Giving Tuesday (11/28) is coming up!

Benefitting the Wilbur Memorial Fund for animals with extraordinary medical needs. 

 

Blessed Bonds Crisis Assistance Program

We believe in keeping people and their pets together. We do this by providing temporary foster care during times of crisis that is devoted to reuniting families with their animal companions.

One of the top ten reasons people give up their pets is because of a personal crisis, like a medical emergency that requires an extended hospital stay or losing their home to foreclosure. This is where Blessed Bonds comes in. We offer temporary assistance to those who want to keep their animal companions but are having difficulties that prevent them from meeting their pets’ daily needs.

Assistance Provided

  • Problem-solving counseling and education.
  • Foster care, for up to one month, when space is available.
  • Food and other pet care essentials.
  • Information & referral services for other organizations, such as pet food banks, low-cost spay/neuter and vaccine clinics, and other temporary foster programs

Program FAQ's

Who qualifies for assistance through the Blessed Bonds program?
Owners in Chicagoland who are temporarily unable to care for their pet and are facing illness, hospitalization, rehab, domestic violence, homelessness, and other personal crises.

What does not qualify for assistance through the Blessed Bonds program?
Requests for financial assistance, foster care during a move by personal choice, and assistance for residents outside of the Chicagoland area.
If you’re unsure if you qualify for Blessed Bonds, please call or email us and share your story; our staff is here to help you explore your options.

How long is foster care provided?
Blessed Bonds foster care is temporary and will be provided for a maximum of one month.

How do I apply for Blessed Bonds assistance?
Call the shelter at (630) 355-2299 or fill out the foster care application online HERE.   Fill out the application to receive animal care supplies HERE.  You may email your application to blessedbonds@adoptpetshelter.org or fax to 630-800-2194.  Hard copy applications are available by request by contacting us at blessedbonds@adoptpetshelter.org or 630-355-2299.

Gather copies of your pet’s veterinary records (or make sure your vet is ready to send them to us if needed). Pets should be up to date on vaccinations and spayed/neutered prior to entering the program. If you need help getting your pet up-to-date or spayed/neutered, please indicate this when submitting your application; our on-site spay/neuter clinic is typically able to help.

How can I help?
Our greatest need is foster homes. As a temporary foster parent, you get to pick what type of pet you would like to foster, as well as the frequency and amount of time you are able to give. Remember that the more foster homes we have, the more animals we can save! Click here to find out more about becoming a foster or complete an application here.

Another way to help is to donate to the Blessed Bonds Fund.  These funds help us provide vaccines the pet needs before going to foster care, or emergency boarding for large dogs or bully breeds who may be difficult to place in a foster home. 

Other Assistance Options

  • Contact friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers to find out if anyone is willing to care for your pet, either until you’re able to be reunited or just briefly while you search for placement in a foster care program. Shelter programs should always be a last resort after exploring options within your social circles.
  • Contact your veterinarian or local boarding facilities to ask about low-cost boarding options. Pet care professionals who have gotten to know your pet often feel personally invested in your pet’s well-being and may be willing to help with low-cost care or a payment plan.
  • Check out our Crisis Resource Guide to learn about other programs in Chicagoland that provide help to pets and their families in times of crisis.