South Suburban Humane Society

The South Suburban Humane Society is dedicated to promoting the prevention of cruelty to animals, the relief of suffering among animals, providing humane care and treatment for all animals needing protection in the area served by the shelter, seeking suitable homes for animals left in the care of the shelter, promoting the extension of humane care and education, aiding those persons who must relinquish their animals, seeking to return lost animals to their registered owners, educating the public to promote better use of the shelter and its facilities, euthanasia as necessary.

Animal issues are being aired in the media more and more making people more aware of pet over population, dog fighting, the tragedy of puppy mills and the increase in animal abuse. We're also hearing about innovative programs and other ways to help animals in need. You need to know where your support goes. You may have heard of someone who claims they were denied a pet. Yes, we have strict adoption standards and feel that to put the wrong pet in a home only keeps the circle of homelessness going.

Most applicants are not denied an adoption. We do say no to the wrong pet for a particular family, but would certainly say yes to the right pet. We are looking for the right home not just any home.

SSHS operates under an 'open door' policy. We accept every animal that appears at our door. We somehow find a place for every animal that needs help, when it needs help. We feel that holding animals in cages for prolonged periods of time is not humane and is an unrealistic approach, so is turning away animals when a shelter is full. When turned away, these animals are often abandoned in forest preserves, along highways etc.

You have supported us for over 25 years. We value your trust and confidence. Don't ever hesitate to call us and ask us about something you may have heard about our shelter.

Note: PO Boxes will not show correctly on the map below.