Humane Society Programs
All HSMC programs are coordinated by volunteers and funded by donations. Your generous support allows us to sustain and expand all our community-service programs. New members and volunteers are always welcome and encouraged.
Each week, dedicated volunteers take pictures of the animals available for adoption through the HSMC Foster Program and at the McDonough County Animal Shelter, create a poster and distribute the poster throughout the community and on social media.
During 2021, 113 dogs and 170 cats were adopted from the MCAS, due in large part to the effective partnering of the shelter with the HSMC and community in caring for and finding homes for animals that end up at the shelter.
The HSMC advocates for the health and wellness of the shelter pets by raising funds for Medical Care, Cat Vaccines, and Sponsorships of adoption fees. Medical Care covers a wide range of issues including disease, debility, and injuries. In 2021, $1,696 was used to treat 2 dogs who tested positive for heartworm. $1,143 went toward Cat Vaccines to help prevent the spread of transmissible disease. And $7,496 went toward Sponsorships of adoption fees, either fully or partially, of 97 cats and dogs. We also rescued 2 dogs and 1 cat and placed in foster care to give them extra attention and care in order to transition to their forever home.
McDonough County Animal Shelter
The HSMC, while a separate entity from the McDonough County Animal Shelter, pays $35 of the spay/neuter cost for each qualifying animal adopted from this shelter.
We also provide for specialized medical care to shelter animals that is not covered by the County (e.g., heart worm treatment; dental care; amputations).
Transport Partnership with the Quincy Humane Society
The HSMC transported 39 barn and feral cats to the Quincy Humane Society on June 24th for spay/ neuter, 1-year rabies and distemper vaccine. The $25 per cat cost for the procedure and shots was sponsored by the HSMC to further our mission of controlling the birth rate of barn and feral cats and providing for their good health.
Over the last couple of years these transports had been monthly and had included companion animals (for an additional fee). However, at the present time, due to demand, future transports will be limited to barn and feral cats and animals rescued from the McDonough County Animal Shelter. McDonough County Shelter animals are a priority for this service in order to prevent their euthanization. The remaining spaces are available for community members’ animals on a first-come, first-served basis, and must be reserved in advance.
Individuals have the option of contacting the Quincy Humane Society and making an appointment for their own animals. Information is on their website at www.quincyhumansociety.org.
The HSMC will plan for another transport in early Fall and will post the date in advance. For more information regarding future transports, please call the HSMC answering service at (309) 837-5611 and leave a message, or email us at humanesociety.mcil@gmail.com.
Each week, dedicated volunteers take pictures of the animals available for adoption through the HSMC Foster Program and at the McDonough County Animal Shelter, create a poster and distribute the poster throughout the community. This wouldn’t be possible every week of every year without the never-ending dedication of the Poster Committee volunteers and a contribution from a local business for the printing. Updated photos of and information about all these adoptable animals can also be found on the HSMC website and Facebook page.
HSMC pet tag machines are located at Animal Medical Center and All Pets Veterinary Clinic, both in Macomb. Engraved pet tags are $6 each, with proceeds going to support our programs.
Each year, a discretionary fund is allotted to all McDonough County veterinary clinics to assist animals in need of emergency services. It is the HSMC’s view that no animal should suffer because they have been injured while lost or when their owner cannot afford services. Participating clinics are All Pets Veterinary Clinic and Animal Medical Center, both in Macomb; Bushnell Veterinary Service; and Blandinsville Veterinary Clinic.
Currently, McDonough County provides specific vaccinations for dogs at the McDonough County Animal Shelter, but cannot provide specific life-saving vaccinations for cats. Through the Shelter Cat Vaccine Fund, the HSMC is able to pay for vaccinations to prevent the spread of disease and to help ensure the cats and kittens there have a chance for adoption.
he HSMC Pet Food Pantry helps to supplement pet food needs once a month for low-income McDonough County residents. For more information email: hsmcpetfoodpantry@gmail.com.
The HSMC provides McDonough County classrooms with the Humane Society of the United State’s publication, Kind News. This acclaimed publication teaches children about animal care and behavior with age-specific information. This service can be provided upon request, but only funds a limited number of classrooms. HSMC volunteers also staff booths at local events, such as Macomb's Heritage Days and Earth Day, to provide information about our programs and education about companion animals, and are available to give presentations on these topics to area organizations.