Helping Paws Animal Shelter’s mission is to provide shelter, food, medical care, and comfort to abandoned, neglected, and abused animals until they are placed into loving, responsible homes. Our Story Helping Paws Animal Shelter (HP), legally known as the Fox Valley Helping Paws Animal Welfare Association, Inc., was established in 1969 with a foster program which rehomed orphaned animals into permanent, loving homes. In 1971, Helping Paws incorporated as the first no-kill, animal welfare association in McHenry County. Our first storefront location was on Route 14, across from Andy’s Restaurant at 465 Virginia Street. In 1995, we rented a facility in Ridgefield, IL, which was only able to house cats and then three years later purchased and remodeled the old Culligan Building at 257 King Street in Crystal Lake. The building was approximately 3,000 square feet and allowed us to house up to 60 cats and seven dogs. Then in 2006, Helping Paws moved into our current 10,000 square foot facility at 2500 Harding Lane, Woodstock, IL. This facility allows us to care for approximately 125 kittens/cats and to accommodate 45 puppies/dogs. Helping Paws is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Our small, committed staff of 11 employees and over 300 dedicated volunteers handle and care for more than 800 animals annually and serve more than 300,000 residents in McHenry County and surrounding communities. Each animal that comes into our shelter is treated with respect, kindness and compassion. We believe that for each of our animals…”Second Chances Start Here.”

Mission and Vision

Helping Paws Animal Shelter’s mission is to provide shelter, food, medical care, and comfort to abandoned, neglected, and abused animals until they are placed into loving, responsible homes.

Adoption Policy

Requirements Before falling in love with one of our pets, please make sure that you are: • At least 21 years of age with a valid state-issued photo ID. If current address does not match ID, you must provide copies of three bills verifying your current address • Able and willing to spend the time and money necessary to provide necessary training, medical treatment, and proper care for the animal over the course of their life Adoption Procedures • When you arrive, sign in and ask to talk to someone about seeing available animals. A staff member or director can take you through our kennels or cat rooms. Please take the time to observe and notice all our pets. All of the pets deserve loving homes and our goal is to match up the right pet with the right family. • If there is an animal you are interested in interacting with, ask the staff member or director you are with to meet with them in one of our quiet “meet & greet” rooms. • If after socializing with an animal you are interested in adopting, ask to complete our Pre-Adopt form. Once completed, a HP Director will review your completed application with you and get clarification on anything if needed. We do not do same day adoptions. • The Pre-Adopt form is then reviewed thoroughly and a decision will be made and communicated to you after all information is gathered. This ‘waiting period’ will also allow the adopter time to reflect upon the responsibility associated with adopting an animal and ensure that it is a commitment they are willing to make.

https://helpingpaws.net/adopt-a-dog/

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David Adams

June 25, 2024

Dog Rescues & Shelters

David Adams

About the author

David Adams is a man of many passions, but his love for dogs stands above all. He is not only a dog lover, but also the founder of an innovative platform called Sniffspot. This unique platform connects dog owners with private property owners who are willing to rent out their space for off-leash playtime. While the idea of Sniffspot was initially conceived by his wife, Rebecca, David has been the driving force behind its remarkable success, tirelessly overseeing its growth and development. David's dedication to providing safe and enjoyable spaces for dogs to play, explore, and socialize is evident in his unwavering commitment to Sniffspot. He strongly believes that dogs need ample space and opportunities to stretch their legs and have fun. As a result, he has worked tirelessly to build a network of private property owners across the country who share his vision and are willing to offer their space for the benefit of dogs and their owners. Despite his busy schedule, David always finds time to indulge in his passion for the great outdoors. He loves nothing more than exploring new hiking trails and embarking on thrilling outdoor adventures. Whenever he is not working on Sniffspot, he can often be found hiking or visiting multi-acre fenced sniffspots with his two beloved dogs, Soba and Toshii. He is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys the fresh air, breathtaking scenery, and the sense of freedom that comes with being in nature. David is based in Salem, MA.

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Sniffspot is a community marketplace that enables anyone to rent land by-the-hour as a safe and private dog park.

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Sniffspot provides the best experiences and fun for you and your dog. Our dog parks are designed for the ultimate dog exercise. Our private spaces help you minimize distractions or triggers and maximize time with your dog. We provide off leash enrichment - exploration and activities you can't get anywhere else; wear your dog out for days. We make it easy to have playdates. Socialize your pup in a controlled, private spot - it's great exercise and it's fun for you and your dog.

Helping Paws Animal Shelter

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