West Suburban Humane Society

1901 W. Ogden Avenue Downers Grove, IL 60515

The West Suburban Humane Society (WSHS) is a volunteer-based, animal welfare organization that was founded in 1972 as a lost and found referral service.

At that time, a small group of volunteers working from their homes gathered information and maintained records for the purpose of reuniting lost companion animals and their owners.

Soon animal control officials in various townships and counties requested our help in locating the owners of unclaimed strays that were being held at their facilities. Over the next 10 years, as both demand and support for our services grew, WSHS began sheltering homeless animals by opening a small storefront shelter on Chicago's west side along with 3 additional small satellite shelters in other townships. Today, we have consolidated into one easily accessible and highly visible shelter and adoption facility, housing up to 25 dogs and 60 cats at a time. We operate at full capacity at all times, with animal care and adoptions being provided by 1 full-time and 6 part-time employees, and numerous volunteers. We are open to the public 6 days a week.

The cats and dogs come to us from many sources. Impoundment facilities and the public bring us dogs and cats from all ages who have been abandoned, abused, injured, neglected, and orphaned. A dedicated volunteer base and the retained services of several veterinarians has allowed us to save the lives of and place over 1,200 homeless animals each year into new homes. Every animal that is brought to our shelter receives whatever type of veterinary care that is needed, including surgery and hospitalization for trauma cases, long-term care and medication for viral and bacterial infections, and treatment of parasite infestations such as heartworm. Orphaned kittens and puppies as well as the infirmed receive loving care in our Temporary Care Homes until they are ready for adoption.