OUR STORY

Anderson Animal Shelter has been saving lives and serving the Fox Valley region for more than 50 years. The shelter was incorporated in 1966 as the Humane Society of North Central Illinois. In 1971, our current shelter opened its doors on five acres of land along Route 31 in South Elgin, IL. In the 1980s, a generous donation from the Ivar and Ruth Anderson Anti Cruelty Trust prompted a name change to Anderson Animal Shelter.

Anderson receives no federal and state funding. We rely on and appreciate the generosity of our adopters, staff, volunteers, foster caregivers, community members and businesses to support our life-saving mission.

OUR VISION

A humane world for people and animals.

OUR MISSION

Creating mutually beneficial connections between people and animals through programs that raise awareness and inspire kindness, empathy and respect throughout our community.

OUR PRINCIPLES

POSITIVE

REINFORCEMENT

We practice positive reinforcement training exclusively and provide enrichment programs for the animals under our care, thus reducing stress and increasing adoptions.

ANIMAL WELFARE

PARTNERSHIPS

We partner with animal welfare organizations in our community and other states to save thousands of companion animals every year.

WELCOMING

FACILITIES

We have three adoption centers – South Elgin, Bloomingdale and North Aurora. Each location offers animal and people-friendly spaces, making adoptions easy and accessible.

"NO-KILL"

PHILOSOPHY

We operate under a 'no-kill' philosophy, which means that we do not euthanize adoptable animals, and we never euthanize one animal to make room for another.

HUMANE

EDUCATION

We offer humane education and community outreach programs that advocate for compassionate treatment of animals, as well as promote the adoption of stray and unwanted companion animals.

SPAY/NEUTER

SERVICES

Low-cost spay/neuter services are offered to our community. Our on-site veterinary clinic also provides medical care for our shelter animals.

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TRAINING