Young at Heart adoption center in Woodstock aims to adopt out older dogs and cats
A unique shelter and adoption center - designed exclusively for older dogs and cats - opened Sunday, Sept. 29, in Woodstock to a capacity crowd.
More than 500 people turned out the Young at Heart Adoption Center, including animal lovers, donors, volunteers, foster families and individuals who had previously adopted through Young at Heart.
What's more, of all the pets currently in the shelter, more than half received applications for adoption or are in the process of being adopted as a result of the grand opening.
“It was a phenomenal turnout. We're thrilled,” said Dawn Kemper of Lake Zurich, who founded the organization back in 2005 and now serves as executive director.
Kemper believes the adoption center is unique in its mission to create a low stress and homelike environment for senior pets. She and her staff are committed to saving the lives of older cats and dogs, especially those at risk of being euthanized in area shelters.
Specifically, the center rescues dogs and cats over the age of 7, but the average age is 10, Kemper says.
“There are no cages here,” Kemper says. “There are couches, not cages. Everything has been designed to make it feel like a home for these pets.”
Some of its amenities include fully enclosed “catios” for cats. These are giant enclosures surrounded by windows located in the front of the facility that, so far, Kemper says, the cats love to frequent.
There are two rooms for dogs, complete with couches and access to a pair of outdoor play yards.
“The idea is to let dogs be dogs, and be able to play outside every day,” Kemper says.
The building was designed pro bono by Mathhias Jans Architect in Northbrook. Located on eight acres in Woodstock, the organization hopes to turn the surrounding acreage into walking trails for volunteers to take dogs on regular walks.
Phase II of its capital campaign includes building a veterinary suite across the parking lot of the center, providing medical care for these senior pets.
While placing these senior pets into loving homes is the ultimate goal, the center aims to offer a peaceful sanctuary for those pets that are less adoptable, she adds. Its main building is named Smokey's Haven in memory of the Labrador retriever of lead donors John and Rita Canning of Inverness.
Because of the center's commitment to its homelike environment, visitors may only adopt by appointment and after an application has been approved. Visitors will be able to see the new facility during upcoming scheduled small group tours.
For adoption information and group tour availability, visit www.adoptaseniorpet.com.