Horse Adoption Agencies in Michigan

Most of us think about adopting cats or dogs as pets, but horses need adoption too. Many horses are abused, neglected or sent to slaughter. Others, such as racehorses, simply get too old to be profitable to their owners who, in turn, look to adopt them out to somebody else. Thankfully, there are three adoption agencies in Michigan that take in as many of these horses as possible and try to find the appropriate home for them.

  1. CANTER Michigan

    • CANTER stands for the Communication Alliance to Network Thoroughbred Ex-Racehorses. They connect potential owners with racehorse owners who are looking to retire the horse into a new home. CANTER began their adoption program in 1997 and, in certain circumstances, adopts the horses themselves and enrolls them in programs with Michigan and The Ohio State Universities' vet schools where veterinary students perform necessary medical treatment.

      CANTER's adoption process is fairly straightforward. They have an online "Adoption Approval Form" that takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes to fill out. You will be notified of approval within one to two weeks. Once approved, you may pick your horse from CANTER's website. There is a fee for adopting and transporting a CANTER horse, and you must also pay to board the horse with CANTER if you cannot receive him within seven days after the adoption is finalized.

      CANTER Michigan

      P.O. Box 314

      Emmett, MI 48022-0314

      810-796-9239

      canterusa.org

    Horses' Haven

    • Horses' Haven opened their doors in 1995 to take in "aged, abused, unwanted, rescued and neglected horses." Horses' Haven also receives horses from owners who simply cannot care for their horse anymore. Once a horse is sheltered by Horses' Haven, he's cared for by unpaid volunteers who foster the animal until an appropriate home is found. In some cases, Horses' Haven will house the horses for the remainder of their lives.

      Horses' Haven places their horses carefully into new homes and potential owners must become members of Horses' Haven, fill out an application and allow Horses' Haven to inspect the facilities where the adopted equine will live. Horses' Haven will also visit you routinely throughout the horse's life to make certain you are properly treating the animal. Horses' Haven only adopts to Michigan residents.

      Horses' Haven

      P.O. Box 166

      Howell, MI 48844

      517-548-4010

      horseshaven.org

    Hugs2Horses Rescue Center

    • Hugs2Horses Rescue Center's Mission Statement reads in part, "Our goal is to offer an alternative to slaughter for older, abused, neglected and/or abandoned horses." The 100-acre Hugs2Horses sanctuary is based out of Fowlerville, Michigan, and they offer adoption opportunities for Michigan residents as well as residents in other U.S. states.

      Hugs2Horses adoption process consists of filling out an application, obtaining house approval and visiting their sanctuary twice. On your first visit, you will pick out the horse you are interested in adopting and receive information about him. After you fill out their "Hold Harmless Agreement," you will meet your horse and schedule an appointment to adopt him within 48 hours. Your second visit provides the opportunity to ask Hugs2Horses any additional questions you have and learn about health care requirements and training for your horse. Once you've paid the adoption fee, you may take your newly adopted equine home.

      Hugs2Horses, Inc.

      9797 Lamoreaux Road

      Fowlerville, MI 48836

      517-223-0537

      hugs2horses.com