Just walking through the front doors of the Save-A-Pet Adoption Center and Shelter in the Grayslake area has a calming effect.
Since opening in 1995, the six-acre complex at 31664 N. Fairfield Road has provided safety and care to kittens and puppies, along with larger dogs and cats. The animals are special in that they have been abused, neglected, injured, lost or abandoned.
A rotating staff of 30 is complemented by a cadre of up to 150 volunteers in making sure the animals’ needs are met. The ultimate goal and mission is adoption and placement in a loving home.
“Save-A-Pet is very rewarding, and unlike any job I’ve ever had,” Tim Medeiros, the adoption center manager, said. “You feel like you’re making a difference each and every day.
“We give hope and a voice to these animals who may have been forgotten or abandoned,” he said. “It’s amazing to watch them heal, trust again, and find forever homes.”
The non-profit organization, started in 1972, moved from Palatine to unincorporated Lake County, where half of its property is outside space. The open farm fields beyond the fences add to the enclosed free-roaming dog park atmosphere, with attached socialization pens.
Save-A-Pet’s $2.7 million annual budget is funded largely through donations, along with grant monies obtained through a contracted grant writer. The money helps fund veterinarians and medical necessities, plus more than 500 lbs. of dry and wet food every month.
It is one of the largest “no-kill” shelters in Lake County, meaning euthanasia is not an option.
The animals often have individual needs, like special diets and medicines. Volunteers engage with all the animals, especially kittens and puppies, so that there is constant reinforcement for a bond of unconditional love.
“To them, the need is great, and they’re also appreciative for anything you do,” said Debbie Vecchio, a 14-year volunteer. “What keeps bringing me back is watching the animals go to a home, seeing them interact with their adopters, and sometimes there’s a celebration.
“I do the laundry,” she said. “I love doing laundry.”
Kathleen Austin has worked with the feline guests for two years. “I’ve had cats in my life, almost my entire life,” she said.
“We had three of them that passed away, and began missing them,” Austin said. “I started volunteering here and actually met the cat that we now have at home. I just love interacting with the kittens, and you see so many different personalities.”
Austin said adopting from the shelter is an “occupational hazard” for the volunteers. A majority of the staff members have adopted from Save-A-Pet, after bonding with a particular dog or cat, she said.
Adoption is done through a questionnaire, and trained intake counselors aid in the process. A three-station desk in the lobby handles phone calls and walk-ins.
“Save-A-Pet is unique in that we welcome animals who need extra care, as well as those who are easily adoptable,” Kerry Kuczynski, the organization’s marketing and IT manager, said. “We believe every dog and cat deserves the best chance to find their forever family, no matter what.
“Our team is dedicated to giving each animal the support, comfort, and compassion they need to thrive,” she said. “Eventually, it’s connecting with the loving home they deserve.”
For more information, go to: http://www.saveapetil.org.
