About Us

Julie (left) and Lisa (right) met as volunteers at a no-kill municipal animal shelter. They quickly bonded over their love of animals and their dreams of opening a truly no-kill rescue. Seizing the opportunity, they decided to strike out on their own in 2012 to create a new non-profit, no-kill rescue called Animal House of South East Michigan. 

AHSEM received its 501(c)3 designation in the fall of 2012.  In 2015, we partnered with PetSmart in Royal Oak to provide full rescue services. Initially, we featured only a few foster cats with the help of one volunteer, but the store’s exposure rapidly increased our adoptions. This led us to grow into a comprehensive animal education, support, and adoption organization with over a dozen volunteers.  Primarily foster-based, we focus on cat rescue due to space limitations, though we also adopt out dogs. 

Over the years, our adoptions and volunteer base have expanded. Many people now visit our cats at PetSmart, where volunteers engage with them nightly to help socialize the cats through a fun "Cat Circus." Cats come out to play while we clean their kennels, followed by dinner and grooming, all in hopes of finding them their forever families.

Behind the scenes, our fosters care for strays, abandoned pets, mom cats, kittens, orphans, sick or injured animals, and hospice cases. They provide safe havens, feed, play with, and nurse them back to health, while making tough decisions when necessary. Our fosters love and let go, continuing their mission to save more lives.

Another important aspect of our rescue is Trap, Neuter, Return (TNR), where volunteers help feral or wild cats, ensuring they receive veterinary care, spaying, and neutering. These caretakers provide shelter, food, and a safe space for these cats, who may never experience human affection but still receive vital care.

Our community outreach volunteers assist pet owners and those caring for outdoor animals, offering food, supplies, and support to ensure both people and animals live their best lives together.

Despite our growth, our mission remains the same.

To provide a haven for homeless animals

To place them into loving homes

To help keep pets and people together

To educate the public on responsible and humane animal care

To date, Julie and Lisa have helped numerous cats, dogs and the occasional guinea pig find safe, loving homes.