60 Stories in 60 Days: Story #9 of 60
The Story of Anderson Humane
On February 14, 1966, a small but dedicated group of volunteers founded the Humane Society of North Central Illinois in response to growing concern about stray and unwanted animals in the Fox Valley area. For several years, group members operated out of their homes, taking in and caring for companion dogs and cats that had nowhere else to turn. Through their love and care, many of the animals were able to find new homes.
In the early 1970s, when a 5.5-acre parcel of land became available in South Elgin, their dream found a home of its own. On December 4, 1971, the shelter opened its doors at 1000 South Lafox Road as the only facility of its kind in the Fox Valley area.
In the 1980s, a generous gift from the Ivar and Ruth Anderson Anti-Cruelty Trust helped rename the organization Anderson Animal Shelter, a tribute to compassion made real.
In the early 2000s, an on-site veterinary clinic was established, ensuring that every shelter animal was spayed or neutered, healthy, cared for, and ready for a new beginning. Years later, that same spirit of compassion inspired a new vision: to make veterinary care more accessible for families in our community. Thanks to a generous gift from Dottie Hinze in 2019 and her belief in that mission, our Community Clinic became a reality, extending care, hope, and support to pets and the people who love them.
Then, in 2020, a unique and powerful new chapter began when Anderson Animal Shelter merged with Fox Valley Wildlife Center, the region’s largest provider of wildlife rehabilitation. This was more than a name change — it was a true alignment of mission and purpose. Together, and completely donor-funded, we became Anderson Humane, expanding our reach far beyond companion animals and opening our doors to injured and orphaned wildlife. From tiny songbirds to curious squirrels, Anderson Humane cares for more than 200 different species each season.
Through each season of its life, Anderson Humane has remained true to its mission, guided by the love of adopters, volunteers, foster, donors, and members of the community who believed that every animal deserves kindness.
What began as sheltering companion animals grew into something much larger: a community hub for connection, care, and hope. Programs blossomed, including adoption and fostering, pet wellness clinics, short-term care for pets in crisis, wildlife rescue, therapy animal visits, support services for veterans, and more. Today, Anderson Humane not only saves lives but changes them for animals and the people who love them.
As the sun rises on year 60, the halls echo with memories of timid kittens curled in blankets, old dogs trembling then strutting into new homes, and volunteers hand-feeding baby opossums. And just beyond those walls, in backyards and living rooms across the Fox Valley, are the countless stories of connection: the families who found comfort in a furry companion, the children who learned kindness from a rescued pet, and the thousands of wild animals that we cared for and released back into the wild for all to enjoy.
What began as a small shelter long ago has become a legacy of love and a testament to a community that refuses to look away from an animal in need.
Here’s to the next sixty years of compassion, courage, and countless second chances!
Ready to start your own rescue story?
Meet adoptable animals at Anderson Humane by visiting ahconnects.org/adopt, or help make the next 60 stories possible by donating in honor of our 60th Anniversary.
Interested in becoming a Volunteer?
Visit ahconnects.org/volunteer/ for more information on how you can get involved.
Interested in starting your own Foster Journey?
Visit us at ahconnects.org/foster-2/ for more information
