Save-A-Pet

Save-A-Pet is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, no-kill animal rescue dedicated to finding loving, quality homes for each cat and dog in our care.  Our organization is one of the largest no-kill cat and dog rescues and adoption centers in Lake County, Illinois. We strive to create an environment which enhances both awareness of and support for the humane treatment of animals while providing a safe haven for abused, neglected, injured, lost, or animals that may have been at risk of euthanasia. When rescuing and taking-in animals, we do not discriminate against age, health, or any specific breeds. 

Save-A-Pet is proud that we do whatever it takes to provide an animal with a second chance and to help that cat or dog find its home. In fact, we frequently rescue dogs and cats from other shelters that practise euthanasia. We concentrate on the following three areas: rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption. 

Rescue

Where do we get the animals that we have for adoption? Some animals come to us from families who can no longer care for them due to health, finances, housing changes and more. Some come through a network of animal transport that rescues animals from imminent euthanasia from over-crowded shelters throughout the US. Some are brought to us by good Samaritans who found a stray. Many come from local animal control and sometimes we are contacted by local veterinarians. Lastly, as licensed Humane Investigators, Save-A-Pet often rescues animals from situations of neglect and abuse. No matter where they came from, each animal receives the care needed to give it a second chance at life and prepare it for a new loving home.

Rehabilitate

All animals who come to Save-A-Pet receive complete medical exams, routine vaccinations, and are spayed or neutered to prepare them for adoption. Additionally, we provide high-quality care for our rescued animals to help them heal physically and emotionally. We utilize a network of animal care providers including local veterinarians, veterinary specialists, behaviorists, and trainers so that each animal has the opportunity to heal based on their unique needs. Our on-site animal care staff provides the daily care needed until the animal is placed in their forever home and this does not just include basic needs like food and water. Our cats get socialization and are able to roam free within the Main Cat Room. Each dog has daily walks, play time and social interactions indoors and out. Weather permitting, specially trained staff conduct doggy play groups in our safe and comfortable outdoor play areas.  We have a number of volunteers, limited now by the pandemic, who come in each day to provide walks, play, and social interactions as well.

Adoption

Save-A-Pet’s ultimate goal is to match each animal in our care to a loving forever home. Dogs and cats available for adoption are listed, with their stories, on our web site and on the PetFinder app. We have weekly articles in several local publications “advertising” the adoptable pet of the week and we utilize social media to promote animals for adoption. We have an extensive online questionnaire and screening process to verify that the animal will be placed in the home that best fits their needs.

In the case of special needs animals, they may become a part of our Permanent Foster program where a foster family agrees to love and care for the pet in their home for the rest of its life while Save-A-Pet continues to make decisions regarding, and pay for, their on-going medical care.