Grow your family 
How to adopt a pet
How to adopt a petDogs, cats, rabbits…oh my! You can adopt all sorts of furry or feathered friends from our Pet Adoption Center. Our staff and volunteers work with around 1,000 animals each year. We vaccinate, microchip, spay or neuter, and socialize all the animals in the Adoption Center to prepare them for their forever homes.
How does the process work?
As fellow animal lovers, you’ll appreciate that our adoption process is designed to ensure pets are placed in appropriate, responsible, and permanent homes. Our Adoption Counselors use their knowledge of the pets in our care to help match you with a pet that will lead to a happy, successful adoption.
Browse Available Pets
Learn about the dogs, cats, and other pets available for adoption to see who may be a good fit for your household and lifestyle.
Submit an Application
After you’ve found a pet you’re interested in, submit an application specifying which pet you’d like to meet.
If you already have an application on file (applications are kept for six (6) months) and would like to meet a particular pet, give us a ring at (309) 451-1000 to make an appointment.
Have a Meet & Greet
Once your application has been approved and the pet is available, the HSCI staff will call you to schedule your meet and greet.
Appointments are scheduled Tuesdays through Saturdays. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are preferred and are given priority.
Applications and Adoption Fees
You can submit your application online or print, complete, and bring a paper application to the Pet Adoption Center. Adoption applications are also available at the Pet Adoption Center.
Adoption fees are non-refundable, as they provide funds needed to support the animals in our care.
Type of Pet | Age | Adoption Fee |
| Puppies | 8 weeks – 6 months | $275 |
| Adult dogs | 7 months – 6 years | $225 |
| Senior dogs* | 7+ years | $150 |
| Kittens and ‘non-senior’ cats | 8 weeks – 6 years | $100 or $150 for two |
| Senior cats | 7 – 9 years | $50 or $75 for two |
| VIP cats | 10+ years (or have been a HSCI resident for over a year) | $30 or $45 for two |
| Rabbits – unaltered | NA | $20 |
| Small birds | NA | $15 |
| Parrots and large birds** | NA | Set by management |
| Guinea pigs | NA | $15 |
| Hamsters, gerbils, and rats | NA | $5 Minimum donation |
| Chinchillas | NA | $50 |
| Other animals | NA | Email or call (309) 451-1000 |
* Determined by staff based on breed and health ** Larger than a cockatiel
Returning a pet
While we take great care to match you with the right pet, we realize there are circumstances when you may find the pet you adopted may not be the right fit once you get home. If, at any time, you can no longer keep the pet you adopted, you must return it to the HSCI. Please note relinquishment fees will apply if you owned the pet for more than six months.
Warranties
HSCI makes no representation, warranty, or guarantee on the health, behavior, age, or temperament of the animal. The HSCI does inquire of known owners as to the history and behavior of the animal, including whether the animal bites; however, the HCSI makes no representation, guarantee or warranty that the animal will not bite.
Apply to adopt a pet
To be considered for an adoption you must:
- Be at least 21 years of age.
- Have the knowledge and consent of all adults living in your household.
- Have a valid ID with your current address.
Understand that completing this application does not guarantee adoption and that the Humane Society of Central Illinois must approve your application.
Failure to provide all requested information on the form will cause delays in processing your application.