Go inside South Elgin's animal haven, where cats, dogs are top priority

Anderson Animal Shelter in South Elgin started in 1966 as the Humane Society of North Central Illinois.

In the years since then, it has grown in size and evolved into the Anderson Animal Shelter of today — a low-kill shelter “dedicated to eliminating the euthanasia of healthy, adoptable animals.”

Animals are not given a time limit for their stay. Timber the Cat currently is their longest-staying resident, having arrived when he was between 5 and 6 weeks old in June 2008. He is still looking for his forever home.

Run by a mix of staff and volunteers, Anderson Animal Shelter serves about 2,550 animals a year.

“We're here to care for them until we find homes for them,” said executive director Jack Graff.

Among the shelter's features is on-site veterinary care, including a low-cost spay/neuter clinic to the public by appointment.

There is a low-cost monthly vaccination clinic available, as well as a dog obedience program. The 9 Lives Club and Young at Heart programs are geared toward getting senior pets adopted.

Currently, there are 175 cats and 40 dogs available for adoption at Anderson Animal Shelter in South Elgin. There are another 48 in foster homes and at the South Elgin Petco store. There are 45 pets available classified as special needs animals.

For information, visit andersonanimalshelter.org or call (847) 697-2880.