Find Your New Best Friend at Your Local Shelter
According to Community Care College, it’s estimated that 6.5 million cats and dogs entered shelters and rescues across the United States last year.
At the McDonough County Animal Shelter, 209 dogs entered the shelter in 2024. Close to 140 were adopted, two went on to rescue organizations and 72 were reclaimed or taken home by their owners. Five died or were euthanized. By the end of the year, only 15dogs remained in the shelter.
During that same year, 154 cats entered the shelter. Nearly 130 were adopted, four were rescued to serve a new role as barn cats and three were reclaimed by their owners. Twenty-two died, mostly of natural causes, and by the end of the year, 22 felines remained at the shelter.
From January-June 2025, 106 dogs entered the shelter, with 63 adopted and 31 reclaimed.
Ninety-five cats entered the shelter during this same timeframe, including the 33 Persian cats from the reported hoarding situation. To date, 62 cats have been adopted, and three reclaimed.
While the McDonough County Animal Shelter isn’t necessarily designated as a “no kill shelter,” the staff and volunteers do everything in their power to rehabilitate sick animals that come their way, find dogs and cats their forever homes and work with numerous volunteers willing to serve as fosters. Because of their work and dedication, the Best Friends Animal Society recently awarded the county shelter with a 90% save rate for 2024. The definition of a no-kill shelter is 90 percent of the animals in its care are placed.
Adopt, don’t shop. For more information on how you can adopt your furever friend, volunteer at the shelter or to be considered as a foster, reach out to the Humane Society of McDonough County, and follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/HSMCIL.
