To share with our community, supporters, and partners the reasoning behind Anderson Humane’s decision not to pursue the Campton Hills property project, and to communicate our renewed, mission-driven vision for the future.

Our Mission: To champion the welfare of animals and improve the lives of people through programs that create mutually beneficial human-animal connections, inspiring kindness and respect throughout our community.

Our Vision: A humane world for people and animals.

Every decision we make is guided by this mission and vision. They serve as the foundation of our choices about where and how we grow.

 In 2019 and 2020, Anderson Humane obtained 135 acres in Campton Hills, Illinois. Initial plans for the property envisioned a large-scale shelter and wildlife center, including an aviary, equine and farm animal facilities, a veterinary clinic, educational spaces, and multiple buildings.

After an extensive review, our board recognized significant challenges. The size and expense of the project were beyond our financial capacity, and the location would have moved us away from the area where we have served for more than 60 years. Such a move would have placed hardships on staff, volunteers, and the diverse population who rely on us.

Anderson Humane has made the thoughtful decision to abandon plans for the Campton Hills property. Instead, we are pursuing a right-sized facility that reflects both our mission and our community roots.

Our new direction is to identify or build a more appropriate facility in the area. This approach keeps us close to the population we serve, accessible for our volunteers and employees, and better aligned with our mission of creating meaningful human-animal connections

Over the next two to three years, we will be exploring opportunities to either remodel an existing property with suitable infrastructure or build a new facility. The plans for this facility include: 

• A higher capacity adoption center to better serve animals and adopters 

• A veterinary clinic to provide critical medical service
  

• Spaces dedicated to training and education, fostering kindness and respect through community learning.

• Bring our domestic services and programs to one facility 

Our wildlife work will continue to grow at our Elburn facility, where we partner with the Kane County Forest Preserve. We are actively exploring opportunities to improve our wildlife programming.  These efforts will ensure that the site remains a hub for wildlife rehabilitation and education for decades to come 

We have a portion of the funds from the sale specifically set aside for our very important wildlife mission, ensuring that this work continues as a core part of Anderson Humane. 

Remaining in our service area is not just practical. It is central to living out our mission and vision. Our volunteers are the lifeblood of Anderson Humane, and staying accessible allows them to continue their critical work. Our staff will remain connected to a dense population base, making their efforts more impactful. Most importantly, this choice ensures that the population and animals we serve will continue to receive the compassionate care and programs that have defined us for more than six decades.

In August 2025, Anderson Humane was approached by a potential buyer for our property in Campton Hills. Recognizing the strength of this offer, the board unanimously voted to accept and proceed with the sale, which was completed on October 27th, 2025.

Our Guiding Principles