The South Suburban Humane Society: A Guide to Finding Your Purr-fect Companion

The South Suburban Humane Society (SSHS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing shelter, care, and adoption services for homeless animals in the south suburbs of Chicago. Established in 1977, SSHS has been a beacon of hope for thousands of animals, offering them a chance at a new life filled with love and companionship.

Our Mission

Our mission is simple: to find a loving home for every animal that enters our doors. We believe that every animal deserves a second chance, and we work tirelessly to give them that opportunity.

Our Services

SSHS provides a wide range of services to meet the needs of both animals and their potential adopters. These services include:

• Animal Shelter: We provide a safe and comfortable shelter for over 1,000 animals each year, including dogs, cats, rabbits, and birds.
• Adoption Services: We help potential adopters find the perfect pet for their family. Our adoption process includes a thorough screening to ensure a good match between the animal and the adopter.
• Veterinary Care: We provide basic veterinary care to all of our animals, including vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and microchipping.
• Educational Programs: We offer educational programs to teach people about responsible pet ownership and the importance of spaying/neutering.
• Volunteer Opportunities: We welcome volunteers of all ages to help us care for our animals and support our mission.

The Benefits of Adopting from SSHS

There are many benefits to adopting a pet from SSHS. Not only will you save a life, but you will also gain a loyal and loving companion. Adopted animals are often more grateful and affectionate than those purchased from breeders or pet stores. Additionally, adopting from a shelter is a cost-effective way to bring a pet into your home, as the adoption fee covers the cost of spaying/neutering, vaccinations, and microchipping.

How to Adopt from SSHS

The adoption process at SSHS is designed to ensure a good match between the animal and the adopter. To adopt a pet from SSHS, you must first complete an adoption application. Once your application is approved, you will be invited to meet the animals that are available for adoption. If you find a pet that you are interested in, you will be asked to participate in a home visit. The purpose of the home visit is to ensure that your home is a safe and suitable environment for the animal. If the home visit is successful, you will be able to take your new pet home!

Tips for a Successful Adoption

• Do your research. Before you adopt a pet, take some time to learn about the different types of animals that are available for adoption. Consider your lifestyle and needs, and make sure that the animal you adopt is a good fit for you and your family.
• Be prepared to commit. Adopting a pet is a lifelong commitment. Be prepared to provide your pet with food, shelter, veterinary care, and love for the rest of its life.
• Be patient. It may take some time for your new pet to adjust to its new home. Be patient and understanding, and give your pet plenty of time to settle in.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Adopting on impulse. Don't adopt a pet just because you feel sorry for it or because it's cute. Make sure that you are ready to commit to a lifelong relationship before you bring a pet home.
• Choosing the wrong pet. Not all animals are created equal. Make sure that you choose a pet that is a good fit for your lifestyle and needs.
• Not spaying or neutering your pet. Spaying or neutering your pet is the best way to prevent unwanted litters and certain health problems.
• Not providing proper veterinary care. Your pet needs regular veterinary care to stay healthy and happy. Make sure that you can afford to provide your pet with the care it needs before you adopt it.

FAQs

• What are the adoption fees at SSHS? Adoption fees vary depending on the type of animal and its age. For more information, please contact the Humane Society at (708) 333-4337.
• What are the hours of operation at SSHS? SSHS is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
• Can I volunteer at SSHS? Yes! We welcome volunteers of all ages to help us care for our animals and support our mission. For more information about volunteering, please contact the Humane Society at (708) 333-4337.
• How can I donate to SSHS? You can donate to SSHS online, by mail, or in person. For more information about donating, please visit our website at www.southsuburbanhumanesociety.org.
• What is the best way to contact SSHS? You can contact SSHS by phone at (708) 333-4337, by email at [email protected], or by mail at 1103 West End Avenue, Chicago Heights, IL 60411.

Table 1: Adoption Fees

Table 2: Hours of Operation

Table 3: Volunteer Opportunities