Frequently Asked Questions
How is Petropolis funded?
Our primary source of funding is through donations made by people who recognize the importance of the services we provide. Contributions from individuals and funds generated from adoption fees or fundraising events/programs make up the majority of our operating budget, with secondary support from corporate sponsorship.
Is Petropolis a ‘No-Kill’ shelter?
Not exactly. We prefer the term “Low-Kill.” Animals are never euthanized due to space or time constraints but we reserve the right to euthanize in the event of untreatable illness or injury or dangerous and irreversible behavioral problems.
Where do Petropolis animals come from?
Nearly 100% of our animals are transferred to Petropolis from other animal welfare organizations. Usually, our Intake Coordinator arranges to “pull” adoptable animals from animal control facilities or open-admission shelters throughout Chicagoland or the Midwest.
How are animals selected?
Considering the number of homeless animals available in Midwest shelters on any given day, it is nearly impossible to pick just a handful to save. But with our limited resources we are forced to do just that. As such, we try to select animals with the greatest potential for adoption in order to maximize the number of animals (and people) we can help.
In general, this means we look for animals with friendly, stable temperaments and no significant health issues. We also seek out those that are good with other pets and children. Obviously this is not an exact science, and there are certain issues, both behavioral and medical, that are not readily apparent when simply viewing a cat or dog in a cage. In the event that we acquire and animal with additional needs, we do our best to address them, resources permitting.
How many animals does Petropolis assist?
Last year we took in and adopted out over 120 dogs and cats.
Why does Petropolis perform pre-pubertal spay/neuter?
History has shown that spay/neuter deposits, contracts, and follow-up systems simply don’t work. Sterilizing animals prior to placement is the only way an organization can confirm that the animal will not contribute to pet-overpopulation. Communities that have implemented mandatory spay/neuter programs have seen a decrease in the number of homeless animals. Petropolis-cooperating veterinarians sterilize kittens and puppies at 2.0 pounds or 8 weeks of age.
How long do you hold new arrivals prior to adoption?
To allow for a behavioral evaluation and the completion of all necessary vetting, animals are held for a minimum of two weeks prior to being released to adopters. This evaluation period also allows for the discovery of any previously latent communicable illnesses, such as the parvo or distemper virus, that an animal may be incubating.
How can a potential adopter meet an animal he/she is interested in?
An interested individual may do one of two things. He or she may plan to attend an adoption event at which the animal in question will be present. Alternatively, he/she may complete an adoption application, which will be evaluated and, pending approval, will allow an adoption counselor to set up an individual introduction. Although the adoption application does not represent any obligation on the part of the interested party, it is necessary to demonstrate the legitimacy of an inquiry. Considerable time and effort go into arranging an individual introduction; moreover, many of these introductions take place at the foster home’s private residence, thus necessitating the disclosure of address and contact info. As such, we reserve the right to verify an applicant’s credentials prior to the release of this information.
