Humane Society of Southern Illinois Continues Commitment to Animal Welfare Amid Shelter Closure
Carbondale, IL-July 30, 2024 – After nearly 70 years of dedicated service, the Humane Society of Southern Illinois (HSSI) announces they will end all animal intake, effective August 1. HSSI remains steadfast in its mission to support animal welfare through various ongoing programs and services and continues to be committed to ensuring that the animals currently in their care will find forever homes.
Founded in 1956, HSSI has been a cornerstone in the community, providing shelter, care, and adoption services to countless animals in need. The decision to close the shelter reflects evolving community needs and operational challenges over the recent years, including increasing costs, lack of appropriate funding from it’s current funding sources, and continuing staffing needs.
“While we are saddened by the closure of our shelter facility, we are committed to continuing our work through other vital programs,” said Casey Parker, HSSI Board Member. “Our Pennies for Pets Program, which has been used to spay or neuter thousands of animals, will continue to raise funds to provide veterinary care, including spays and neuters, to the animals in the local community.”
In addition to the Pennies for Pets Program, HSSI will maintain its commitment to education and outreach efforts aimed at promoting responsible pet ownership, spaying and neutering, keeping animals in loving homes, and advocating for animal rights.
“We want to reassure our supporters and the community that while our shelter doors may be closing, our dedication to improving the lives of animals remains,” added Lisa Potter, HSSI President. As such, HSSI is currently working with rescue groups in hopes of finding placements for all the animals currently in its care. HSSI is also currently looking for adoption placements for those animals. Adoption fees are now $50 per animal. Donations will be accepted to help take care of the remaining animals, including for their spay or neuter. Under state law, no animal can be adopted without first being altered.
Further, HSSI will host a fundraiser at Starview Vineyards on August 24th. Any funds raised will go towards ensuring the animals at the shelter find loving homes and/or the Pennies For Pets voucher program. For more information, see the HSSI Facebook page. Due to staffing issues, HSSI is open by appointment only to view or adopt animals. If you are interested in adopting an animal, please call the shelter at 618-457-2362 to make an appointment. No animals will be accepted for drop off.
HSSI expresses heartfelt gratitude to its volunteers, donors, and partners who have supported the organization throughout the years. Their contributions have been instrumental in the success of HSSI’s mission.
For more information on how to support HSSI’s ongoing programs or to adopt an animal, please visit HSSI’s Facebook page or humanesocietysil.org. For donations, please send to HSSI at PO Box 291, Carbondale, IL, 62901.
About Humane Society of Southern Illinois
The Humane Society of Southern Illinois, founded in is dedicated to the welfare of animals in Southern Illinois. Through advocacy, education, and programs like the Pennies for Pets Program, HSSI strives to create a compassionate community where every animal is treated with respect and care.