Grayslake no-kill shelter fights for its own life

A no-kill shelter near Grayslake that has been caring for animals for nearly 40 years is fighting for its own life.

The Save-A-Pet Adoption Center has cut staff and expenses and dipped into rainy day reserves, but expects to run out of money within the next few months without some help.

"Things aren't going so well," explained Marc Portugal, development manager. "We really are on the brink."

Expenses fluctuate depending on the number of animals and the health care needs, he said. But the demand has not slowed. Many families are unable to care for their pets because of economic setbacks.

Those include the two toy poodles and pit bull left at the shelter in a single box with an explanation written on a dirty envelope.

"The note, in so many words, at the end said, `We didn't know where else to go,'" according to Portugal.

The center has an open-door policy when it comes to saving the lives of pets and pays for medical attention even after an animal leaves the facility.

"When we see an animal tied up outside, we don't know it has cancer. But our mission is such that we say, `It's OK, we'll take care of you," Portugal said. "Save-A-Pet, as a no-kill (shelter), incurs more expenses than other shelters that aren't willing to give animals as long a second chance as we are."

The not-for-profit facility spends about $900,000 and cares for an average of about 1,800 animals each year. At the moment, it is responsible for 486 animals, including 191 cats and 90 dogs at its facility on Fairfield Road, with the rest in foster care or elsewhere, according to Portugal.

A new volunteer board began its term last January and has reduced net losses by 50 percent from 2009.

In a letter to supporters, the organization says it has less than six months of reserves or about $100,000 and could close in three to six months.

Save-A-Pet staff includes state-licensed humane investigators, and the organization had conducted rescues from puppy mills, hoarders and natural disasters.

It relies on donations, grants and bequests.

"We know times are still tough for everyone, but Save-A-Pet must survive so we can save more lives," the letter states. "There will always be more lives to save - more animals living in unimaginable conditions - in desperate need of a second chance."

Visit www.saveapetil.org or call (847) 740-7788.