Adopt a Pet

Dog and cat adoptions are the foundation of our mission and the services we offer. After more than 34 years of helping find permanent homes for the animals in our care, we still have a lot more to do. There are thousands of homeless animals in the Chicagoland area waiting to find homes. We hope that you will take the time to learn more about our adoption process and consider adopting one of our current residents.

WSHS does its best to match adopters with the dog or cat that would be best suited to their family situation and lifestyle. Here is how our adoption process works:

1. Visit the shelter during our open hours and complete an Adoption Information Sheet. View our cats or dogs to see if there is one that interests you.
2. Interact with the animal you choose.
3. If you are interested in proceeding with an adoption, you will discuss the information you filled out on your Adoption Information Sheet with one of our adoption counselors to determine if the animal is well suited for your family. At that time, the animal will be placed on a 24-hour hold as we request that you carefully think about your decision overnight.

Effective February 1st, we have lowered our cat adoption fees.  Our fees are:    

Adult Cats - 1 year to 5 years old - $125
Mature Cats -  5 years and older - $75
Kittens -  Up to 6 months old - $150
Adult Dogs - 1 year and older - $150
Puppies - Up to 1 year old - $200

Take advantage of our 5-5-5 Program.  Any person 50 years and older, that adopts a cat 5 years and older, can do so for the fee of $50.

We also offer an Adopt A Buddy Program.  Adopt any cat and/or kitten for the regular adoption fee and get a second cat/kitten for half of the regular fee.  This offer is good for up to 6 months after the first adoption.

 The fee includes the following:

Cats

Spay or neuter surgery, microchip, collar with ID tag, FVRCP vaccine, deworming, flea preventative, ear-mite check and treatment (if necessary), and a temporary cat carrier.

Dogs

Spay or neuter surgery, microchip, collar with ID tag, flea preventative, heartworm check and preventative, DALP-PV vaccine, de-worming, Bordatella vaccine and a temporary leash.