September 5th, 2025 - AuSable Valley Animal Shelter today announced the launch of Fund Fur the Future, a six-month capital fundraising campaign with a goal of raising $250,000 to sustain the shelter’s daily operations.

Running from September 2025, through March 2026, the campaign will provide critical funds to care for animals in need and ensure the shelter can continue serving the community and beyond. With veterinary and medical expenses on the rise, along with higher costs for food and daily necessities, the shelter faces growing financial challenges that make public support more important than ever.

Unlike many shelters, AuSable Valley Animal Shelter does not receive county or state
funding. As a 100% privately funded non-profit organization, AVAS relies solely on
donations, grants, and the generosity of supporters to fulfill its mission of rescuing,
caring for, and rehoming homeless and neglected animals.

“Our shelter isn’t asking for funds to build something new or flashy—we simply need
help to keep doing the lifesaving work we do every single day,” said Katelyn Gibbons,
Executive Director. “Every dollar raised supports the essentials that keep our shelter
running—food, veterinary care, safe housing, and the day-to-day operations that make it possible to care for the hundreds of animals who pass through our doors each year.
Without the support of our community, we simply couldn’t exist.”

The shelter provides a safe haven for abandoned, abused, and surrendered animals,
working tirelessly to place them in loving homes. In addition to adoption services, the
shelter offers spay/neuter programs, education, and outreach to promote responsible
pet ownership. When space allows, AuSable Valley Animal Shelter also steps in to
assist other shelters and rescues that are at capacity, transferring dogs and cats to Grayling where open kennels mean hope instead of heartbreak.

No animal’s journey should end simply because one shelter is full; at AuSable Valley, every transfer is one more chance, one more step on the path to a forever home.

“This campaign is about sustainability,” Gibbons added. “It’s about ensuring that when a
dog is left out in the cold, or a kitten is found orphaned, we can open our doors without hesitation. Our mission depends on compassion, and we’re inviting everyone who believes in the value of animal welfare to join us in making a difference.

Community members, businesses, and supporters are invited to contribute through direct donations, fundraising events, and sponsorship opportunities.

For More Information On Donating - Click Here

MEDIA CONTACT:
Katelyn Gibbons, Executive Director