Types of Shelters

There are four main types of animal shelters that exist. First, is municipal shelters, these shelters are funded through the government. The governments contract also states these shelters are a no-kill shelter and has this stated publicly. The services available here are adoptions, medications/ vaccinations, and animal control. The next shelter type is called full service shelter. This type is non-profit meaning there is no government funding. Since the shelter is not profited by the government they can open up to more. They can take in any type of animal. Their services are also expanded to neutering animals. The third type is a private shelter. These shelters have a contract that is the same as a municipal contract. Private shelters have to maintain the government rules. The services offered here are the same as municipal shelters. Next are rescues and sanctuaries. These shelters are a non-profit or privately owned. A rescue shelter strictly focuses on rescuing homeless animals. They do not have a wide variety of animals, typically dogs and cats. Rescues and Sanctuaries are also no-kill shelters. https://shelbyshelter.org/types-of-animal-shelters/. Depending on the type of shelters, different animals will thrive in different settings. When adopting an animal it is important to look into the type of shelter and their polices. This will reflect the dogs needs and behavior. This information can be found on the shelters website or by calling and asking for information.

Local Shelters

In Bloomington-Normal, Illinois there are a total of thirteen animal shelters. The eleven shelters are listed and linked below.

Human Society of Central Illinois (HSCI) https://www.hscipets.org/
Wish Bone Canine Rescue https://www.wishbonecaninerescue.org/
Betty Mcdonald memorial Shelter https://donatestock.com/betty-mcdonald-memorial-shelter-inc
Deeby's Senior Chihuahua Rescue https://www.deebysrescue.org
Ruby's Rescue and Retreat NFP https://rubysrescueandretreat.org/
Pet Central Helps (PCH) https://petcentralhelps.org/
Great Pyrenees Rescue of Central Illinois https://www.gprci.com/
Happy Hearts Haven https://www.dogdog.org/animal-shelter/happy-hearts-haven-chenoa
Central Illinois Sheltie Rescue https://www.illinoissheltierescue.com/
Tazewell Animal Protective Society (TAPS) https://tapsshelter.org/
Mclean County Animal Control https://www.mcleancountyil.gov/940/Animal-Control

Safety

Promising quality of life to the animals in the shelters is one of the most important goals. The animals without homes already struggle with abandonment issues and trust issues. Building back the lost trust is tremendous for the animals. Animals deserve a trustworthy and safe life. The article, https://www.maddiesfund.org/ten-reasons-to-consider-no-kill.htm#:~:text=Imagine%20a%20working%20environment%20in,who%20have%20to%20do%20 explains the danger of shelters not following government rules. Having a safe living spaces for animals reduces the bacteria and diseases that arise. This limits the amount of animals that are killed. Having animals crowded together with no space creates problems. Making sure shelters know the in and outs of each animal they have in their shelter is something all shelters need to do. Knowing what animals can live next to other and what animals that cannot. This will create less stress on the animals and improve their lives.

It is crucial to dogs to have a loving figure in their life. The article, from American Kennel Club posted about how dogs genetically rely on humans, https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/can-our-dogs-really-love-us/. The study done was between a wolf puppy and a dog puppy. They brought a dog puppy that has been around its mother in front of humans. They did the same for a wolf puppy. The dog puppy was more attracted to the humans and not timid. Compared to the wolf puppy who did not understand the human and their actions. This shows that dogs naturally love humans and want to be loved by them. This relates back to why shelter safety is significant in a dogs life. Importing these aspects in the animals life that they have never had will change their behavior in many ways.

Sharing the Cause

Next, publicly posting the animals that are in shelters will improve adoption rates. Pet Central Helps hosts events at local PetSmart's to show the animals that are available. Also posting to the public detailed descriptions about their animals. https://www.alphapaw.com/dogs-for-adoption/illinois/bloomington/. They do this so people looking for adoption can find a perfect fit for their needs. PCH has found this is extremely beneficial because families are more comfortable adopting and animals after interacting with them and seeing them in person. People read about the animals online and then can go see them at local places. Having this process available helps people feel more comfortable about adopting. This is helping the animal adoption rates tremendously. Below are is an example of how Pet Central Helps shares information on their available animals. These photos show a good representation because the first shows the dog with toys. The dog appears alert and a little timid. This can help a potential owner because they can have an idea that the dog enjoys toys and a calmer environment. On the other hand the second picture is a dog in a larger outside area with its tongue hanging out. This gives a vibe the dogs love outdoors and running around. The dog also appears very happy and energetic. This dog might fit in better in a home with lots of space to run around, maybe even a larger family.

Available Pets - Pet Central