Support the Animals Through Giving
CHS receives no funding from local, state, or federal government — and no support from national humane organizations. Every animal we care for, every program we run, and every staff member who shows up is funded entirely by people in this community who believe the work matters.
Your Gift Goes Further Than You Think
The Average Cost of Care Per Animal Is $650 — Donations Close the Gap
Every animal at CHS is spayed or neutered, vaccinated, disease-tested, given parasite prevention, and microchipped before adoption. We can't charge $650 at adoption, so donations make up the difference. Here's what specific amounts make possible:
- $20 microchips 3 dogs so they can always be found if lost
- $30 covers a cat's vaccines and FeLV/FIV disease test
- $50 neuters a cat before adoption
- $100 covers full sterilization surgery for a dog
- $250 provides 25 heartworm tests to catch the disease early
- $500 funds heartworm treatment for one dog already diagnosed
- $1,000 covers emergency medical care for an animal in urgent need
Your Donation Supports More Than Adoptions
Three Community Programs That Run Entirely on Donor Support
CHS's community programs extend the mission well beyond the shelter walls, and every one of them runs on donations alone. The SNAP program provides low-cost spay and neuter services to Jackson County residents who can't afford standard veterinary fees, reducing the number of unwanted litters entering shelters each year. The Forgotten Felines program sterilizes feral cats for $25 each — including a rabies vaccine — and returns them to their habitat, humanely reducing outdoor cat populations over time. The Pet Food Pantry distributes free supplemental food each month to families in financial hardship, keeping pets in the homes where they're loved instead of surrendered to shelters.
Ways to Give
Monetary Donations Aren't the Only Way to Help
Shop Our Wish Lists
More than 1,400 animals come through CHS each year, and everyday supplies are always needed. Shop our wish lists and ship directly to us, or drop off donations at 1515 Carmen Drive, Tuesday through Saturday from 12:00 to 6:00 PM. Questions? Call (517) 787-7387 ext. 110.
Current highest-priority needs: bleach, liquid laundry detergent, non-clumping unscented cat litter, adult dog and cat food (any brand), bite-sized dog treats, new dog leashes, martingale collars, metal dog bowls, interactive feeding toys, cat carriers (all sizes), nitrile exam gloves (no latex), heavy trash bags, long-sleeved scrub tops and pants in L and XL, and gas gift cards.
Become a Business Sponsor
CHS reaches 13,000+ email subscribers, 25,000+ social media followers, and 700+ event attendees annually. Sponsorship puts your business in front of that community while directly funding animal care. Kennel sponsorships are also available — a personalized plaque placed on an animal's kennel in your name, your company's name, or in honor of someone special. Call (517) 787-7387 to get started — invoices available on request, checks accepted.
Super Hero Packages
Leader of the Pack — $5,000:
Logo in 5 e-newsletters, 2 sponsored social posts, website logo link, 4 Gala tickets, lobby slideshow, free Paws in the Park booth, Santa Paws sponsor sign, annual newsletter logo, adoption folder insert, community room use twice yearly, and private facility tour
True Companion — $2,500:
Logo in 4 e-newsletters, 2 sponsored social posts, website logo link, 4 Gala tickets, lobby slideshow, free Paws in the Park booth, annual newsletter logo, community room use twice yearly, and private facility tour
Loyal Friend — $1,000:
Logo in 3 e-newsletters, 1 sponsored Facebook post, website logo link, free Paws in the Park booth, 2 Gala tickets, lobby slideshow, community room use twice yearly, and private facility tour
Hero Packages
Business Hero — $500:
Logo in 2 e-newsletters, website logo link, lobby slideshow, community room use once yearly, and private facility tour
Business Hero — $250:
Website logo link, lobby slideshow, community room use once yearly, and private facility tour
Business Hero — $100:
Website logo link, lobby slideshow, and private facility tour
Kennel Sponsorships
Permanent sponsorship — $5,000
Dog kennel for one year — $1,000
Cat kennel for one year — $500
Planned Giving — Leave a Lasting Legacy
A planned gift ensures your generosity continues caring for animals long after you're gone. Bequests are fully deductible for estate tax purposes and can take many forms — a percentage of your estate, a specific dollar amount, a particular asset, or the remainder after other bequests. Naming CHS as the beneficiary of an IRA is particularly advantageous, as it avoids both income and estate taxes on those assets. We encourage unrestricted bequests, but if you wish to direct your gift toward a specific program or the CHS endowment fund, we're glad to work with you and your attorney. When drafting your will, trust, or policy, refer to us as "Cascades Humane Society" in Jackson, Michigan — tax ID 38-1781494. To be welcomed into our Legacy of Love Society, contact us at sriggs@chspets.org.
Other Ways to Give
Every one of these costs you nothing extra — just a small redirect of where you already shop or search.
- Bottle and Can Drive: Drop off rinsed bottles and cans at 1515 Carmen Drive during open hours — we handle the returns so the animals get the proceeds
- Recycle for the Animals: Bring used ink cartridges, laser cartridges, and cell phones to CHS — each item generates funds for animal care
- Kroger Community Rewards: Link your Kroger Plus card to CHS (organization #91181) and a portion of every grocery purchase is donated automatically
- iGive.com: Shop through iGive.com and a percentage of every purchase from participating retailers is donated to CHS at no cost to you
- GoodSearch: Set GoodSearch as your default search engine, select Cascades Humane Society as your nonprofit, and every search raises money for the animals
- Honor and Memorial Gifts: Tribute gifts honor a person or pet while funding care for animals still waiting for homes — permanent memorial options including benches, trees, stepping stones, and gazebo stars are available starting at $250; contact CHS for details
Get Involved Questions, Answered
What People Ask Before They Reach Out
How do I volunteer at Cascades Humane Society?
Start by visiting our Volunteer page and submitting the online application — it takes under five minutes to complete. From there, our team will follow up to match you with a role that fits your availability, interests, and skill set. CHS volunteers serve in 13+ roles, so there's a genuine range of options regardless of your background. You don't need prior animal care experience to apply.
Can I volunteer at an animal shelter in Jackson, Michigan if I only have a few hours a month?
Absolutely. CHS has volunteer roles that accommodate a wide range of availability, including one-time event support with no ongoing commitment. If your schedule is limited, let us know when you apply and we'll find a role that works. Even a single shift contributes directly to the animals in our care.
How do I foster a pet from CHS in Jackson, Michigan?
Visit our Foster page to learn how the program works and submit an application. CHS provides support, guidance, and supplies throughout the foster placement — you won't be on your own. Foster families provide temporary care for animals who aren't yet ready for adoption, and every successful foster placement leads directly to a permanent one.
Do I need experience working with animals to volunteer at CHS?
No. Most volunteer roles at CHS do not require prior animal handling experience. Training is provided for every position, and our team will make sure you feel prepared before you start. What matters most is that you show up and care about the work — we'll handle the rest.
Does CHS have paid employment opportunities?
CHS occasionally has open staff positions for people looking to work in animal welfare. Current openings are listed on our Employment page. If nothing is currently available, volunteering or fostering is a great way to get involved in the meantime and demonstrate your commitment to the mission.