Hinsdale Humane Society

I’ve lived near and frequented HHS all of my life. They are everything that a fabulous rescue should be. They are clean, caring, and thorough in their adoption process… and the fact that they are thorough is why they receive negative comments in these reviews.
All of these people think that they’re the «perfect owners» and when they are told that they don’t fit the requirements they get nasty and write vicious reviews. Just because you’ve had dogs or cats your whole life, doesn’t mean you’re an expert or that you are necessarily the best fit for an animal that has specific challenges that don’t fit into your lifestyle.
Hinsdale does a great job with matching up the RIGHT owners for the right pets.
Keep up the great work.

Saying that this shelter is stuck up or arrogant because they are selective is completely uncalled for. In the short time I was there (over two days) adopting my cat I saw at least 5 dogs go to their forever homes, so I find it hard to believe that they are making it as difficult as some of these reviews imply. Maybe it’s new management or just better fits.
My experience with hinsdale humane society was nothing short of great! Went in one day and fell in love with a 10 month old cat they had for 3 weeks. My boyfriend and I came back the next day to adopt him and both of the counsellors were so helpful with all of our questions and concerns. We completed the adoption within an hour.
The ONLY negative thing I could say about them is that our $ 100 adoption fee did not include neutering or a check up. I find it a bit concerning that they didn’t neuter this little baby when he first came in, seemingly waiting for someone to adopt him and pay for it themselves. But to be fair, the neuter was extremely discounted and they transported him to the vet of our choosing.
All of the staff were friendly and helpful. We are grateful for our little kitty because he is just a joy. We went to over 10 shelters and adoption events looking for our new family member and we found him at Hinsdale where he had been safe and well cared for.

I’m writing this review as someone who applied for a position they had available. BELIEVE THE OTHER REVIEWS ABOUT THIS PLACE ABOUT THEIR MANAGEMENT AND PEOPLE. THEY ARE RUDE!
On there website they had a part time position for animal care/​counselor. Me who loves animals a lot applied for this position. Yesterday I received a call from a manager called, Jennifer. I called her back today and it went right into voicemail, which is fine I’ll give the benefit of the doubt that she was busy. But after hours and hours of waiting she never returned my call. You’re a manager you mean to tell me you couldn’t even return my phone call? So I called her back around 4:00 and she answered.
I said hi this is Michael and I’m returning your call about the position available. She was nice and pulled up my application or whatever. I then asked the hours and days regarding the job. She then rudely said, Didn’t you get the thing on
; And I said no. She then said, «well then how did you find about this position?» And I said from the website and she said OH.
She then told me the hours and days and scheduled an interview and I said ok we will talk more during the interview and she said, «well that’s what an interview is. As if I was dumb and didn’t know what an interview is. I then called back a few minutes later and said it was me again, etc. and she then replied rudely with «MHMMMMMM» all I wanted to do was ask for a time later or a different day. She then said well what’s later for you? And I said 4:30 or 5 and she said now that’s getting too late, here’s what I’ll do come in Friday at 3:30 and hung up so fast before I could say ok.
Well don’t expect to see me. Throw away my application because I’m not going to be working for someone who is a monster. Feel so bad for those pets!
And for the person who commented to this review everything I said was true stop trying to make what happened not. Re-​examine your management and maybe you wouldn’t have three stars!

I went to the Hinsdale Humane Society today hoping to adopt a kitten. I was greeted very promptly and was able to check out the kittens right away. Alan who was one of the employees/​volunteers at the humane society, was very friendly and helped me right away. I was able to interact with the kitten, and he asked me just a few questions and said that I could adopt the same day, I was so excited! Alan was very kind and helpful with the process. I cannot wait to take home my new precious boy! Thank you again!

After reading all the previous reviews of how stuck up the staff is and how they think they are gods because they can control whether or not you adopt one of ”their” pets, I’m starting to think differently of this place.
I went here for the first time on late Halloween Day of 2014 with my mother, we had looked online at a couple cats as a companion to my tuxedo kitty. Since we went there so late in the day, we could not bring any cats out to interact with, but we were allowed to go into the room with the cats to see what was available. We had our hearts set on a black kitten, who was so new wasn’t even on the records at the front desk, which seemed weird. We started the paperwork and the next day my husband and I went there in the afternoon and we were allowed to be in a private room to play with him. The young girl that assisted us was nice and friendly, we didn’t have any problems with her at all. She did not judge us for declawing our current cat nor shamed us for having to declaw the one we are about to adopt.
the place is clean, and did not reek of urine or anything. they didn’t have too many pets to adopt.
I am very put off by hearing of all the awful things other people are saying about this place and because of it, i will not recommend this place. although I did get my kitten from here with no problems, who’s to say I won’t have a problem in the future. I will keep that in mind in deciding what place to go for future adoptions.

The assistant manager was very rude, authoritative and disparaging. When we wanted to adopt a dog (which came into the shelter with a companion) she said both dogs had to be adopted. I said that was not what the information panel said. She rudely corrected me and said she had to check that. An assistant manager who not only doesn’t know her business but gives the prospective adoptee an attitude? She never came back so I had to go to the office and show her the information panel on my phone. She rudely commented «I know, I saw it». We were then pressured by another staff member to adopt both dogs. The information panel stated that the dog was «house-​trained» and then were told the dog has «accidents». So, since we weren’t going to adopt both dogs, suddenly the dog is not house-​trained? I have adopted from the Humane Society before but will NEVER go back to Hinsdale.

My sister got a dog for her son at the Hinsdale Humane Society. We found them to be professional, caring and respectful. We had visited several other shelters before coming to HHS and felt it was by far the best of the bunch. The facility was clean, there was no smell, the animals seemed well cared for and the people were kind and sensitive to my nephew’s excitement over the prospect of getting his first dog. I cannot say enough about our positive experience with Hinsdale Humane Society. And, the dog they adopted (Todd!) is now a full fledged member of their family.

My husband and I went to the Hinsdale Humane Society to adopt a German Shepherd Puppy named Lady. She was everything we were looking for. She had been adopted out and returned a week later which broke my heart. We filled out all the required paperwork, gave our driver’s licenses, etc.
We proceeded to wait 45 minutes to speak with a «counselor». We told her that we have had German Shepherds since the mid 80’s. We live on 12 acres with a huge fenced yard. We gave her the info on the trainers that we use with our dogs, as well as a breeder we used in the past for several puppies and our vet’s information. We showed her pictures of our current shepherd as well as the one who recently passed from old age. We also let her know that our dogs are crate trained and we use treats as incentives for training. We knew more about the bred then she did. We told her my husband works 2 days a week from home and the other 3 days, I go into work a couple of hours before him and I return home before him which is less than 8 hours a day.
They told us we were not the «right fit» for the dog. They thought the right fit for the dog was someone who brought her back after a week but thought experienced loving german shepherd knowledgeable people with no small children in the house was not a good fit.
I cried all the way home.

The only reason I «withhold» one star is I haven’t actually been there in years but many of the people who criticized this organization just didn’t seem to understand it’s not all about them. I’ve been in contact physically and electronically with several animal organizations in the past few months. One took my money and sold me a beautiful, loving, very sick little dog. I paid these kinds of adoption fees and over $ 1k in 4 weeks of vet bills and now they refuse to even discuss the issue with me. I think the extra care in making sure you are the correct animal parents and care for the animals these people are have is to be admired. Tell ya’ what, I can take their looking down their nose at me if they help me find my forever friend! Adopting a dog that will be glad to see me come home or go for a walk with me or spend some time playing and snuggling is worth a few hours of my time! Get over yourselves folks and realize it really is all about the dog or cat for the next 10 or so years.

In the past 17 years, we have adopted several cats and dogs, we’ve volunteered here and have become a foster care family. I’m so grateful to have HHS in our community. The ‘paid’ staff is small: Most folks you see here are volunteers who do their best to clean, comfort, and love the animals before they go to their «forever» homes. These staffers and volunteers have hearts and minds to protect animals — first and foremost. This is only right: Their charter is not to be «in business» for profit. They are a not-​for-​profit organization that helps the police officers find shelter for stray animals, they help train new dog owners to manage their newly adopted animals, they look for the best homes for animals who might have been abandoned by well-​meaning but unprepared families.
Over the years, I will admit to feeling some shame in admitting some mistakes regarding prior adoption situations. We adopted a high energy dog but should have adopted a moderate energy dog… didn’t know any better! They know about my embarrassment of having to return her, as is customary in «poor fit» situations. I’m not banned from further adoptions! I’m just well-​counseled which I appreciate.
What made the difference? I went into it with an appropriately repentant attitude. I demonstrated that I learned from my mistakes. I was willing to listen with an open mind to any instruction or caution that they provided… I recognized that their obligation was to protect animals. Acknowledging that may make the difference for those reviewers who are not self-​reflective about the adoption process.
I’m very thankful for this organization.

I really do not know where all the negative reviews are coming from on here but figured I would give my two cents. I went here yesterday with my fiancé looking to adopt a dog. The staff was very courteous and the only «rude» people (which is the term being used by a lot of reviewers) were the volunteer staff who just wouldn’t talk to you. We walked in and let the two front desk people (who were very kind) that we wanted to look at dogs. They let us go into the back and look. We found four dogs we were interested in. When we came out, they had us fill out a survey and paperwork to meet with the counselor. It asked general information. We even put how we currently are in the moving process and that we would be living in a new place in the next month and they were perfectly ok with that. When we met with the counselor, she was very nice and went through the four dogs and told us about all of them and gave her «opinion» on which two we should look more at. She never said we couldn’t adopt the other two, just that they did have some temperament issues (which I really appreciated her doing). After the bringing in both dogs, which we saw separately and got to spend about 30 minutes with each, we decided on a Border Collie mix that we fell in love with. Other reviewers mentioned how you needed to buy a collar from them… this is incorrect. The shelter will not let any dog leave without getting spayed or neutered. We picked a hospital for our dog to be neutered at and they deliver them there. The collar is for identification purposes. We decided to just buy one there but they told us we could drop off one by the end of the day if we already had one. The cost for our dog was only $ 100 (he is a 1.5 yr old border collie mix) and then we had to pay an additional $ 40 for the neuter and $ 15 for an updated rabies. All in all we paid $ 157 for everything. This is not in anyway unreasonable. And to the reviewers that felt the staff was snobby, they are not. Yes it is in Hinsdale (which is a wealthy town) but they did not treat me with any disrespect. I am completely covered in tattoos (both arms and legs are sleeved and I was dressed in a tshirt and shorts… the type of looking guy a snooty or snobby person would look down at) and I never felt like I was looked down upon. Once they heard we were adopting, they were all so excited and even more friendlier. Maybe these negative reviewers are the snobby and snooty ones.

Will never recommend that place to anyone! Was told that if we liked a dog we can speak with a counselor. When we picked a dog, another young woman at the front desk flat out denied the opportunity to speak to a counselor to find the best option for our family. I’m a stay at home mom, with plenty of outdoor pace and less than a block away from Brookfield woods which would have given the dog so much space for exercise. Maybe if I actually heard a no from the counselor that’s qualified to make a definitive decision, I wouldn’t have given this place a bad review.

I love this place. The people that work here are the friendliest people in the world. I currently have one dog at home from them and I’m waiting to pick up my new puppy tomorrow from the vet and take her home. Whenever I come in they seem to really care about their job and know what they are talking about. I have had nothing but success here. The next time I am looking for a new furry friend I will surely be here and I recommend to anyone else that they come here to find their next loved one.

I have to agree with the negative reviews. After the first cat we adopted from here died from a disease contracted at birth.(She also had ear mites when we first took her home, even though they said she was treated and parasite free).They said they would work with us if we wanted to adopt again. So almost 6 months later we go back. They then tell us the have no record of saying they talked to us and had no knowledge of the situation. We found a cat we really liked and then the process of interrogation began. We put down the $ 30 hold fee, then they say they have concerns and start making us look like murderers for putting our last cat to sleep. Forcing us to drive to the animal hospital for proof of what we said the cat died of. It was a miserable experience and luckily we were able to argue our new cat out of that sorry place. I understand screening people, but they way they operate is very wrong.

What an awful experience. My daughter came here to adopt a dog over the weekend. She went through a screening process and found a perfect dog. There was an immediate connection between her and the dog, which one staff member actually commented on. However, red tape had to be cut through because she mentioned 2 pets, one deceased and one still in her care. The staff collected a $ 40 deposit (non refundable, said the tiny print) and told her they would let her know by Tuesday. We called Tuesday, first running into a faulty phone system. When we made contact, they had done nothing. After several hours, we received a reply requesting more information. After that was provided she was turned down. Why? Because over the years she took my pets to the vet. Her name was in the files because I had given her permission to make decisions for them on my behalf.
So, she is out $ 40 and has no dog. Don’t go here, and don’t go to any shelter that charges different fees for different breeds of dog.

My family has had great experiences with the staff and facility at the HHS. We are the proud owners of 2 dogs and 3 cats from this shelter. I could not stress enough how dedicated the staff is at caring for their animals. Not only their physical well being but the mental health of future pets as well. Things like regular sessions of dog socializing and unique kennels for the felines help to maintain adoptability. I always recommend this shelter to my friends and family. The HHS has 5 out of 5 success rate for us and they could help find your next buddy.
Good luck.

I had a great expeience when I adopted my furbaby (6 mos old terrier) here three weekks ago. The process was quick and easy yet thorough enough to protect the animals. The staff was friendly, professional and knowledgable. They partnee with several reputable vets to provide discounted spay/​neuter services. this us my third pup adoption, and the first from HHS. I would recommend HHS to anyone looking to adopt a furever friend.

We adopted our dog Sam from HHS in July and he is by far the BEST dog we have ever had. He was rescued from a down state shelter and after arriving at HHS they noticed him favoring one of his hind legs. He needed surgery to repair his injury and the community generously gave from their hearts to his cause. We fell in love with his demeanor when we met him and adopted him soon after.
The shelter is obviously well maintained and the staff is tremendous. They take their time screening applicants which I can respect. They want to ensure the animals go to forever homes and its obvious their primary concern is the animal’s welfare. We have kept in touch with updates on Sam and our family. We couldn’t be happier.

My mother and I have gone to HHS since I was a child. We have adopted two cats there, and to my knowledge, there was no problem in adopting said cats.
Before I dive into the complete disrespect and cruelty we experienced yesterday, let me give our cat history. Or, from the way we were treated, our criminal record.
We adopted a cat named Bam bam (we called him Baby) from them in the early 2000’s (I was a preteen, I don’t remember the exact year). He was a perfect fit, lived happily and safely. He later died of a heart complication.
A Couple years after Baby’s death, we went back to HHS, my mother respected that place, found it reliable. We adopted Jinxie. Jinxie took some time to get adjusted to us and our too large of a house, but our family loved him very much.
In 2007, we had to return Jinxie. (this is where we start getting interrogated)
We did not want to return our Jinx. The economy had hit us too hard and we had to leave our house. After much tries for cat friendly relocation, we couldn’t take her with us as we downsized to save our financial situation. I understand HHS and their concern, asking us «well what’s different now???», but this is just the beginning and doesn’t even compare to what happened next.
In early 2009, we were going to nearby Amish homes In Wisconsin (we lived in Wisconsin at the time) for milk, cheese and the like. All of a sudden there was this outdoor «Amish» cat that would not leave my brother alone. The owner of the cat said that the cat kept wanting to come inside, and since she liked my brother so much, why didn’t he just take her home.
We named her Bella, and we fell in love with her. She was our cat soulmate. There arent enough words to describe how perfect she was. Much to the disdain of HHS, she was an outdoor cat. Now while growing up on a farm, then to a house surrounded by forest, she had no problem being outdoors for the bathroom then coming inside for love and food.
We moved back to Illinois in late 2010. She was adjusting to the busier outdoors, but everyone knew who she was and loved her as much as we did. In 2011, Bella was hit by a car, and left on the side of the road. The pain from 14 months ago still hurts to this day. Brings us all to tears.
KATIE from HHS with her prissy nose in the air, looked down on us. Said we could have trained her and kept repeating that it basically that it was our fault she died… my mother nearly in tears, I nearly slapped this woman in the face. How dare she have the audacity to be as cruel as she was to a family that was still in their own mourning. Accidents happen.
The cat we were to adopt from them was going to be a gift for my 5 year old sisters birthday. She was crushed when we were kicked out the door.
We are NEVER EVER going back there again, and I suggest that until they are under different management, no one else goes either. That saddens me to think about all those animals left in the cages… and how they have missed out on so many loving homes because of the Nazi’s of Hinsdale.
Also, it is very cruel to let people go through all the cats/​kittens, let them sit waiting for to meet the first cat, then come in and crush their dreams. (along with the small child/​children that are with them)
Don’t go here… I wish there was another place for those wonderful creatures to go… because the Hinsdale Humane Society doesn’t deserve them at all.

I hate to give a bad review to the Humane Society. I know it takes a lot of work to help animals find a home, but I was not impressed with Hinsdale. The shelter was clean and the animals looked healthy. I saw my shepherd online and drove 20 minutes so I could get a first hand look at him. I went back into the kennels, found my dog and then to the interview process (or as I would like to call it the «interrogation»). I don’t know what their problem was, but the staff kept discouraging me from adopting him. I was told his temperament was awful. But I’ve trained and worked with «trouble» dogs before, so this was no concern for me. For the record, my dog has been the sweetest dog and not the monster they had made him out to be. You would think they would be happy someone wants to adopt a dog from there.
I was all ready to sign the paperwork when I mentioned I lived with another person (bad mistake). Well of course, they couldn’t let me adopt until I brought her down to meet the dog. So in order to endure my dog wasn’t adopted while I was gone, I had to put down a $ 20 deposit. Once I got back, we met the dog (again) and then I’m grilled on why I did not keep the vet record of my previous dog. I’m sorry, but he passed away over a year ago, I didn’t think he needed them anymore. Not to mention I was asked questions on how he died too. My 15 year old beagle died of natural causes, sorry I didn’t get a dog autopsy.
Apart from doing everything in their power to stop me from adopting, they basically kicked my new dog out the door when I agreed to take the him. I didn’t even sign the check over to them yet and my pup is yanked away to get neutered. I also love the fact I had to buy a collar from the Humane Society. Apparently, my other dog’s collar wasn’t good enough for them either.
I have the utmost respect for anyone that works with homeless/​abused pets. I also understand that the shelter wants to take every precaution to ensure their animals are adopted into good homes. I really hope that I just caught them at a bad time and they are not like this to every prospective pet owner. I don’t regret adopting my dog. He has been a welcomed addition to the family. I hope he has a long and prosperous life so when I do adopt again there are different people running the shelter.