Please Note: CCHS and animal shelters throughout Illinois are currently experiencing an increase in dog intakes and a slow-down in dog adoptions.
Dog admissions are by appointment only. We may not be able to process your admission immediately.
Call our Admissions line (217-344-7297, Ext 17) to discuss your situation and schedule an appointment with one of our experienced staff members.
There are times when surrendering a pet to the humane society is the best option for the animal or the animal's owners. The Champaign County Humane Society's shelter is an open admission facility that accepts owner-relinquishment of pets from Champaign County residents, regardless of the pet's age, health status, or suitability for adoption.
Unfortunately, we are unable to guarantee that your pet will be placed up for adoption and re-homed. It is your responsibility to weigh the risks and benefits to your pet when relinquishing him or her to CCHS.
If you are ready to begin the process of surrendering a pet, start here. If you are considering bringing a pet to the shelter, we have tried to answer your common questions, below.
What Happens to an Animal After Relinquishment?
After an animal has adjusted to being at the shelter (usually a period of two or three days), we perform a temperament assessment and health examination to determine if the animal is suitable for adoption. In order to be made available for adoption, animals must pass both evaluations, demonstrating manageable health and behavior in the shelter environment.
Animals that do not pass the evaluations may be either transferred to another reputable rescue organization or humanely euthanized. Through our medical, volunteer, and foster care programs, we are able to treat many medical conditions and minor behavior problems. Determinations of an animal's outcome are made by compassionate experienced staff members with full awareness of our capabilities and limitations.
Currently, the Society has a live release rate of over 85 percent. That means that of the animals coming into the shelter, more than 8 out of 10 are adopted into new homes, reunited with their owners, or placed with another animal welfare adoption agency. Fewer than 15 percent of animals relinquished to CCHS are humanely euthanized because of medical or behavior problems that we do not have the resources to treat or that deem the animal unsuitable/unsafe as a family pet.
Please Note: While the above information is still accurate, our ability to transfer special-needs dogs to other agencies is severely limited. Many agencies are already operating at full capacity and cannot accept more dogs. Dogs that are unable to adapt to the shelter environment and present as safe and adoptable pets will be humanely euthanized.
Is There a Time Limit on Animals at the Shelter?
Once an animal has been surrendered to CCHS, there is no time limit pursuant to which he/she must be adopted or euthanized. Some animals may never be offered for adoption while others may remain available for adoption for weeks or months. Factors that determine if, and how long an animal will be available, include: the animal's health, the animal's behavioral history, the animal's behavior observed at the shelter, and our capacity to provide necessary treatment for medical or behavioral issues. Every surrendered animal is re-evaluated daily with respect to these factors.
Is There a Fee?
We ask for a $25 Continuing Care Fee to help with the costs of care. The maximum we will request for multiple pet relinquishment is $50. These fees are not mandatory and will be waived when they are beyond the means of the pet owner to pay.
When Can I Bring My Pet In?
Animal admissions are by appointment. Please email: admissions@cuhumane.org or call 217-344-7297 and ask for extension 17, and leave a message with your contact information. Your call will be returned by an Admissions Coordinator who can answer all your questions about animal relinquishment and schedule an appointment. Please Note: Due to a high dog population at the shelter, we may not be able to process your admission immediately.
May I Send Someone Else to the Shelter to Surrender My Pet?
No. Surrendering a pet involves transferring legal ownership to CCHS. The pet owner is required to sign a relinquishment form that transfers ownership to CCHS and verifies that the owner agrees to the terms and conditions of relinquishment. This form requires you to initial certain understandings, including that CCHS does not guarantee that your animal will be adopted, and that your animal may be humanely euthanized.
What Else Should I Bring With Me?
A valid photo ID, your pet's veterinary records and/or vaccine history, and any prescription food or medication that your pet requires. We will also gladly accept food, toys, bowls, crates or carriers, and anything else that might help to make your pet feel comfortable.
The Home to Home Alternative
Home To Home is a service the Champaign County Humane Society offers to pet owners in the community who are seeking to place their pet(s) in new homes without ever entering a shelter. This program helps reduce stress on both the owners and their pet, while simultaneously reducing the number of animals being relinquished to shelters. Home To Home is a resource not just for those who need to rehome their pet, but also for those interested in adopting.
Learn More
I've Found a Stray Animal. Can I Bring it to CCHS?
All stray animals found in Champaign County must be turned in at Champaign County Animal Control. Their Animal Services Facility is located at 210 S. Art Bartell Road, Urbana. Anyone looking for a lost pet should contact Animal Control at 217-384-3798and check their Facebook page.
CCHS will accept stray animals only when Champaign County Animal Control is closed to the public. These animals will be transferred to Animal Control as soon as the facility reopens for business.
Champaign County Animal Control/Animal Services Facilities Hours:
Monday-Saturday (except holidays) 8 am – 5 pm. Closed Sundays.
Phone: (217) 384-3798
24-hour number: (217) 333-8911
Relinquishment/Admissions
You must contact the Champaign County Humane Society to schedule an Admissions appointment. Our staff will not contact you to schedule an appointment, even if an online relinquishment questionnaire is submitted. Please reach out to discuss your situation and schedule an appointment with one of our experienced staff members.
- Email the Admissions Department: admissions@cuhumane.org
- You will receive an automated email, and an Admissions Coordinator will follow up.
- Call the Admissions Line at 217-344-7297, ext.17
- You will be asked to leave a message, and an Admissions Coordinator will return your call.
What to Bring to your Admissions Appointment:
- Valid Photo ID
- Your pet's veterinary records
- Medications your pet is currently taking
- If your pet is on prescription-diet food, please bring some
- optional: completed relinquishment form (below)
At your Admissions appointment, if you have not already completed a Relinquishment Form (see below), we will ask you to fill one out. We hope you will provide us with as much information about your pet's history and behavior as you possibly can. Everything from medical history to "favorite ways to play" is helpful information that we'll refer to throughout your pet's stay at the shelter. If you would like to fill out this questionnaire in advance, links to online forms or downloadable PDFs are provided below.
If you have more than one pet, please fill out a separate form for each pet.
Forms for Pet Relinquishment
Don't see your animal? Check our Community Resources for Animal Rescue and Sheltering Organizations to other species.
Fees
CCHS will ask for a $25 Continuing Care Fee to help with the costs of care. The maximum we will request for multiple pet relinquishment is $50. These fees are not mandatory and will be waived when they are beyond the means of the pet owner to pay.