Anderson Animal Shelter suspends adoption program because of stay-at-home order

SOUTH ELGIN – The state's stay-at-home order currently in place because of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak has caused Anderson Animal Shelter to temporarily suspend its adoption program.

Fortunately, the shelter was able to find emergency foster homes for the more than 100 dogs and cats at the shelter before the order went into effect. Seven animals whose medical and/or behavioral issues prevented them from going into a foster home are currently being cared for at the shelter, in addition to incoming emergency relinquishments from the community, said Beth Mars, chief engagement officer for Anderson Animal Shelter.

Anderson Animal Shelter's main facility is located in South Elgin. It also operates adoption centers in North Aurora and Bloomingdale, which are temporarily closed.

"We had an outpouring of support," said Cheryl Greenspan, director of marketing and special events at Anderson Animal Shelter, in talking about those people who agreed to open their homes to take in the animals. "I think in two days, we had about 360 people sign up as emergency volunteers and fosters. It was amazing, absolutely amazing."

Greenspan herself is fostering two cats from the shelter. Prior to the order, Anderson Animal Shelter saw an increase in adoptions at all three of its locations.

"They knew they were going to be at home and that it would be a perfect time to train a new puppy or get used to a new kitty," Greenspan said. "We did well above the number of adoptions that we would normally do at all three of our locations the week before the order came. When schools closed down, a lot of families came in and adopted animals."

Because the number of coronavirus cases continues to increase, Anderson Animal Shelter will hold its annual fundraising event online. The shelter relies on donations as it receives no state or federal funding.

Anderson's Better Together (Virtual) Gala is set to take place from 6 to 7 p.m. April 18. Those who are interested in becoming a sponsor or have an item they would like to donate to the gala's auction can contact Greenspan at cgreenspan@andersonanimalshelter.org.

Because Anderson Animal Shelter's programs are suspended, the shelter is not receiving the income they would normally generate, which helps support the care of the animals. The shelter has started an Emergency Funds Needed fundraiser on Facebook.

"Every single dollar is making a difference," she said.

More information about Anderson Animal Shelter is available on its website, andersonanimalshelter.org. More information about animal intakes is available by contacting Laura Schaeffer at 847-697-2880, ext. 46, or sending her an email at schaeffer@andersonanimalshelter.org.