The first step in the adoption process is to complete our Adoption Application. You may submit it to us via Email or in person. Be sure to include 1 or 2 animals that you may be interested in adopting. We can provide you with an application at our facility, if needed. All Adoptions are done via appointment.
Proof of address is also required, such as a valid Illinois state driver’s license or state identification. Animal Welfare League does not adopt outside of the State of Illinois.
If you have a child under the age of 10, the animal must be older than 1 year of age. We do not recommend the adoption of toy breeds (dogs under 35 pounds). We require that all members of the household, including children, come along to the shelter to meet their potential new pet. Some larger-breed dogs will be left to the discretion of the Animal Welfare League when going to homes with children of any age.
If you live in an apartment or condo, you will need to bring a copy of your lease or condo policies to show that you are allowed pets, and the weight limit and breeds allowed.
At the discretion of the Animal Welfare League certain animals will require a “house check” prior to adoption. A “house check” simply means that one of our qualified staff members visits your home and checks for yard space, fencing, etc. Some municipalities have agreed to work with AWL and will require house checks on any adoption processed in their city.
We also require that once you have chosen a pet here at our facility, if you currently have a dog, that you bring in your current pet to conduct a “pet introduction.” Nothing is worse than bringing home a new dog that just will simply not get along with your dog and you need to bring him or her back to the shelter. We feel that that is just not fair for the dog or for your family.
Adoptions are approved on an individual basis in accordance with the animals history, disposition, medical needs, etc.. Animal Welfare League reserves the right to refuse or deny an adoption.
Animals adopted from Animal Welfare League will be spayed or neutered before leaving the shelter. Exceptions will only be made when, in a veterinarian’s opinion, an animal is not physically fit for surgery (ex: an animal is too young, too old). We will require a $50.00 spay/neuter deposit and contract for any animal taken home before being surgically sterilized.
It is mandatory that the animal be micro-chipped.
The Animal Welfare League makes every effort to ensure that the pet you adopt is healthy and well adjusted; however, there are NO guarantees. We cannot guarantee the temperament, health or behavior of a pet. Our clinic will provide medical treatment for kennel-related illnesses up to 10 days after the adoption. We will NOT assume liability for costs if you elect to take your pet to an outside veterinarian.
The Animal Welfare League offers a 30-day, money-back guarantee if for any reason it’s not the right fit for you and your family. We try hard to make good matches in our homes so that everyone has a happy life together! You have 30 days from the date of the adoption for a refund of your adoption fee, as long as the pet is returned in the same physical and medical condition. Your adoption fee will be refunded 14-21 days after return of the pet.
We thank you for choosing Animal Welfare League.