Foster Programs
We have a Foster program where people apply to foster an animal and we match them with an animal that needs to be in a foster home. To date it has been mostly puppies and moms and litters of kittens. However, more recently we have had considerable success in placing a number of our older cats and dogs in foster care, and we are looking to expand this program. We will gladly discuss this with you.
We also have several animals that are considered Forever Fosters that have not been adopted, where we pay part or all the cost of fostering an animal, including some who are seniors or ones with a medical condition, disability, need medication and/or special diet food, etc.
We recently started our Forever Care Adoptions. You adopt the pet while we can help with their care such as medication and/or special diet food, seeing a specialty veterinarian, etc. The adopter assumes the animals routine veterinary care, annual visits, vaccinations, prevention, etc. We may also cover their care as pertains to the animal's disability or medical condition.
If you are interested in applying for any of our foster programs, or would like more information about any of our programs, please call us at 217.835.2428, and we will attempt to match you with a animal appropriate to your situation.
Revised: 06/17/2026
You may download an application below, fill it out, and email it to us at [email protected] , or mail it to us via USPS at Benld Adopt-A-Pet, P O Box 53, Benld IL 62009.
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We have a Foster program where people apply to foster an animal and we match them with an animal that needs to be in a foster home. To date it has been mostly puppies and moms and litters of kittens. However, more recently we have had considerable success in placing a number of our older cats and dogs in foster care, and we are looking to expand this program. We will gladly discuss this with you.
We also have several animals that are considered Forever Fosters that have not been adopted, where we pay part or all the cost of fostering an animal, including some who are seniors or ones with a medical condition, disability, need medication and/or special diet food, etc.
We recently started our Forever Care Adoptions. You adopt the pet while we can help with their care such as medication and/or special diet food, seeing a specialty veterinarian, etc. The adopter assumes the animals routine veterinary care, annual visits, vaccinations, prevention, etc. We may also cover their care as pertains to the animal's disability or medical condition.
If you are interested in applying for any of our foster programs, or would like more information about any of our programs, please call us at 217.835.2428, and we will attempt to match you with a animal appropriate to your situation.
Revised: 06/17/2026
You may download an application below, fill it out, and email it to us at [email protected] , or mail it to us via USPS at Benld Adopt-A-Pet, P O Box 53, Benld IL 62009.
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Helpful Hearts
Have a Heart, become a Helpful Heart!
Have a Heart, become a Helpful Heart!
No animals are ever euthanized at Benld Adopt-A-Pet for want of being adopted. If an animal cannot be placed into a permanent new home, they may live out their lives at the shelter while continuing to receive all the care and love that we can give them. Accordingly, we do have a number of senior and/or special needs animals whom we lovingly refer to as our Helpful Hearts residents.
Our Helpful Hearts program allows people who cannot physically adopt a pet for one reason or another to become a Sponsor to one or more of our long term residents. These animals are the ones some would call "undesirables"...old, chronic health issues, or just too scared of the outside world to be adopted. Some of these animals were never "socialized" as infants but were abandoned as frightened adults, or came to us with disabilities or illnesses, unwanted by their owners. These animals might remain at the shelter for the remainder of their lives unless the perfect situation arises. Each of these animals is beautiful in our eyes, regardless of appearance or physical condition. They deserve and receive the same daily care and love as any other animal at the shelter.
When you become a Helpful Heart you will receive regular status updates on, and photos of, your chosen pet, as well as a coupon book for your convenience in sending in your donations. Participation in our Helpful Hearts program means that we continue to provide the hands-on care for your pet while you help provide towards the increased veterinary and special dietary costs frequently associated with these senior and special-care animals. You may donate as much and as often as you wish. You also have the option of visiting with your Helpful Heart resident at the Shelter, however these visits should be scheduled a minimum of 24 hours in advance by calling 217.835.2538.
Animals may have more than one Helpful Heart Sponsor, and all animals having Helpful Heart Sponsors remain available for adoption.
Revised: 06/17/2026
You may download an application below, fill it out, and email it to us at [email protected] , or mail it to us via USPS at Benld Adopt-A-Pet, P O Box 53, Benld IL 62009.
No animals are ever euthanized at Benld Adopt-A-Pet for want of being adopted. If an animal cannot be placed into a permanent new home, they may live out their lives at the shelter while continuing to receive all the care and love that we can give them. Accordingly, we do have a number of senior and/or special needs animals whom we lovingly refer to as our Helpful Hearts residents.
Our Helpful Hearts program allows people who cannot physically adopt a pet for one reason or another to become a Sponsor to one or more of our long term residents. These animals are the ones some would call "undesirables"...old, chronic health issues, or just too scared of the outside world to be adopted. Some of these animals were never "socialized" as infants but were abandoned as frightened adults, or came to us with disabilities or illnesses, unwanted by their owners. These animals might remain at the shelter for the remainder of their lives unless the perfect situation arises. Each of these animals is beautiful in our eyes, regardless of appearance or physical condition. They deserve and receive the same daily care and love as any other animal at the shelter.
When you become a Helpful Heart you will receive regular status updates on, and photos of, your chosen pet, as well as a coupon book for your convenience in sending in your donations. Participation in our Helpful Hearts program means that we continue to provide the hands-on care for your pet while you help provide towards the increased veterinary and special dietary costs frequently associated with these senior and special-care animals. You may donate as much and as often as you wish. You also have the option of visiting with your Helpful Heart resident at the Shelter, however these visits should be scheduled a minimum of 24 hours in advance by calling 217.835.2538.
Animals may have more than one Helpful Heart Sponsor, and all animals having Helpful Heart Sponsors remain available for adoption.
Revised: 06/17/2026
You may download an application below, fill it out, and email it to us at [email protected] , or mail it to us via USPS at Benld Adopt-A-Pet, P O Box 53, Benld IL 62009.
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Become a Volunteer! |
We have a need for volunteers to perform a variety of tasks, both at the shelter and elsewhere. If you are interested in assisting with any of the following, please contact us as indicated.
CAT CONDOS: We could use some help in maintaining our Cat Condo's located at Petco, 2721 South Veterans Parkway in Springfield. If you would be interested in lending a paw, please contact Lori at 217.415.1459. Thank you!
DOG WALKERS: If you live in the Benld area, and would like to volunteer to help exercise our dogs, please call 217.835.2538.
GROOMING: If you feel that you are qualified and would like to volunteer for this task, please contact us at 217.835.2538.
MOBILE ADOPTIONS: We are looking for a few good volunteers to assist with our mobile adoptions in Springfield, If you are at least 18 years of age (16 with parent or guardian), enjoy being around animals, and could spare a few hours on a Saturday or Sunday, please call us at 217.835.2538 (Benld) or 217.494.4927 or 217.891.0502 (Springfield) for more information.
GENERAL: If you would like to volunteer at our shelter, or would like more information about our shelter, please call us at 217.835.2538 or 217.891.0502.
Revised: 06/17/2026
Revised: 06/17/2026
You may download an application below, fill it out, and email it to us at [email protected] , or mail it to us via USPS at Benld Adopt-A-Pet, P O Box 53, Benld IL 62009.
Adoption Inquiry Form Cat / Dog
Added 06/17/2026
You may download an application below, fill it out, and email it to us at [email protected] , or mail it to us via USPS at Benld Adopt-A-Pet, P O Box 53, Benld IL 62009.
Added 06/17/2026
You may download an application below, fill it out, and email it to us at [email protected] , or mail it to us via USPS at Benld Adopt-A-Pet, P O Box 53, Benld IL 62009.
Employment Application
Added 06/17/2026
You may download an application below, fill it out, and email it to us at [email protected] , or mail it to us via USPS at Benld Adopt-A-Pet, P O Box 53, Benld IL 62009.
You need to submit both of these forms to be considered for employment.
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Added 06/17/2026
You may download an application below, fill it out, and email it to us at [email protected] , or mail it to us via USPS at Benld Adopt-A-Pet, P O Box 53, Benld IL 62009.
You need to submit both of these forms to be considered for employment.
YY