Thank You for Considering Adoption from Helping Paws!
At Helping Paws, we understand how important it is to find the right pet for your family, and we believe we’re the perfect place to start your search. We have many wonderful animals looking for their forever homes, and we’re thrilled at the chance to help create another happy ending and second chance for these deserving pets. We’d love for you and your family to be part of this journey!
All of our adoptable pets are listed on our website, but the best way to find your new furry companion is by visiting us in person. After all, you might just meet your new best friend!
Before you begin the adoption process, take some time to consider the commitment you’re about to make and ask yourself if this is the right time for you to adopt. Adoption is a life-changing experience, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Our experienced staff and directors are available to help you find the perfect pet, share details about their history and behavior, and provide any resources you may need. We take pride in our ability to match pets with families, ensuring a strong and lasting bond.
Finding the right match can take time, so we encourage you to relax, interact with the animals, and let them get to know you too. Remember, adopting a dog or cat is a long-term commitment, and we want to help ensure it’s the right decision for you and your family.
Adopting a pet not only gives a loving home to a deserving animal, but it also helps save the lives of countless others in our shelter and beyond. Thank you for making a difference and for choosing to adopt from Helping Paws!
Adoption Fees
Cats
$175.00 – Kitten (up to 6 months) – 2 for $310.00
$145.00 – Teenager (6 months to 1 year) – 2 for $250.00
$125.00 – Adult Cat (1 year to 7 years) – 2 for $210.00
$50.00 – Senior Cat (8 years and older)**
What Adoption Fees Include
At Helping Paws, we ensure all adoptable pets are healthy, well-prepared, and ready to transition into their new homes. Our adoption fees cover:
Veterinary Examination
Spaying or Neutering
Age-appropriate Vaccinations
Microchipping
De-worming
Flea Preventative Application
Additional Benefits:
All dogs are tested for heartworms and started on heartworm preventative.
All cats and kittens are tested for FeLV (Feline Leukemia) and FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus).
Adopters receive:
A bag of food for their new dog or cat.
A collar and leash (for dogs only).
Adoption Requirements
Before adopting one of our pets, please ensure the following:
Age and Identification: You must be at least 21 years old and provide a valid state-issued photo ID. If your current address does not match the address on your ID, you’ll need to provide copies of three bills verifying your current address.
Commitment: Be prepared to spend the time, effort, and financial resources needed for training, medical care, and the overall well-being of the animal throughout their lifetime.
Adoption Procedures
Appointment Scheduling
All visits are by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, please contact the shelter at 815-338-4400.
Arrival
Upon arrival, check in with our front desk staff by providing your name and appointment time.
A kennel staff member will escort you to one of our meet-and-greet rooms, where you can interact with our available animals and ask any questions.
Adoption Application
After spending time with the animals, if you decide to move forward with an adoption, you’ll complete our adoption application.
An HP Director will review the application with you, addressing any questions or clarifications. Please note that we do not process same-day adoptions.
Application Review
Your application will be thoroughly reviewed. This process allows us to ensure the best match between you and the pet.
The waiting period also gives you time to reflect on the responsibilities of pet ownership and confirm your readiness for this commitment.
Final Decision
Once the review process is complete, you’ll be notified of the decision.
Senior to Senior Program
Helping Paws is proud to offer a Senior to Senior Program, where the adoption fee is waived for approved senior citizens (65 years or older) adopting a dog or cat aged 8 years or older.
