AuSable Valley Animal Shelter

Our Mission

AuSable Valley Animal Shelter is a dedicated 100% non-profit, no-kill organization committed to the rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming of homeless and abandoned dogs and cats. We strive to provide a safe haven and a strong voice for every pet in need.

Our History and Community

Our roots in animal welfare stretch back to the 1970s, with our independent non-profit organization formally founded in 1992. In 2007, we established our current home in Grayling, Michigan, where we continue to serve our local community and extend our reach to assist high-risk, overcrowded shelters.

Our Approach to Care

We receive no government funding, relying entirely on the generosity of donations, gifts, and grants to sustain our work. Through compassionate care and responsible adoption practices, we ensure every animal receives the second chance they truly deserve.

Finding Your Perfect Companion

We believe in creating Happy Tails for every animal that comes through our doors. By carefully managing our shelter environment and focusing on successful, thoughtful adoptions, we help transition our rescue pets into their permanent, loving homes.

Connect With Us

We invite you to meet our current adoptable guests or learn more about how you can support our mission. Please reach out to us at (989) 348-4117, email AVASCares2@gmail.com, or visit our facility at 5786 Fairground Ln, Grayling, MI, to discover how you can change a life today.

Trust Assessment
BronzeRated Sep 11, 2026
NonprofitVerifiedOperating 30+ years
Finances
Online Review Highlights
  • Caring and dedicated staff
  • Clean facilities
How we assess
Coverage We Reviewed
WPBN

10/9 - Adoption Options: Finding your new 'furry friend'

If you are looking for a new furry friend, we have some great options for you to consider!

WPBN

9/25 - Adoption Options: Finding your new 'furry friend'

If you are looking for a new furry friend, we have some great options for you to consider!

WPBN

8/28 - Adoption Options: Finding your new 'furry friend'

If you are looking for a new furry friend, we have some great options for you to consider!

WPBN

8/7 - Adoption Options: Finding your new 'furry friend'

If you are looking for a new furry friend, we have some great options for you to consider!

WPBN

7/31 - Adoption Options: Finding your new 'furry friend'

If you are looking for a new furry friend, we have some great options for you to consider!

WPBN

6/12 - Adoption Options: Finding your new 'furry friend'

If you are looking for a new furry friend, we have some great options for you to consider!

WPBN

5/29 - Adoption Options: Finding your new 'furry friend'

If you are looking for a new furry friend, we have some great options for you to consider!

Houghton Lake Resorter -

5/27 - 00106287 - Houghton Lake Resorter

AuSable Valley Animal Shelter Board of Directors Meeting June 4, 2026 at 5:30pm Crawford County Devereaux Memorial Library 201 Plum St., Grayling, MI 49738

WPBN

5/8 - Adoption Options: Finding your new 'furry friend'

If you are looking for a new furry friend, we have some great options for you to consider!

Recent Videos

10/6 - A special note/video from Bruno's adoption sponsor, Mi Mobile: About a year ago, we decided that we wanted to help Bruno find a furever home by sponsoring his adoption fee. What many of you may not know, is that this decision was made because Traci, our Director of Operations, is also a volunteer and board member of the shelter and spent a lot of time with Bruno throughout the two years that he was at the shelter going out on walks and on special day trips together. Traci and Bruno grew to love and trust each other, and she knew in her heart that he had so much potential and would make some lucky family fall in love with him if he was just given the chance to prove it to them. Fortunately, the best possible outcome happened...Bruno FINALLY hit the ultimate jackpot and found his way into his perfect family with Allie being someone he already knew and loved so much, with Cam who offered patience and kindness while getting to know each other, and with their amazing pups who welcomed him into their pack. Allie, Cam and pups, we are so incredibly happy and thankful that you took a chance on this sweet boy. Bruno, Traci is so glad that she still gets to spend time with you so she can continue to see you blossom into the dog we always knew you were. Wishing you the best life, sweetheart. 🥰🐾

Watch on Facebook

10/5 - This weekend, one of our newest guests Caramel spent a day out with volunteer Traci soaking up all the beautiful fall colors and smells at Hartwick Pines State Park. Traci tells us that Caramel was a huge hit with all those visiting the park...not only because he is the cutest boy, but because his tail is always wagging and he has the BEST SMILE!!! This sweet boy also has the silliest personality and absolutely loved meeting new people and both gave and received as much affection as possible. If you'd like to meet or learn more about this smiley, happy fella, stop by the shelter Tuesday-Saturday 10am-6pm, call 989-348-4117 or visit https://www.adoptapet.com/pet/49509110-grayling-michigan-mixed-breed-medium-mix.

Watch on Facebook

10/4 - This weekend, a few of our adorable shelter guests, Bacon, Harper and Petey, enjoyed a beautiful autumn day out at Harvest Festival in downtown Grayling. They would like to thank all those who stopped by our downtown booth to give them pets, kisses and treats, and to those who stopped by and shopped our other booth at the GPA Craft Show! We greatly appreciate the support this amazing community shows us. ❤️ 🐾 🍂

Watch on Facebook

10/2 - From the Bottom of my Heart…Thank you AuSable Valley Animal Shelter for allowing me to come in and just have a blast today…Keep supporting your amazing shelter!!! Jordan's Way loves you guys!

Watch on Facebook

10/2 - After an AMAZING EVENT with AuSable Valley Animal Shelter…This is my time to just talk without challenges lol and get to know these amazing people!!! Jordan's Way is super proud of what you did today as you get closer and closer to 10,000 raised today!!!! Keep doing for this amazing organization here…. https://givebutter.com/jordans_way_fundraiser_for_ausable_valley_animal_shelter

Watch on Facebook

10/2 - Sometimes the BEST things happen when you just say YES. ❤️🐾 Less than 48 hours ago, we jumped onto the Jordan's Way schedule, trusted the process, rallied our people, and went ALL IN for our animals. And WOW… are we glad we did. 🥹 These hugs at the end say everything. The laughs, the craziness, the generosity, the community that showed up for us — we’re still trying to take it all in. A HUGE thank you to Kris and the entire Jordan’s Way team for believing in our shelter, and to every single person who donated, shared, volunteered, watched and cheered us on. We had less than 48 hours to make it happen… and YOU showed up for Ausable Valley Animal Shelter in an incredible way. ❤️ We took a chance. You took it with us. And our animals are the ones who WIN. 🐶🐱 🐾 Keep the love going & donate here 👉 https://givebutter.com/jordans_way_fundraiser_for_ausable_valley_animal_shelter

Watch on Facebook

10/2 - DONATE HERE….. https://givebutter.com/jordans_way_fundraiser_for_ausable_valley_animal_shelter Jordan's Way

Watch on Facebook
Visit Us At

5786 Fairground Ln, Grayling, MI 49738

AVASCares2@gmail.com
989-348-4117
Filters