TILTON, Ill (Chambana Today) – The Vermilion County Animal Shelter is making a heartfelt push to find homes for its feline residents with a special “Adopt One, Get One Free” event happening this weekend. With over 170 cats and kittens currently in their care, the shelter hopes the two-day event, which began today and runs through Saturday, August 9, will ease overcrowding and give these animals the loving homes they deserve.
Adoption fees have been reduced to just $40 for two kittens, a price that includes spaying or neutering, microchipping, vaccinations, a bag of food, and continued behavioral support. “We are trying to promote that two kittens together are better than one socially,” said Kate Suchodolski, Shelter Programs Manager.
The shelter is currently experiencing one of the largest feline intakes it has seen in years, with cats and kittens arriving as strays, surrenders, and from a surge in new litters. Every available space — including offices — is being used to house the animals. While euthanasia is considered a last resort, Suchodolski emphasized that the shelter has not yet reached that point. “We’ve not quite reached that point yet, which is really good,” she said.
To help manage the numbers, the shelter has been working closely with rescue organizations across Illinois and even in states like Colorado and Pennsylvania. Many of the cats are sent on rescue transports to nonprofit partners, including humane societies and other shelters. Additionally, the shelter is using Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs to manage the population of feral cats, ensuring they are spayed or neutered and returned to their communities to prevent further reproduction.
New initiatives are also being launched to increase community involvement and promote adoptions. One such program is the “Field Trip” foster option, which allows members of the public to take a dog out for a day — whether for a walk in the park or just some playtime — without committing to long-term fostering. “Those interested will have an orientation on the spot and are matched up with a dog that can use the exposure,” Suchodolski said. Photos from these outings are shared on social media, helping boost adoption chances.
For those who can’t foster long-term, the shelter has introduced the “Kitten Crash Pad,” a program where volunteers take in kittens or cats overnight during emergencies. Volunteers are trained on feeding and basic care so they can provide a safe temporary home.
The shelter is also focusing on keeping animals in their current homes through a new managed intake program. The shelter offers resources to pet owners, so they don’t have to surrender their pets in the first place. “We offer a free pet pantry, so people are asked to sign a quick form with us and we are able to provide free pet food and other types of supplies like harnesses, leashes, de-wormers and flea and tick preventatives,” Suchodolski explained.
In addition to volunteers, the shelter continues to rely heavily on donations. With such a high volume of cats and kittens, there’s a constant need for kitten and puppy formulas, milk replacers, feeding bottles, and even items like children’s wading pools to help dogs stay cool during hot summer days.
“If people want to help explore any of these programs and can help even for just one day, we would be so grateful, so we can get as many animals adopted as possible,” Suchodolski said. She added an important reminder: spaying and neutering remains the best way to combat shelter overcrowding and prevent unnecessary euthanasia.
Those interested in adopting, volunteering, or donating can contact the shelter directly or visit their Facebook page for more information.