Fall Into Action: September Updates & Heartwarming Stories 🐾
Let's fall into the September edition of the Michelson Found Animals newsletter! As the leaves begin to change, we're gearing up for an exciting season filled with impactful events and heartwarming stories of the human-animal bond.
In this issue, you'll find updates on:
Plus, we'll share ways you can get involved and make a difference in the lives of animals. Let's fall in!
Working Cats: A Win-Win for Businesses and Feline Friends!
Ever considered adopting a working cat for your business? At MFA, we did, and it's been a pawsitively amazing experience!
What are working cats?
Working cats are feral or semi-feral felines that thrive in outdoor environments. They are natural pest control experts, keeping rodents and other critters at bay.
Want to learn more? Click the link below to read our blog, which features our friends at Kitty Bungalow’s working cat program and MFA’s Better Neighbor Project's experience with our very own adopted felines, Ani and Dani!
Community Comes Together for Free Pet Wellness Event in South Los Angeles
Thank you, Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson, Community Animal Medicine Project, and our Better Neighbor Project team, for an awesome Pet Wellness Day event and partnership!
80 pets were microchipped and vaccinated, 20 were spayed or neutered, and our Spay & Neuter Initiative has an additional
60+ pets booked for spay and neuter in September!
Visit MFA's events page to see upcoming pet resource events in Los Angeles.
Applications are Open for Leap Venture Studio 2025!
Don't miss the chance to be part of the premier accelerator program in pet care.
Whether you're disrupting pet tech, pet healthcare, sustainability, or exploring other future innovations in pet care, Leap wants to hear from you!
The application deadline is September 15. The program will run from February to May 2025. Click here to learn more and apply.
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Leap will also be selecting one impact company for the 2025 program. This space is reserved for a company that best measures its success through its positive impact on the pet care ecosystem. A separate application and terms apply. Learn more and apply here.
The Latest Frontier in Housing Inequity? Pet Friendliness
Pet fees and breed restrictions can perpetuate housing inequity. The Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative (PIHI) is proud to be part of the movement to make rental housing more welcoming for pet owners.
Click here to read the article, hear from PIHI's Director Ross Barker, & learn how this can benefit both pets & people via NY Times.
$500,000 In Grants Awarded To 107 Animal Organizations For Reducing Barriers
Thank you to our partners, and congratulations to Maddie’s Fund and all of the participating organizations!
These grants awarded will help remove barriers to pet adoption and foster care, making sure more animals find loving homes. We're so proud of all the winners for their dedication to inclusive and welcoming practices.
Click here to read about the winning grantees and their inspiring work.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Pet Wellness Day
September 14 l In Person l Los Angeles, CA
The Better Neighbor Project's next Pet Wellness Day will be on Saturday, September 14 at Cypress Park and Recreation Center from 9am - 1pm, in partnership with Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez.
The event is open to the public, with appointments required for services requested in advance. We are no longer advertising walk-ups; however, limited walk-ups will be accepted on-site if available. The appointment-based services are wellness (e.g., microchips, vaccinations, and flea treatment) and hygiene (e.g., teeth brushing, nail trimming, and ear cleaning). A limited number of spay and neuter appointments will also be available. Other resources and supplies for pet owners (e.g., pet food, engraved ID tags, collars, leashes, etc.) will also be available to all without a required appointment.
Keep an eye on our event calendar and social media channels for important updates and appointment sign-up announcements.
Pet Week on Capitol Hill
September 11-12 l In Person l Washington D.C.
Hosted by the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), Pet Week on Capitol Hill brings the power of pets to Capitol Hill, delivering the message to our elected representatives that pets are important for human health and quality of life.
Proudly sponsored by MFA, Pet Week features Members of Congress, industry leaders, the veterinary community, animal welfare advocates, and research organizations coming together to share information about the importance of pet ownership in America and the scientific evidence that shows how policies that strengthen the human-animal bond can improve well-being for both people and companion animals.
Click here to learn more and register.