Adopt
Grow your family
Dogs, cats, rabbits...oh my! You can adopt all sorts of furry or feathered friends right here in Normal. Our staff and volunteers work with around 1,000 animals each year, and every one of them is vaccinated, microchipped, spayed or neutered, and socialized before they're ready to go home with you.
How does the process work?
As fellow animal lovers, you'll appreciate that our adoption process is built to put pets in the right homes — not just any home. Our adoption counselors know the animals personally and use that knowledge to help match you with a pet that's actually a good fit, not just the first one you fall for.
Step 1: Browse available pets — Check out our dogs, cats, and other animals to see who might be a good match for your household and lifestyle.
Step 2: Submit an application — Found someone you're interested in meeting? Submit an application specifying which pet you'd like to meet. Already have an application on file? They're kept for six months — just call us at (309) 451-1000 to set up an appointment.
Step 3: Application review — Most applications are reviewed within 24 hours. During busy periods (think holidays or big adoption events), it may take 24-48 hours. Incomplete applications take longer, so fill out every field you can.
Step 4: Meet & greet — Once your application is approved and the pet is available, we'll call to schedule your meet and greet. Appointments run Tuesday through Saturday — walk-ins are welcome, but appointments get priority.
Step 5: Finalize the adoption — If it's a match, we'll walk through the adoption agreement together and send you home with your new family member.
What you'll need
To avoid delays, come prepared:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Bring a valid ID with your current address
- Have the knowledge and consent of every adult in the household (everyone in the home — kids included — needs to meet the animal)
- If you already have pets: they need to be spayed/neutered and current on vaccinations
- Be in compliance with local pet ordinances