Taps Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours 2026

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Pekin, Illinois Shelter Guide

TAPS Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours 2026

TAPS Animal Shelter, officially Tazewell Animal Protective Society, is a no-kill adoption shelter in Pekin, Illinois. This practical guide explains adoption hours, appointment rules, dog and cat applications, adoption fees, surrender limits, lost and stray pet routing, Tazewell County animal control, foster options, donations, volunteer steps, map directions and official source links.

Important: TAPS is not a walk-through animal-control office. The official adoption page says TAPS is open by appointment only with an approved application and is not currently open for public viewing. If you found a stray animal or need animal-control help, use the animal-control section below before contacting the adoption desk.

Quick Answer Adoption Steps Official Links
100 TAPS Lane 309-353-8277 Appointment-only adoption Approved application required Dogs, cats, puppies & kittens
Fast answer: TAPS Animal Shelter is located at 100 TAPS Lane, Pekin, IL 61554. The listed phone number is 309-353-8277, and the official email is tapsfrontdesk@tapsshelter.org. TAPS says adoption begins with a no-obligation online application, the review process may take several days, approved applications are good for 6 months, and the shelter is open by appointment only with an approved application. TAPS is not currently open for public viewing, so the best first step is to choose dog or cat adoption, submit the correct application, then wait for staff to contact you.

TAPS Animal Shelter Quick Details

These details answer the most common searches for TAPS animal shelter, TAPS Pekin IL, TAPS no-kill animal shelter, Tazewell Animal Protective Society, TAPS adoption application, TAPS dogs, TAPS cats, TAPS hours, and TAPS animal control.

MAP

Official location

100 TAPS Lane, Pekin, IL 61554.

TAPS serves Central Illinois and is near Peoria, East Peoria, Morton, Washington, Tremont and other Tazewell/Peoria-area communities.

CALL

Phone and email

309-353-8277.

Email listed by TAPS: tapsfrontdesk@tapsshelter.org.

APPT

Visit rule

Appointment only with an approved application.

TAPS says it is not currently open for public viewing.

CTRL

Animal control

TAPS is a no-kill adoption shelter, not the same as county animal control.

For strays or enforcement, use the correct community animal-control route.

Best first step: If you want to adopt, do not start by driving to the building. Start by viewing available dogs or cats, submit the correct online adoption application, and wait for TAPS staff to review and schedule the appointment.

Which TAPS Animal Shelter Is This?

Search results can mix TAPS, Tazewell Animal Protective Society, TAPS No-Kill Animal Shelter and animal-control listings. This guide is for the no-kill TAPS shelter in Pekin, Illinois.

This guide

Tazewell Animal Protective Society

Use this page if you mean TAPS No-Kill Animal Shelter at 100 TAPS Lane in Pekin, Illinois.

Not the same

Tazewell County Animal Control

Animal control is a separate public agency in Tremont that handles strays, sick/injured animals, rabies/bite concerns and animal-control calls for many municipalities.

Common confusion

TAPS “hours” vs appointment access

Older or third-party pages may show public hours, but the official adoption page says TAPS is appointment-only with an approved application.

What TAPS No-Kill Animal Shelter Actually Handles

TAPS is an independent local nonprofit focused on homeless dogs and cats. It provides shelter care, adoption placement, foster care, medical support, training support, community education, volunteer opportunities and donation-supported care.

Adoption

Dogs, cats, puppies and kittens

TAPS lists available cats and dogs through Shelterluv-powered pages. Adoption begins with an online application, not a walk-through visit.

Foster

Short-term home support

TAPS says foster homes help increase shelter capacity, protect vulnerable animals and give pets a safe home environment while they wait for adoption.

Surrender

Limited capacity intake help

TAPS reviews surrender requests but cannot guarantee space. The official surrender page says urgent strays should be routed to the animal control in the community where found.

Search-intent answer: If you searched “TAPS animal control,” use the animal-control section. If you searched “TAPS adoption hours,” use the appointment and application sections. If you searched “TAPS dogs” or “TAPS cats,” use the official available animal pages in the official links section.

TAPS Animal Shelter Adoption Hours 2026

For TAPS, “hours” should be understood as appointment access, not public kennel browsing. The official adoption page says TAPS is open by appointment only with an approved application and not currently open for public viewing.

Visit Rule Apply First Appointment Only

Current official adoption access

TAPS encourages people interested in an animal to submit a no-obligation application. The front desk reviews the application, which may take several days, then contacts the applicant with an update. Approved applications are good for 6 months.

Do not plan a walk-in public viewing visit. Apply first and wait for scheduling.
User Need Correct Timing / Route Practical Tip
View available dogs or cats Online anytime through the TAPS available animal pages. Listings can change quickly. Write down the animal name and apply promptly.
Meet a specific pet Only after application review and appointment scheduling. Do not drive in expecting to browse kennels without approval.
Puppy or kitten adoption Application order matters for puppy/kitten placement. TAPS says approved puppy/kitten applicants are called in order received to meet available animals.
Adult dog or adult cat adoption Apply for the animal by name. Adult animal applications are processed as received.
Ask about surrender Use the surrender form and read the surrender page first. TAPS says it will only respond if it believes it can help by the requested surrender date.
Found a stray animal Contact animal control in the community where the stray was found. TAPS says strays should be housed in the community where found to help reunite families.
Best practical plan: Check pets online in the morning, submit the correct application, make sure your references and landlord can respond, answer phone calls from TAPS, and avoid messaging on multiple platforms because TAPS says that slows response time.

How to Adopt from TAPS Animal Shelter

TAPS adoption is application-led. A strong applicant does not just click a form; they prepare household details, vet information, landlord approval, schedule flexibility and realistic questions about the animal’s behavior and first week at home.

Check the official available animals page

Start with the official TAPS dogs or cats pages. Do not rely only on screenshots, social media posts or third-party listings because animal availability changes.

Submit the correct online application

Use the dog application for dogs and puppies or the cat application for cats and kittens. TAPS says the application is no-obligation and is the first step before a meeting.

Prepare for review time

TAPS says the review process may take several days depending on availability, references and landlord response. Application review is not instant.

Wait for staff contact

A front desk representative contacts applicants with an update. Approved applications are good for 6 months.

Schedule the appointment

Once the application is processed, staff will call to schedule an appointment. TAPS is not currently open for public viewing.

Ask real match questions during the visit

Ask about energy, medical notes, vaccines, microchip, spay/neuter, heartworm or FIV/FeLV test status, other pets, children, training, anxiety, crate needs and first-week setup.

High-value adoption question: Ask “What kind of home would make this animal struggle?” That question usually gives better answers than only asking whether the pet is friendly.

TAPS Animal Shelter Adoption Fees

TAPS lists adoption fees by pet age and type. Fees can change, so use this as a planning guide and confirm the current fee for the exact animal before adoption.

Dogs

Dog and puppy fees

  • Puppies aged 6 months and under: listed at $250.
  • Adult dogs aged 7 months to 6 years: listed at $175.
  • Senior dogs aged 7 years and older: listed at $75.
  • Dog fee includes spay/neuter, age-appropriate vaccines, deworming, flea/heartworm prevention, heartworm test and microchip.
Cats

Cat and kitten fees

  • Kittens under 7 months: listed at $100.
  • Cats 7 months to 6 years: listed at $75.
  • Cats 7 years and older: listed at $50.
  • Cat fee includes spay/neuter, vaccines, deworming, flea prevention, feline leukemia test, FIV test for 6 months and older, and microchip.
Relinquishment

Surrender-related fee

  • TAPS lists a suggested relinquishment fee of $25.
  • The page says a higher fee is encouraged if possible to support operations.
  • The page also says no fee is required.
  • Surrender requests still depend on capacity and review.
Fee planning tip: Adoption fee is not the full first-month cost. Also budget for food, bowls, leash, collar, harness, carrier, litter, crate, toys, preventives, vet follow-up, training, pet rent or deposit, and emergency care.

TAPS Adoption Application: What to Prepare

People often search “TAPS adoption application” because they want to know what happens before they can meet a pet. The official adoption form page gives several important requirements.

Official application requirements

  • You must be 21 years of age or older.
  • All adults living in the household must know about and consent to the adoption.
  • You need valid ID with proof of current address.
  • You need a source of steady income.
  • Applications must be reviewed and approved by TAPS personnel before adoption.
  • A 24- to 48-hour waiting period may be necessary for vet check, address verification and/or home visit.

How to avoid delays

  • Use a phone number you answer during the day.
  • Tell your veterinarian and landlord that TAPS may contact them.
  • Make sure current pets are up to date on required care before applying.
  • Do not apply for a surprise pet for someone else without all household adults agreeing.
  • Do not submit incomplete or inconsistent answers.
  • Do not message TAPS on multiple platforms for the same adoption question.
Application strategy: If your first-choice pet is adopted, an approved application may still help because TAPS says approved applications are valid for 6 months and can be listed on additional animals by calling the front desk.

TAPS Dogs, Cats, Puppies and Kittens

TAPS has separate pathways for adult animals and very young pets. The puppy/kitten process can move differently because there may be multiple young animals available at once.

DOG

Dogs

Apply for the dog by name and prepare questions about energy, leash behavior, other dogs, cats, kids, separation anxiety, health and training needs.

PUP

Puppies

TAPS says puppy applications are approved in order received, then approved applicants are called to meet available puppies and determine fit.

CAT

Cats

Ask whether the cat is shy, outgoing, bonded, litter trained, better with adults, good with other cats, or needs a quieter home.

KIT

Kittens

Ask about age, vaccine timing, spay/neuter timing, socialization, litter habits and whether adopting a pair is recommended.

Animal Type Ask Before Adoption Prepare Before Appointment
Adult dog Energy, training, leash behavior, dog/cat history, medical notes and stress behaviors. Leash, harness/collar, vehicle plan, decompression space and daily schedule.
Puppy Expected adult size, vaccine schedule, potty training, chewing, crate training and socialization needs. Crate, puppy food, training pads if needed, chew-safe setup and vet follow-up.
Adult cat Shyness, play style, handling tolerance, litter habits, other cats, dogs and children. Hard carrier, quiet starter room, litter box, scratcher and slow introduction plan.
Kitten Age, litter habits, vaccine timing, social needs, single vs pair adoption and spay/neuter details. Carrier, kitten-safe room, litter, food, toys, safe cords and vet follow-up.

TAPS Animal Control: What to Do Instead

Many people search “TAPS animal control,” but TAPS is not the same as Tazewell County Animal Control. TAPS is a no-kill adoption shelter. Tazewell County Animal Control is the public route for many animal-control services in Tazewell County.

TAPS

Use for adoption and nonprofit support

Use TAPS for dog and cat adoption applications, foster questions, donation support, volunteer questions and surrender form review.

County route

Use Animal Control for strays and enforcement

Tazewell County Animal Control lists routine services such as animals running at large, sick or injured animals, welfare checks and rabies/bite concerns.

Emergency

Use police or emergency route for danger

For active attacks, severe injury, aggressive loose animals, bites in progress or immediate public-safety danger, use emergency services or the correct local police route.

Situation Best Route Why It Matters
You want to adopt from TAPS TAPS online adoption application. TAPS is appointment-only with approved application.
You found a stray dog or cat Animal control in the community where the animal was found. TAPS says strays should be housed where found to help reunite with families.
Animal is sick, injured or dangerous Tazewell County Animal Control or local police/emergency route depending on timing and danger. Animal control has public safety and rabies/bite responsibilities.
You want to surrender an owned pet TAPS surrender form first, plus local animal control if immediate placement is needed. TAPS has limited kennel space and cannot guarantee intake by a requested date.
Animal-control call script: “I found an animal at [exact address/cross street] in [town]. The animal is [dog/cat/other], condition is [healthy/injured/aggressive/confined/loose], and I need to know the correct intake or officer route.”

Lost and Found Pets Near TAPS Pekin

Lost-pet and stray-pet searches should focus on the community where the animal was lost or found. TAPS can be part of the local shelter network, but strays should be routed through the appropriate animal-control system first.

If your pet is missing

  • Call local animal control for the town or county where your pet was last seen.
  • Check Tazewell County Animal Control and other nearby shelters.
  • Check TAPS available or intake-related updates if relevant.
  • Update microchip contact information immediately.
  • Post clear photos with date, road/intersection and contact method.
  • Visit shelters in person if you see a possible match because shelter photos can look different from home photos.

If you found a pet

  • Keep yourself safe and do not handle an aggressive or injured animal if unsafe.
  • Note exact location, time, collar, tags and condition.
  • Contact animal control where the pet was found.
  • Ask about microchip scanning and legal stray-hold steps.
  • Do not permanently rehome the animal without proper lost/found procedures.
  • Avoid giving away found pets online without proof of ownership.
Local tip: In Central Illinois, a pet may cross from Pekin to North Pekin, Marquette Heights, Creve Coeur, East Peoria or other nearby communities. Check more than one shelter or animal-control route.

Surrender a Pet to TAPS Animal Shelter

TAPS handles surrender requests carefully because it is a no-kill shelter with limited kennel availability. The official surrender page says TAPS cannot estimate wait time, cannot respond to every request, and will only respond if it believes it can help by your requested surrender date.

Before submitting a surrender form

  • Read the official surrender page fully.
  • Prepare species, age, sex, breed/type, medical history and behavior history.
  • Explain the reason for surrender honestly.
  • Include the date you need help and why.
  • Ask about alternatives if food, housing, behavior or temporary hardship is the main problem.
  • Understand that TAPS may not contact you if it cannot help by the date requested.

What TAPS warns against

  • Do not place animals as “free to good home” without careful screening.
  • Do not give away kittens casually in a community already overwhelmed with stray cats and kittens.
  • Do not bring strays to TAPS instead of the correct community animal control.
  • Do not submit an incomplete surrender form because incomplete forms may be deleted.
  • Do not assume kennel space will be available by your deadline.
Surrender script: “I need help with possible surrender. The pet is [age/species/sex], has [medical/behavior notes], and the reason is [brief reason]. I read the form instructions. Are there alternatives or intake options I should try first?”

TAPS Foster, Volunteer and Community Help

People who cannot adopt can still help TAPS. Foster homes and volunteers directly improve capacity, reduce stress for shelter pets and support the no-kill mission.

FOST

Foster homes

TAPS says foster homes increase shelter capacity, provide a safer setting for animals who do poorly in the shelter, and protect animals with weak immune systems.

VOL

Volunteer system

TAPS uses Better Impact to coordinate volunteers, track hours, communicate opportunities and manage volunteer interests.

TIME

Volunteer processing

TAPS notes that new volunteer application processing may take up to 1 week.

Foster fit tip: If you cannot commit to a permanent pet, ask about short-term foster needs such as bottle-baby kittens, puppies, seniors, medical recovery, shelter breaks or pets who need a quieter environment.

Helpful Video: Mark’s Furry Friends from TAPS

WTVP/PBS has a local “Mark’s Furry Friends” segment that features adoptable animals from TAPS No-Kill Shelter in Pekin. Use it for visual context about TAPS pets, then rely on the official TAPS site for current animals, applications, fees and appointment steps.

What to Prepare Before a TAPS Appointment

Because TAPS is appointment-only with approved application, the preparation starts before the visit. Bring the right documents, make references reachable and have a safe transport plan.

ID

Photo ID and address proof

The application form page says adopters need valid ID with proof of current address.

HOME

Household consent

All adults in the household should know about and agree to the adoption before the application is submitted.

JOB

Income readiness

TAPS lists a source of steady income as an application requirement.

VET

Vet reference

If you already have pets, make sure your vet records are current and the clinic can respond if TAPS checks references.

CAT

Cat carrier

Bring a secure carrier if adopting a cat or kitten. Do not transport a loose cat in the car.

DOG

Dog transport plan

Prepare a leash, collar, harness, crate or safe vehicle setup before bringing a dog home.

After Adoption: First 7 Days at Home

A high-value adoption guide should help after the appointment too. The first week is when many avoidable problems start, especially if the new pet is overwhelmed.

First 24 hours

  • Keep the pet in a quiet starter space.
  • Do not invite friends over immediately to meet the pet.
  • Do not introduce resident pets too fast.
  • Use leash, carrier, crate or closed-door management for safety.
  • Expect stress behaviors such as hiding, barking, whining or reduced appetite.

Days 2–7

  • Build a consistent feeding, potty, rest and play routine.
  • Schedule vet follow-up if recommended.
  • Introduce resident pets slowly and supervised.
  • Watch for coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, limping or severe anxiety.
  • Ask for training or behavior help early if issues appear.
Reality check: Shelter pets may need days or weeks to show their normal personality. Calm structure works better than busy outings, dog parks or constant visitors in the first week.

TAPS Animal Shelter Map, Directions & Visit Tips

Use this map for planning directions to 100 TAPS Lane in Pekin. Because TAPS is appointment-only for adoption, use the map after you have a reason to visit, not as the first step.

Map is for planning only. Use your navigation app for live traffic, road work and route changes.
APPT

Do not walk in to browse

Submit an application and wait for appointment scheduling before planning an adoption visit.

CALL

Call with one clear question

Calling about adoption, surrender, foster or donation separately helps staff respond faster.

LOCAL

Use animal control for strays

If you found a stray, contact the community animal-control route where the animal was found.

Common Mistakes to Avoid at TAPS Animal Shelter

These mistakes create the most wasted trips and delayed adoptions.

Before adopting

  • Do not drive to TAPS expecting public kennel browsing.
  • Do not skip the online application.
  • Do not submit incomplete application details.
  • Do not make your landlord or vet unreachable.
  • Do not assume application approval means the exact pet is still available.
  • Do not message on multiple platforms for the same adoption question.

Before surrendering or reporting

  • Do not bring a stray animal to TAPS instead of local animal control.
  • Do not use “free to good home” posts without serious screening.
  • Do not submit an incomplete surrender form.
  • Do not assume TAPS can help by your requested surrender date.
  • Do not confuse TAPS with Tazewell County Animal Control.
  • Do not wait to call police/emergency services if there is immediate danger.

TAPS Animal Shelter FAQ

Where is TAPS Animal Shelter located?

TAPS Animal Shelter is located at 100 TAPS Lane, Pekin, IL 61554.

What is the phone number for TAPS Animal Shelter?

The listed TAPS phone number is 309-353-8277.

What does TAPS stand for?

TAPS stands for Tazewell Animal Protective Society.

What are TAPS Animal Shelter adoption hours?

The most important current rule is that TAPS is open by appointment only with an approved application and is not currently open for public viewing. Submit the correct adoption application first, then wait for staff to schedule an appointment.

Can I walk through TAPS Animal Shelter to see pets?

No. The official adoption page says TAPS is not currently open for public viewing. Adoption starts with an online application and appointment scheduling after approval.

How do I adopt a dog from TAPS?

Check the official available dogs page, submit the dog adoption application, wait for staff review, answer any reference or landlord checks, then schedule an appointment if approved.

How do I adopt a cat from TAPS?

Check the official available cats page, submit the cat adoption application, wait for TAPS review and staff contact, then attend the scheduled appointment if approved.

How long does a TAPS adoption application take?

TAPS says the review process may take several days depending on animal availability, references and landlord response. The adoption form page also notes that 24 to 48 hours may be needed for vet checks, address verification or a home visit.

How much are dog adoption fees at TAPS?

TAPS lists puppies aged 6 months and under at $250, adult dogs aged 7 months to 6 years at $175, and senior dogs aged 7 years and older at $75.

How much are cat adoption fees at TAPS?

TAPS lists kittens under 7 months at $100, cats 7 months to 6 years at $75, and cats 7 years and older at $50.

What is included with TAPS dog adoption?

The listed dog adoption fee includes spay/neuter, age-appropriate vaccines, deworming, flea/heartworm prevention, heartworm test and microchip.

What is included with TAPS cat adoption?

The listed cat adoption fee includes spay/neuter, age-appropriate vaccines, deworming, flea prevention, feline leukemia test, FIV test for cats 6 months and older, and microchip.

Does TAPS handle animal control?

No. TAPS is a no-kill adoption shelter. For strays, running-at-large animals, sick or injured animals, bite concerns or public-safety issues, use the correct community animal-control or emergency route.

What should I do if I found a stray animal near Pekin?

Contact animal control in the community where the animal was found. TAPS says strays should be housed at the animal control in the community where they are found to help reunite them with their families.

Does TAPS accept owner surrenders?

TAPS has surrender forms for dogs and cats, but intake depends on capacity and urgency. The official surrender page says incomplete forms will be deleted and TAPS will only respond if it believes it can help by the requested surrender date.

How can I volunteer at TAPS?

TAPS uses Better Impact for volunteer coordination. The volunteer page says new volunteer application processing may take up to one week.

Final Take: Use TAPS Animal Shelter the Right Way

TAPS Animal Shelter in Pekin, Illinois is a no-kill adoption shelter for dogs, cats, puppies and kittens. The most important visitor rule is simple: do not drive in expecting public browsing. View pets online, submit the correct application and wait for appointment scheduling.

If your need is not adoption, choose the correct route. Use TAPS for adoption, foster, volunteer, donations and surrender-form review. Use animal control in the community where a stray was found for stray intake, animal law, bites, sick or injured animals and public-safety concerns.

Animal-Shelter.org is an independent informational guide and is not affiliated with Tazewell Animal Protective Society, TAPS No-Kill Animal Shelter, Tazewell County Animal Control, Shelterluv, PBS, WTVP, any police department, veterinarian, rescue or official shelter portal. Always verify current details with official sources before visiting, adopting, surrendering, fostering, volunteering, donating or reporting an animal concern.

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