Layoffs hitting Grayslake Save-A-Pet hard

The number of animals taken in by the Save-A-Pet Adoption Center has tripled in the past year, as more families give up pets to cut costs during tough economic times.

The influx of dogs and cats is straining the organization's finances to a point where officials have been forced to lay off nearly 40 percent of the staff to keep the budget balanced, officials said.

Development Manager Marc Portugal said the cuts hurt.

"Save-A-Pet made the difficult decisions to let go shelter staff," he said. "This is putting even more pressure on remaining team members and volunteers to maintain our high standards of care, safety and overall wellness for the animals."

Portugal said 10 staff members, including full- and part-timers, have been let go in recent weeks. Donations to the nonprofit organization near Grayslake are down because of the recession, but Portugal said that's not the main problem.

"The number of dogs and cats we've taken in has gone up exponentially," he said. "Our vet bills alone are at $210,000 so far this year, and that's only since January."

The shelter has a large and devoted group of volunteers, Portugal said, but pressure and workload on the remaining staff has been significant.

"We've been doing the same amount of work with less people," he said. "We have many more mouths to feed and not all the animals are coming in healthy."

As one of the largest animal shelters in Lake County, Save-a-Pet has more than 200 cats and about 75 dogs in the building now and that number continues to grow.

Portugal said the group is looking to increase the number of volunteers to fill gaps after the layoffs.

"We need dog-walkers, data entry people, event promoters, even grant-writers," he said. "There are lots of opportunities to help."

Save-A-Pet was founded in 1972 and the group is still in the original building, which is aging and in need of repair. That is adding to the financial burden, Portugal said.

"We are facing some challenges with this building," he said.

Those looking to help, can find information at save-a-pet-il.org or by calling (847) 740-7788.

"While there are just too many sad stories to tell this year, every single animal is entitled to a quality life," Portugal said. "Our resolve is stronger than ever."