BCHS Programs

Low Cost Spay/Neuter

Every hour, thousands of puppies and kittens are born in the U.S. And each year, between 4 and 6 million dogs and cats are killed in pounds because there is no room for them. If a dog or a cat has four offspring (a low number), and two of them are female, and those females have two females, and so on and so on -- by the 7th year, that original ONE mother will have 4,372 descendants! Spaying/neutering also makes animals:

• Easier to train
• Less likely to fight other animals
• Less likely to mark territory
• Less likely to run away or roam
• Avoid certain health risks and cancers

Because of these staggering statistics, BCHS makes pet population reduction a major part of its mission. Through many grants from the Southwestern Electric Cooperative, the ASPCA, Build-A-Bear and more, we are able to do this. As a result of the BCHS Low Cost Spay/Neuter Program more than 1,000 animals have been spayed/neutered just since the beginning of 2008. The community is encouraged to participate in this program to increase the wellness of their pets and decrease the number of unwanted litters.

Feral Cat Program

In cooperation with Animal Protection League (APL) in Springfield, IL, BCHS works to reduce feral cat populations in the Bond County area. The Animal Protective League's Trap-Neuter-Return program "is designed to give feral cat caretakers access to low-cost spay/neuter and vaccination services for the feral cats in their colony." BCHS and APL are "focused on helping to control the feral cat population through aggressive spay and neuter. We believe that Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) is the most humane and effective method available to control the feral cat population." Read more about feral cats and APL at their website here. Contact BCHS for more information about this effective and affordable trap-neuter-return program.

Purina Pets For Seniors

Bond County Humane Society offers adopters age 60 or older an opportunity to adopt a cat or a dog at a discounted rate through The Purina Pets For Seniors program. This initiative supports well-documented research that illustrates numerous health benefits of pet companionship, especially among senior citizens. Studies have shown that pet companionship actually improves senior citizen health and outlook on life. Lowered blood pressure and a reduction in stress are among the potential benefits of pet ownership. In addition‚ seniors with pets report feeling happier and safer.

Seniors 60 years of age or older may adopt a cat or a dog from BCHS and receive a full adoption fee discount. Some restrictions do apply and a limited number of applications are available each year. [Program Information updated September 2011.]

The Pets For Seniors program helps to defray the costs of spaying/neutering‚ vaccinations‚ microchipping, and other fees and may provide product information‚ coupons‚ and a pet care booklet.

Purina 'Rally to Rescue' Ambassadors

The Rally to Rescue™ is a partnership of Purina® Pro Plan® brand pet food and select pet rescue organizations across the country, dedicated to raising funds and awareness for the cause of pet rescue. Rescue Ambassadors such as BCHS are the heart of this program. The Adoption Kit Program distributes nearly 200,000 starter kits through approximately 200 shelters nationwide. The kits include important information on caring for a new pet, feeding recommendations based upon lifestage, a special issue of Pet Life magazine, a coupon for Purina® brand pet foods, and the opportunity to request special offers to help care for your pet.

Purina Give-A-Bowl

The Give A Bowl® program provides much-needed food to the pets in our care when we reward our adopters with a great savings coupon for Purina® brand pet food. In association with the Purina Give-A-Bowl program, Purina will donate $1 to our BCHS shelter when you redeem your special savings coupon good towards any Purina® brand pet food!