What is MICAW?

Michigan Council of Animal Welfare (MICAW) was established in 2020 by a group of Michigan dog breeders who loved their animals and felt strongly that as a breeder community we needed the following:
1. Become united and speak as one voice.
2. Regulate ourselves and the industry.
3. Be more considerate of the end consumer.
4. Educate all dog breeders.
5. Help each other do a better job.

MICAW is a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization. The corporation is financed by memberships, sponsorships, booth space rentals, and newsletter advertisements. All of the board members’ time is a donation to the industry.

The benefits of being a member.

You are welcome to attend all of our educational seminars where you will be able to talk to and/or ask questions from experienced breeders, veterinarians, and other professionals within the industry. MICAW has an annual seminar packed full of educational speakers, vendors, and demonstrations, along with good food, fellowship, information, and valuable networking.

You will receive a quarterly newsletter that is filled with valuable information and recent updates.
All members of MICAW are welcome to become part of our one call system which enables breeders across the state to be notified with legal changes, etc…, within a short period of time.
Members will also be welcome to participate in our monthly conference calls. Every other month, we will have a guest speaker who will be presenting another great educational topic.
When you have a legal issue that concerns the dog industry, MICAW will help you if at all possible.
MICAW publishes a breeders directory that you will be included in as a breeder, along with contact information. It will be listed by seperate breeds.
You will have the opportunity to utilize the KMA (Kennel Management Assistance) in your kennel, free of charge.
- The KMA (Kennel Management Assistance) is a group of fellow breeders who will come to your facility for an evaluation, (based off of USDA & MDARD standards), of your physical facility, your dogs, and your program of care. The KMA, upon invitation, will provide advice and assistance on how you can maintain compliance with current standards, rules, and laws. They will also encourage you to go beyond the current standards, to a level of responsible breeding that will prepare you for the future. This program is free of charge to all MICAW members.
Probably the most valuable benefit, is the peace of mind that you are doing the right thing!

Public Image

MICAW members should at all times try to better the dog industry’s image by having a nice builing with curb appeal. Curb appeal means things like cleanliness, nice landscaping, friendly faces, well socialized dogs, and having your kennels and dogs where you can show them to the public as they adopt a puppy from you. Always be open minded and polite to the thoughts and concerns of the public, also address the concerns of the public and make sure the animals are happy and content.

Please, encourage fellow breeders to join us in helping to protect our industry and future.

Code of Ethics

The MICAW professional pet breeders take pride in their responsibilities for proper care and handling of their pets. The following is MICAW’s code of ethics.

To provide food, water, and care necessary to protect the health and welfare of the pets that are in our care.
To provide proper veterinary care of these pets for disease prevention, ect.
To provide clean, well-kept facilities to allow safe, humane, and efficient pet management.
To use proper re-homing practices for our pets, to ensure a happy and safe home.
To use only veterinary accepted methods, if needed,to dispose of a pet.
To provide all personnel with a working knowledge of your pets, including proper handling techniques.
To provide transportation for our pets that avoid undue stress caused by overcrowding,excessive time spent in transit, or by discomfort during loading and unloading.
Any person who willlfully mistreats pets WILL NOT be tolerated in this organization.
To conduct all business in an ethical manner.

All breeders agree to follow the recommendations set forth in the above statements.
All breeders agree to follow the USDA and/or the Mchigan Department of Agriculter & Rural Delelopment rules.
All breeders agree to obtain all required licenses and operate your business 100% legally.
Encourage all breeders to further their knowledge by attending the meetings and conferences,and being activly involved in MICAW.

Contact Us

Rick Kirsten

Kennel Compliance Specialist

(cell) 616-375-2471

14045 Deer Cove Dr.,Holland, MI 49424

rick@micaw.org