Adoption Process

The Adoption Process

Thank you for considering Will County Humane Society for the adoption of your new furry friend. Will County Humane Society is Will County’s oldest no-kill shelter, and typically we house up to 25 dogs and 50 cats. We are dedicated to our pets for their entire lives.

A basic rundown of our adoption process is as follows:

• Visit our adoptable cats and/or dogs pages to view pets available for adoption from Will County Humane Society.
• Complete an online application (or paper application at the shelter office) to apply to become an approved adopter.
• Allow ~1 week for processing. Please monitor your email inbox for correspondence regarding your application.
• Once approved, a viewing appointment will be scheduled for the household. We ask all members of the household to be present for the appointment so everyone can meet the animals. (If there are dogs present in the home, we ask that you bring your dog(s) with to meet the dog you intend to adopt.)
• Cats and kittens can be brought home the day of your viewing appointment or placed on hold for adoption at a later date.
• Dogs and puppies can be placed on hold for adoption the day of your viewing appointment. An in-home visit will be scheduled with the dog and one of our adoption staff members.

Adoption Fees

Adoption Policies

Will County Humane Society has made the decision to conduct all viewings of adoptable animals by appointment only with approved adopters. We are dedicated to matching our adoptable pets to potential adoptive families. By conducting viewing appointments, we are able to set aside time to dedicate to each adoptive family and any pets that may be a potential good fit for them.

To adopt a cat or dog from WCHS you should…

• Be at least 21 years of age.
• Live within 45 minutes of the shelter.
• Have a form of identification (license or state ID).
• Verify that you are allowed to have a pet of the species, breed, and size where you currently live.
• Provide a comprehensive history of prior pet ownership, along with veterinary care information.
• Be able to spend the time and resources necessary to provide the training, medical treatment and proper care for your pet.
• Bring along all family members to meet the cats and dogs. (Dogs currently residing in the home should be brought to the shelter as well to meet our dogs)
• Understand that there is a $150.00 adoption donation required per adult cat or $200.00 for kittens. Understand that there is a $350.00 adoption donation required for adult dogs and a $400.00 adoption fee for puppies. We accept cash, debit or credit for payments. Donations are non-refundable.
• Understand that any pets adopted unaltered require an additional $100 deposit, the deposit is returned to the adopters via check once proof of completed surgery is provided. This procedure is financially covered by the shelter as part of the adoption fee.
• Have the time to spend up to an hour with an adoption counselor to discuss the responsibility of owning a pet and making it a lifetime commitment.
• Have the time to spend with an adoption counselor for a home visit prior to adoption of a dog.

Adoption Application

General Adoption Application

Please fill this form out if you wish to apply for adoption of a pet from Will County Humane Society. Be sure to take your time and fill the form out completely. Leaving sections blank or partially incomplete can cause a delay in application processing. The application may take 10-20 minutes to complete. It is easiest to complete this form on a computer. If you have any questions, contact us by phone (815-741-0695) during business hours. (Tues, Thurs, Sat, and Sun- 12pm-5pm)

Applicant(s) – Step 1 of 10

Applicant Information

Name *

First

Middle

Last

Applicant’s First, MI, Last

Maiden Name

Applicant’s Maiden Name – If Applicable

Date of Birth *

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Applicant’s Date of Birth

Phone Number *

Best Number to Reach Applicant

Can we text this number? *

• Yes
• No

Email *

Email

Confirm Email

Best Email to Reach Applicant

Would you like to add a co-applicant? *

• Yes
• No

Co-Applicant Information

Name

First

Middle

Last

Co-Applicant’s First, MI, Last

Maiden Name

Co-Applicant’s Maiden Name- If Applicable

Date of Birth

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Co-Applicant’s Date of Birth

Phone Number

Best Number to Reach Co-Applicant

Can we text this number?

• Yes
• No

Email

Email

Confirm Email

Best Email to Reach Co-Applicant

Address

Address *

Address Line 1

Address Line 2

City

— Select state —AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyomingState

Zip Code

Next

Applicant

Employment Information

Employment Status of Applicant *

• Employed
• Unemployed
• Retired

Employer *

Occupation *

Phone *

How many days a week do you work? *

Applicant’s days worked per week

How many hours a day do you work? *

Applicant’s hours worked per day

Number of years at Current Employer *

Applicant’s number of years at current employer

Previous Employer (If less than 1 year at current employer)

Applicant’s previous employer (if less than 1 year at current employer)

Co-Applicant

Employment Information

Employment Status of Co-Applicant

• Employed
• Unemployed
• Retired

Employer

Co-Applicant’s employer

Occupation

Co-Applicant’s occupation

Phone

Co-Applicant Employer phone

How many days a week do you work?

Co-applicant’s days worked per week

How many hours a day do you work?

Co-applicant’s hours worked per day

Number of years at Current Employer

Co-applicant’s number of years at current employer

Previous Employer (If less than 1 year at current employer)

Co-Applicant’s previous employer (if less than 1 year at current employer)

Next

Have you ever completed an application at another animal shelter, or other rescue organization? *

• Yes
• No

Name of Animal Shelter or Rescue Organization

Animal Shelter or Rescue Organization Phone

What was the outcome of this application?

Next

What is the total number of people living in your household? *

Please type the total number of people living in your household, including the applicant(s).

Please list the name and date of birth of each person living in your household below

1. Name *

First

Last

1. Date of Birth *

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2. Name

First

Last

2. Date of Birth

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3. Name

First

Last

3. Date of Birth

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4. Name

First

Last

4. Date of Birth

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5. Name

First

Last

5. Date of Birth

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6. Name

First

Last

6. Date of Birth

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7. Name

First

Last

7. Date of Birth

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8. Name

First

Last

8. Date of Birth

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9. Name

First

Last

9. Date of Birth

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10. Name

First

Last

10. Date of Birth

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Next

How long have you lived at your current residence? *

Please type the number of years lived at your current residence.

If you have lived at your current residence for less than one year, please list your previous address below:

Previous Address

Address Line 1

Address Line 2

City

— Select state —AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyomingState

Zip Code

Please answer all questions honestly:

Has anyone living in your home ever been convicted of a felony? *

• Yes
• No

Do you own or rent your residence? *

• Own
• Rent

NOTICE: Any applicants who rent their residence will be required to provide us with a full copy of their lease, or a Pet Addendum prior to their viewing appointment.

Please select the type of residence that best describes your home. *

• Single Family Home
• Condo/Townhome
• Apartment
• Mobile Home

Do you have a fenced yard? *

• Yes
• Partial
• No

If yes, please describe your fence.

(i.e. material used, height, etc.)

Next

Why are you looking to adopt a pet from Will County Humane Society? *

What will happen to your pet if you move locally, or out of state? *

What would cause you to return your pet to WCHS? *

The average lifespan of an indoor cat is 15 to 18 years of age. The average lifespan of a dog can range from 8 to 17 years of age depending on breed and size. Are you ready and willing to make a long-term commitment to a pet? *

• Yes
• No

The ASPCA estimates a yearly $1,000-$1,500 in total care expenses for owning a cat or dog. This includes food, litter, grooming, and vet care. This amount may increase if your pet becomes ill or injured. Are you willing and able to take on this financial responsibility? *

• Yes
• No

What type of vet care do you feel is appropriate for a pet? What shots and/or testing, how often and why? *

What would you consider an acceptable amount of time for your pet to adjust to their new home? *

How many hours will your pet be alone during the day? *

How would you describe your activity level? *

• Low
• Moderate/Average
• High

Does your household have experience in owning pets? *

Does your household have experience in owning RESCUE pets? *

Does anyone living in your home have pet allergies? *

• Yes
• No

If yes, please describe the pet allergies:

Are there any specific adoptable pets from WCHS that you are interested in? *

• Yes
• No

If yes, please list their name(s):

Please describe what you are looking for in your next pet. (Specific age, size, breed, temperament) *

This is to help us ensure that we have pets that fit your needs before scheduling your appointment!

Next

What kind of pet are you looking to adopt? *

• Cat
• Dog

Please answer these questions if you are applying to adopt a Dog, or puppy

How do you plan to exercise your pet? (Walks, Dog Park, Agility, etc.)

What kind of training do you plan to implement with your pet, if any? (Crate, Obedience, etc.)

Should behavior or training issues arise after you adopt your pet, are you willing to seek help from a certified dog trainer or behaviorist and take financial responsibility for such services?

• Yes
• No

Do you have the time, patience, and financial means to address unforeseen issues such as excessive barking, chewing, marking or accidents in the house, digging, nipping/mouthing behavior and separation anxiety?

• Yes
• No

Please answer these questions if you are applying to adopt a Cat, or kitten

Where will your cat live?

• Indoors
• Outdoors
• Both Indoors and Outdoors

Are you prepared to feline proof your home? (i.e. removing dangerous house plants, hiding wires and cords, and other hazardous items in your home)

• Yes
• No

If you are a previous cat owner, have you declawed any of your previous cats?

• Yes
• No

Are you planning to declaw your new pet?

• Yes
• No

If you are planning to declaw your new cat, or have declawed in the past, please explain your reasons why.

What will you do to prevent your feline from scratching on your furniture or carpet?

Next

Do you own any pets currently? *

• Yes
• No

Current Pets

If yes, please use the slider to select the number of pets currently in your home.

Selected Value: 1

Pet 1 – Name, Age, Species, Breed, Gender

(example: Reggie, 4 years old, Dog, Beagle mix, Male)

Which Veterinary Care Clinic is used for your pet's care?

Pet 1

Vet Clinic's Phone Number

Pet 1

Is Pet 1 fixed?

• Yes
• No

How long have you owned this pet?

Pet 2 – Name, Age, Species, Breed, Gender

(example: Duke, 12 years old, Dog, Springer Spaniel, Male)

Which Veterinary Care Clinic is used for your pet's care?

Pet 2

Vet Clinic's Phone Number

Pet 2

Is Pet 2 fixed?

• Yes
• No

How long have you owned this pet?

Pet 3 – Name, Age, Species, Breed, Gender

(example: Coraline, 8 years old, Cat, Domestic Long Hair, Female)

Which Veterinary Care Clinic is used for your pet's care?

Pet 3

Vet Clinic's Phone Number

Pet 3

Is Pet 3 fixed?

• Yes
• No

How long have you owned this pet?

Pet 4 – Name, Age, Species, Breed, Gender

Which Veterinary Care Clinic is used for your pet's care?

Pet 4

Vet Clinic's Phone Number

Pet 4

Is Pet 4 fixed?

• Yes
• No

How long have you owned this pet?

Pet 5 – Name, Age, Species, Breed, Gender

Which Veterinary Care Clinic is used for your pet's care?

Pet 5

Vet Clinic's Phone Number

Pet 5

Is Pet 5 fixed?

• Yes
• No

How long have you owned this pet?

Pet 6 – Name, Age, Species, Breed, Gender

Which Veterinary Care Clinic is used for your pet's care?

Pet 6

Vet Clinic's Phone Number

Pet 6

Is Pet 6 fixed?

• Yes
• No

How long have you owned this pet?

Pet 7 – Name, Age, Species, Breed, Gender

Which Veterinary Care Clinic is used for your pet's care?

Pet 7

Vet Clinic's Phone Number

Pet 7

Is Pet 7 fixed?

• Yes
• No

How long have you owned this pet?

Pet 8 – Name, Age, Species, Breed, Gender

Which Veterinary Care Clinic is used for your pet's care?

Pet 8

Vet Clinic's Phone Number

Pet 8

Is Pet 8 fixed?

• Yes
• No

How long have you owned this pet?

Pet 9 – Name, Age, Species, Breed, Gender

Which Veterinary Care Clinic is used for your pet's care?

Pet 9

Vet Clinic's Phone Number

Pet 9

Is Pet 9 fixed?

• Yes
• No

How long have you owned this pet?

Pet 10- Name, Age, Species, Breed, Gender

Which Veterinary Care Clinic is used for your pet's care?

Pet 10

Vet Clinic's Phone Number

Pet 10

Is Pet 10 fixed?

• Yes
• No

How long have you owned this pet?

Next

Past Pets

Please list all pets you have owned within the last 10 years. Start with most recent.

Please do not include childhood pets. Only include pets you were the legal owner of and financially responsible for.

Have you owned any pets in the past 10 years? *

• Yes
• No

If yes, please use this slider to select how many.

Selected Value: 1

Past Pet 1- Name, Age, Species, Breed, Gender

(example: Martha, 9 years old, Dog, Chihuahua, Female)

Which Veterinary Care Clinic was used for your past pet's care?

Past pet 1

Vet Clinic's Phone Number

Past pet 1

Was Past Pet 1 fixed?

• Yes
• No

Why do you no longer own Past Pet 1?

(example: Pet passed away)

Past Pet 2- Name, Age, Species, Breed, Gender

Which Veterinary Care Clinic was used for your past pet's care?

Past pet 2

Vet Clinic's Phone Number

Past pet 2

Was Past Pet 2 fixed?

• Yes
• No

Why do you no longer own Past Pet 2?

Past Pet 3 – Name, Age, Species, Breed, Gender

Which Veterinary Care Clinic was used for your past pet's care?

Past pet 3

Vet Clinic's Phone Number

Past pet 3

Was Past Pet 3 fixed?

• Yes
• No

Why do you no longer own Past Pet 3?

Past Pet 4- Name, Age, Species, Breed, Gender

Which Veterinary Care Clinic was used for your past pet's care?

Past pet 4

Vet Clinic's Phone Number

Past pet 4

Was Past Pet 4 fixed?

• Yes
• No

Why do you no longer own Past Pet 4?

Past Pet 5- Name, Age, Species, Breed, Gender

Which Veterinary Care Clinic was used for your past pet's care?

Pet 5

Vet Clinic's Phone Number

Past Pet 5

Was Past Pet 5 fixed?

• Yes
• No

Why do you no longer own Past Pet 5?

Next

Personal References

Please list (2) personal references who ARE NOT related to you who knows, or has known, your pets both current and past. If you have never owned a pet, please list (2) personal references who can vouch for you.

Reference #1 *

First

Last

Reference #1 Phone *

How do you know Reference #1? *

• Friend/Acquaintance
• Supervisor/Employer
• Co-worker
• Vet
• Trainer/Behaviorist

Reference #2 *

First

Last

Reference #2 Phone *

How do you know Reference #2? *

• Friend/Acquaintance
• Supervisor/Employer
• Co-worker
• Vet
• Trainer/Behaviorist

By checking this box and submitting the application, you confirm that you have provided all the required information for the Will County Humane Society to complete all necessary screenings. *

• I agree to allow Will County Humane Society to conduct all necessary screenings

Submit