People browsing the Macomb County Web site for a pet can search by animal type, gender, age, size and color. The site also offers information about other area shelters and humane societies, and links to other popular animal adoption Web sites.

“This is something we’ve been working on since last year to increase the number of animal adoptions at our shelter,” said County Commissioner Philis DeSaele (R-Sterling Heights), chair of the Health Services Committee and a devoted animal lover. The Health Department operates the animal shelter and provides animal control services for county residents.

All of the available animals have been screened as adoptable by a veterinarian, although they may need vaccinations or sterilization. The healthy, adoptable animals are a small portion of the up to 13,000 animals that the Macomb County Animal Shelter sees each year.

The animal shelter’s first responsibility is protecting public health by enforcing state and county laws and regulations regarding animals, licensing dogs, removal of dead animals from roads, and investigating animal bites and performing followup activities such as holding animals in isolation and rabies specimen testing.

The shelter also helps animals by sheltering lost or stray pets so they can be returned to their owners, investigating reports of animal cruelty, encouraging pet adoptions, providing placement services for exotic animals, and helping the public and rescue organizations with rescue services for wild and domestic animals.

There is growing public support for assuring that adoptable animals are neither euthanized, nor abandoned.

“This goal deserves the efforts and commitment of every group and individual with concern and compassion for animals,” DeSaele said. “Animal overpopulation is a root cause of animal homelessness, and is an issue all pet owners must address.

Responsible owners spay or neuter their pets. Individuals who wish to enrich their families by acquiring a pet should consider adopting one from a shelter or from a recognized rescue group.”

For the Macomb County Animal Shelter’s hours and location, visit www.macombcountymi.gov/publichealth/animal.htm or call 586-469-5115.