ROYAL OAK, Mich., Sept. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- The Detroit Zoo is again teaming up with the Michigan Humane Society to find new loving homes for hundreds of adoptable animals from local shelters. The 13th annual Meet Your Best Friend at the Zoo will take place on Saturday and Sunday, September 24 and 25, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak. The event is held outdoors under tents in the Detroit Zoo front parking lot at 10 Mile Road and Woodward Ave. There is no charge for event admission or parking. The presenting sponsor is VCA Animal Hospitals. Other sponsors are The Cat Practice, Pfizer, Pet Suite Retreat and Krispy Kreme.

Because new puppies are the most popular adoptable pets, this year 25 "puppy passes" will be given each morning to guests looking specifically to adopt a new puppy. Those with puppy passes will be allowed to enter the event at 9:45 a.m., with the remainder of the guests allowed to enter at 10:00 a.m. Allowing the "puppy rush" to happen before general admittance will ensure that all guests have a wonderful time choosing their pet. A dog walk area will also be available to give guests an opportunity to spend time with their chosen animal before adopting it.

"It is wonderful to see how excited people get when they hold their new pet for the very first time," says Detroit Zoological Institute Director Ron Kagan. "We urge anyone looking for a pet to adopt one of these loving animals because they are all in need of a home. The Michigan Humane Society has been an excellent partner in this extremely popular event."

Adoption fees and policies are set by each participating group. Adopters must present a driver's license or state ID card. All dogs and cats will have received a medical check-up and age-appropriate vaccination. For health and safety reasons, please leave current pets at home.

Since its inception in 1993, Meet Your Best Friend at the Zoo has placed more than 10,000 pets into new homes. Hundreds of adoptable dogs, cats and rabbits will be available for immediate adoption from the Michigan Humane Society and 26 additional animal welfare organizations from metro Detroit and beyond. As the country's largest off-site adoption event, animal lovers are sure to find their pick of the litter!

For more information, call the Michigan Humane Society at 1-866-MHUMANE, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or visit http://www.michiganhumane.org/ or http://www.detroitzoo.org/ .

The Detroit Zoological Institute is comprised of the Detroit Zoo and the Belle Isle Nature Zoo. The Institute, founded in 1928, is committed to celebrating and saving wildlife. Situated on 125 acres of naturalistic exhibits, the Detroit Zoo is open year round with several indoor viewing areas. The Detroit Zoo is located at the intersection of Ten Mile Road and Woodward Avenue, just off I-696 in Royal Oak. Admission is $11.00 for adults 13 to 61; $9.00 for senior citizens 62 and older and $7.00 for students ages 2 to 12; and children under 2 are free. For more information call (248) 398-0900 or visit http://www.detroitzoo.org/ . The Belle Isle Nature Zoo is located on Belle Isle Park in Detroit. The Nature Zoo is currently under construction but some family programming, provided with interpretive staff support from the Huron-Clinton Metroparks, takes place on the weekends with advance reservations by calling (313) 852-4056. The Detroit Zoological Society works to promote the general welfare and interests of the Detroit Zoological Institute. Financial support has allowed the Zoo to expand its animal collection, open new exhibits, and implement major beautification projects. To help the Detroit Zoological Society through financial support, partnership opportunities, membership, or volunteering, please call (248) 541-5717.

CONTACT: Kimberly Hugo, +1-248-855-6777, khugo@marxlayne.com for Detroit
Zoological Institute

Web site: http://www.detroitzoo.org/
http://www.michiganhumane.org/