientation.
Donate to Support the Animals
FoDACC is run 100% by volunteers. Your support goes to the animals, allowing us to boost daily enrichment; fast-track enrichment projects, offer foster sponsorships to our partners; and continue to support the 120+ pets already in foster, provide medical care and spay/neuter, and send adopted pets home with toys, treats, food, collar, leash, and harness.
We may be facing a temporary hurdle, but our mission remains stronger than ever: to support the dogs of Detroit, no matter what. With your help, we’ll weather this storm—and come back even stronger.
Thank you for standing with us.
— Friends of Detroit Animal Care and Control
