West Suburban Humane Society

Business Details

50+ Years

experience

Your Trusted Animal Shelter & Adoption Center in Downers Grove, IL

Founded in 1972 as a lost-and-found referral service, the West Suburban Humane Society has evolved into a full-capacity animal welfare organization dedicated to rescuing and rehoming domestic cats and dogs. Our mission focuses on providing safe, permanent homes through adoption, supported by a team of 10 staff members and numerous volunteers. We care for up to 25 dogs and 60 cats annually, operating foster programs and maintaining a database of over 33,000 pets to reunite lost animals with owners. Our facility in Downers Grove, Illinois, offers adoption services by appointment, with strict protocols to ensure animal welfare during visits.

We provide comprehensive adoption packages covering spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, and microchipping, while maintaining transparent financial practices through publicly available annual reports and 990 tax filings. Our community partnerships and volunteer-driven model enable us to serve 11 counties across Illinois and Indiana, emphasizing compassionate care and lifelong animal advocacy.

Services

Adoption Services Volunteer Programs Pet Foster Care Humane Education Lost & Found Database Community Outreach Pet Resource Center Shelter Tours Fundraising Events Animal Advocacy

Details

Year established: 1972

Highlights and features

We operate with 50+ years of experience in animal rescue and adoption services.
Our adoption process includes medical care, behavioral assessments, and post-adoption support.
We maintain a 33,000-pet database for lost-and-found reunions across 11 counties.
Our volunteer-driven model ensures community-focused care for all animals.
We provide comprehensive adoption packages covering spay/neuter surgery and vaccinations.

Associations and certifications

501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization

What people say

Dedicated volunteers Exceptional animal care Successful adoption matches Community-focused programs Professional staff

Website

Update Listing

Services

Adoption Services

We facilitate cat and dog adoptions with medical care, behavioral assessments, and post-adoption support. Our fees cover spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, and microchipping. Adopters receive guidance to ensure compatible matches with their lifestyle.

Volunteer Programs

Volunteers assist with animal care, adoption events, and administrative tasks. Our volunteer-driven model relies on dedicated individuals for daily operations, special events, and community outreach initiatives across multiple counties.

Foster Care

Our foster program provides temporary homes for animals needing extra care or socialization. Foster families receive supplies and medical support while preparing pets for permanent adoption through our network.

Humane Education

We offer school presentations, shelter tours, and youth programs promoting animal empathy and responsible pet ownership. Educational materials cover adoption benefits, animal homelessness, and proper care practices for domestic animals.

Lost & Found Database

Our 33,000-pet database helps reunite lost animals with owners through identification tags and digital records. This service operates countywide with free pet ID tags provided to all registered pet owners.

People

Michelle Sarwas

Owner, Bark Avenue Daycamp

Longtime community partner advocating for animal welfare. Recognizes WSHS's exceptional care standards and dedication to animal rehabilitation through professional collaborations.

Kelsey Steinbach

Volunteer

14-year volunteer with deep commitment to animal welfare. Highlights staff dedication and community impact through personal experiences with adoption and volunteer programs.

Chuck Edwards

Adopter

Successful adopter praising staff support and personalized matching process. Credits WSHS for facilitating life-changing pet adoption experiences through compassionate guidance.

Matt Covey

Owner, Suburban K9

Business partner endorsing WSHS's professional standards and community service. Recommends adoption services based on observed animal care quality and staff expertise.

Jim Grabowski

Volunteer

Active volunteer emphasizing team collaboration and animal well-being. Commends organizational efforts in providing medical care and adoption opportunities for homeless animals.

Questions

What adoption services do you offer?

We provide cat and dog adoptions with medical care, behavioral assessments, and post-adoption support. Fees include spay/neuter surgery and vaccinations.

How can I volunteer?

Volunteers assist with animal care, adoption events, and administrative tasks. Visit our website to apply and learn about current opportunities.

Do you accept donations?

Yes, we accept monetary donations online and in-kind donations of pet supplies. Visit our donation page for accepted item lists and contribution options.

What areas do you serve?

We serve 11 Illinois counties and Lake County, Indiana, including Boone, Cook, DuPage, and Will counties.

Are adoptions by appointment only?

Yes, all adoptions require appointments during our operating hours. Walk-ins are accommodated when possible.

Do you offer educational programs?

We provide school presentations, shelter tours, and youth programs promoting animal welfare and responsible pet ownership practices.

Videos

Reviews (5)

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Nicole O.

Jun 11, 2022 Report

We recently adopted our dog, Buddy, from West Suburban Humane Society. Buddy was in foster care with one of WSHS's volunteers. The staff and foster mom were wonderful about giving us all information about Buddy's background, setting up a time for us to meet Buddy at the foster mom's home, and answering all of our questions. They were very thorough with their background check and adoption process, which I appreciated.

They have consistently followed up with us to see how Buddy is doing and have offered lots of help and information. It was a wonderful experience and we absolutely adore Buddy. Thank you for all that you do!

Hailey Gastrow

May 20, 2022 Report

I am so pleased with west suburban humane society! I have recently adopted this sweet cat, Bunny - now named Olive, and the staff were all so informative, kind, and helpful. The facility was great and I loved that we had time to meet her and fire away with any questions. I felt so supported through the entire process and am so happy to have gotten Olive from here! Thank you WSHS!

Xingwan Li

Apr 29, 2022 Report

We have a great experience adopting TJ from WSHS. Eric being a adoption counselor is very patient with us. He knows every cat in the shelter and gave us a throughout introduction. Our trust has been built up since then. We were very nervous to meet TJ for the first time. Nanette walked us through all the steps and shared with us all she knows. We are so grateful for the whole process. And we have the perfect one in our family now!

He is energetic, curious and friendly. We can ask no more than TJ! If you are seeking adoption agency to work with, this is the place I highly recommend. Even our friend who just visited once said that this is the best shelter she could have think of.

Yessi M.

Mar 28, 2022 Report

I've recently adopted a kitten, Nehemia, through WSHS and the process was quick and smooth! They were fast at responding and answered any question I had. I would definitely recommend you going through with them to adopt your new family member!

Madison Szot

Feb 27, 2022 Report

I couldn't be happier with our experience with WSHS! They helped match us to the perfect dog for our family. They told us when a dog wasn't a good fit for our needs, & really gave us their expert advice. They took their time to make sure we left with a pup that was absolutely perfect for us. Im so happy we adopted through this shelter! Very clean, safe & knowledgeable environment! Highly recommend! Kitty & Eric were the best!