Just a short drive west of Nazareth, Hinsdale Humane Society (HHS) is one of many animal rescue organizations in Illinois. Since 1953, they’ve been committed to the mission of caring for and rehoming animals.
The organization’s vision is “a world where animals experience compassion, care and respect, free from suffering and neglect.” They also aim to set “a standard of kindness that extends far beyond our borders.”
In their 2025 mid-year report, Shelter Animals Count, a program of the ASPCA, found approximately 2.8 million cats and dogs entered shelters and rescues across the U.S. in the first half of the year.
Although the report states a 4% decrease from 2024, this is still a huge population of homeless pets. This highlights how essential animal shelters continue to be. The good news is that of those nearly 3 million pets in need of loving care, nearly 2 million were adopted.
HHS is a small yet significant part of helping these animals find forever homes. Data shows that the organization helped 339 pets find homes in the first quarter of 2024. Of those, 68% were cats, 30% were dogs, and 2% were categorized as others. The total intake just from January to March was 454 animals.
There are many people whose love for animals and dedication to the organization make it possible for these pets to find homes. Senior Animal Care and Foster Care Manager Carla Wudi said, “Of course our staff is a huge part of making the shelter run smoothly, but we cannot do it all without the tremendous support from our volunteers and community.”
Over 100 volunteers contribute their time and work to the shelter. Just a few of the many ways include cleaning kennels, walking dogs and socializing animals. Even teens have the opportunity to become meaningfully involved: “The Hinsdale Humane Society Junior Board is a dynamic group of dedicated high school students who are passionate about making a difference for animals in need. Junior Board members plan and lead fundraisers, host engaging events, and help promote our adoptable pets and humane education programs throughout the community.”
HHS also has support from many generous community businesses and individual donors that allow them to save, care for and rehome so many animals.
The shelter also hosts multiple events throughout the year to support funding or promotional needs. Some popular events are Puppy Yoga and the Arf Gallery.
The Naz family also helps support and rescue animals in need. Freshman Gabriel Kuzniar, who adopted a mixed Boxer said, “My parents have the saying ‘adopt, don’t shop,’ so they, of course, had to save my dog when they saw her on Facebook seeking a home.”
Senior Alex Harris, shared his unique experience adopting his cat Tiggs. He said, “I wouldn’t say it was an organized adoption, but one by luck. We first met her as a kitten in my grandparents backyard three years ago.”
This adoption really changed Harris’ perspective on rescuing animals. “I was saving her from any harm around her. She was the runt of her litter, so she would always be the last one to eat. Now she doesn’t have to worry about or where her next meal is coming from,” he said.
Journalism teacher Jennifer Gerdes’s family adopted their dog Pete about 13 years ago and their cat Holly in 2024. She said they drove an hour to Wisconsin to rescue their cat, a 6-month old declawed kitten who her daughter named in honor of the Christmas season.
“Pete is my dream dog,” she said. “I love Pete so much because he’s small and because he’s a mutt. I’ve heard pure breeds have more health issues, so I’m glad that my Pete is scrappy and healthy.”
All these efforts and care shown by Hinsdale Humane Society and those who rescue animals show how important shelters and their work are. Whether it is volunteers, staff, students, or families that adopt, everyone plays a role in giving these animals a second chance. Adopting a pet doesn’t change just their life, but it changes the adopters lives as well.
If you are interested in adopting a pet (you must be 21 or over) or getting involved with the Hinsdale Humane Society in other ways, visit their website at Hinsdalehumanesociety.org/.
