Vermilion County Animal Shelter: Adoption & Pets 2026
Use this page like a Vermilion County animal-help dashboard. Pick adoption, lost pet, found pet, reclaim, Animal Control, rabies tags, vaccines, spay/neuter, Pet Food Pantry, donations or foster help before you drive to the shelter.
Verified planning note: Vermilion County lists adoption service Monday-Friday and Saturday, while Animal Control office services run Monday-Friday. If you need reclaim, surrender, an injured-animal response or a same-day adoption, call first.
Choose What You Need
- Clickable action cards
- Who to call first
- Adoption and Animal Control hours
- Adoption fees
- Adoption micro-steps
- Adoption hold rule
- Lost and found pets
- Found cats and kittens
- Reclaim documents
- Animal Control and hold times
- Rabies tags and vaccines
- Spay/neuter program
- Pet Food Pantry
- Donate, foster and support
- Before you leave home
- Call scripts
- Map
- Official links
- 10 FAQs
Clickable Vermilion County Animal Help Cards
Tap the action that matches your need. Each card uses an official route or a practical phone step.
Who to Call First
Use this before driving to the shelter, bringing in a found pet, or trying to reclaim an animal.
| Situation | Call / click | What to say | Next micro-step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adopt a dog or cat | 217-431-2660 or Adopt a Pet | “I want to adopt [pet name/ID]. Is this animal still available?” | Submit/prepare adoption application and bring photo ID. |
| Animal Control issue | 217-431-2660, prompt 1 | “I need Animal Control for [loose/stray/bite/cruelty/injured/nuisance/livestock] at [location].” | Call Monday-Friday 8:30 AM-4:30 PM. |
| After-hours emergency | 911 | “This is an animal emergency involving [danger/injury/bite].” | Use only for emergencies after hours. |
| Lost pet may be at shelter | Lost and Found Pets | “I see animal ID [ID number] and believe this is my pet.” | Bring ID, ownership proof, rabies proof and spay/neuter proof if applicable. |
| Found healthy pet | 217-431-2660, prompt 1 | “I found a [dog/cat] at [exact place] and have tried local owner-search steps.” | Check tag, microchip and neighbors before shelter intake when safe. |
| Sick or injured stray | 217-431-2660, prompt 1 | “The animal is sick/injured at [location]. I can/cannot transport it.” | Bring to shelter Mon-Fri 8:30-4:30 if safe, or call for help. |
| Rabies vaccine/tag | Rabies and Other Vaccines | “I need a rabies vaccine appointment or tag registration.” | Rabies vaccines are by appointment with shelter vets. |
| Pet Food Pantry | Pet Food Pantry | “I need short-term pet food support.” | Go Mon-Fri 8:30-4:30 through Animal Control entrance. |
Vermilion County Animal Shelter Hours
Use this practical schedule table. Adoption hours and Animal Control office hours are not the same.
| Service | Official listed schedule | What it means | Best action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adoption | Monday-Friday 10:00 AM-6:00 PM | Adoption counselors, application questions, animal visits, payments, donations and rabies tags. | If adopting same day, arrive before 5:00 PM. |
| Saturday adoption / viewing | Saturday listed as 8:30 AM-4:30 PM on shelter page; adoption page says walk-in adoptions 11:00 AM-4:30 PM | Saturday wording varies across official pages. | Call before driving on Saturday. |
| Late weekday viewing | Visitors after 5:30 PM can still view animals | Viewing may be possible, but same-day adoption may not be practical. | Arrive earlier if you want to adopt. |
| Animal Control Office | Monday-Friday 8:30 AM-4:30 PM | Loose/stray animals, lost pets, reclaim discussion, bites, cruelty, welfare checks, injured animals, nuisance and livestock issues. | Call 217-431-2660 prompt 1. |
| Sick or injured stray intake | Monday-Friday 8:30 AM-4:30 PM | Bring the animal if safe, or call Animal Control. | After-hours emergencies call 911. |
| Pet Food Pantry | Monday-Friday 8:30 AM-4:30 PM | Short-term food support through Animal Control Entrance, left door. | Complete the brief request form. |
Adoption Fees Revised 9/4/2025
These are the official fee categories listed on the Vermilion County Adopt A Pet page.
| Animal | Standard fee | Senior 65+ fee | Ask before adopting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy under 6 months | $200 | $150 | Vaccine schedule, spay/neuter plan and house-training setup. |
| Adult dog 6 months and older | $150 | $75 | Energy, leash behavior, kids, resident dog meet-and-greet and medical notes. |
| Senior dog 8 years and older | $75 | Free | Medication, mobility, dental history and quiet-home needs. |
| Kitten under 6 months | $50 or 2 for $75 | $40 or 2 for $60 | Boosters, kitten-proofing, litter habits and spay/neuter plan. |
| Adult cat 6 months and older | $40 or 2 for $60 | $20 or 2 for $30 | Personality, litter history, other-pet notes and transition room setup. |
| Senior cat 8 years and older | $20 or 2 for $30 | Free | Senior care, food, medical history and stress reduction. |
| Rabbit or ferret | $30 | Ask shelter | Housing, diet, handling and vet care. |
| Guinea pig | $20 or 2 for $30 | Ask shelter | Pairing, cage size and diet. |
| Other critter | $10 | Ask shelter | Species-specific care and enclosure needs. |
| Veterans | Fee waived | Fee waived | Official page says limited to one dog or cat per two years. |
Adoption Micro-Steps
Follow this order so you do not miss the age requirement, ID rule, spay/neuter contract or same-day timing.
Check current pets first
Open the official adoptable dogs, cats or small critters pages. Screenshot the pet name, photo and ID/status if shown.
Submit or prepare the adoption application
Vermilion County asks adopters to submit a short application, then visit the shelter to meet pets.
Bring valid photo ID
You must be at least 18 years old and have a valid government-issued photo ID.
Plan family and dog introductions
The shelter prefers dogs to meet family members under 12 on adoption day and encourages meet-and-greets with your dog at home.
Ask if the pet is altered
If the animal is not yet spayed/neutered, you may sign a foster contract until surgery. Adoption finalization happens after alteration.
Bring the right ride-home item
Bring a carrier for cats or critters and a leash for dogs. Ask for food, vaccine, microchip and behavior notes before leaving.
Adoption Hold Rule
This detail is important if you are not ready to take the pet home immediately.
$100 hold fee
Vermilion County says an adopter must pay a nonrefundable $100 adoption hold fee to place a hold on an animal they intend to adopt.
Two-day hold
The adoption hold is valid for two days.
Donation if not adopted
If the animal is not adopted and does not leave within the two-day period, the hold fee becomes a donation and the pet becomes available again.
Lost or Found Pets in Vermilion County
Vermilion County says most lost dogs and cats are found less than a mile from home, so local searching matters as much as online reporting.
If your pet is lost
- Walk around the area where your pet was lost; check nearby yards, garages, sheds, porches and hiding spots.
- Check the county Lost Page for animals currently at the facility.
- If you see your pet online, go to the shelter for a stray-animal tour during the listed reclaim window.
- File a lost pet report on 24PetConnect.
- Use Petco Love Lost.
- Post a clear photo and details on Facebook, the Vermilion County Lost and Found Facebook page, Nextdoor and other local groups.
- Put flyers in the area where the pet was lost.
- If microchipped, call the microchip company and report the animal missing.
- If possible, place a pet bed, blanket or article of clothing outside to help the pet find its way home.
If you found a pet
- Check collar or tag information first.
- Walk or drive the pet around the area where it was found to see if someone is looking.
- Ask neighbors or the mail carrier whether they know the animal.
- Take a photo and post on local social media and Nextdoor.
- Have the pet scanned for a microchip at a veterinary clinic, police station, village hall or animal shelter.
- File found-pet reports with Animal Control through 24PetConnect and Petco Love Lost.
- If the owner cannot be located, call 217-431-2660 prompt 1 during Monday-Friday Animal Control hours.
Found Cats, Community Cats and Kittens
The county gives different guidance for healthy outdoor cats, injured cats and litters of kittens.
Healthy found cat
If the cat looks healthy, Vermilion County says to leave it where it is or put it back where you found it. It may be an indoor/outdoor pet or community cat.
Injured or ill cat
If the cat is injured or ill, use the sick/injured stray animal route and call Animal Control or bring the animal during listed hours if safe.
Litter of kittens
Do not remove kittens immediately. The mother is likely out hunting and may leave kittens alone for hours. A kitten’s best chance is usually with the mother.
Reclaim Your Pet: What to Bring
Bring the right proof the first time. Reclaim is easier when you have the animal ID and ownership documents ready.
Government photo ID
Bring a government-issued photo ID.
Animal ID number
Bring the ID number from the Animal Control website for the animal you believe is your pet.
Ownership proof
Use vaccination or veterinary records, pictures and other proof showing the pet is yours.
Rabies certificate
Bring the current rabies certificate if applicable.
Spay/neuter proof
Bring proof of spay/neuter if applicable.
Call first
Call 217-431-2660 prompt 1 to discuss reclaiming a pet and fees before driving.
Animal Control: Services, Holds and Quarantine
Animal Control is the enforcement and public-safety route, not just an adoption desk.
| Need | Official route | What Animal Control does | Best action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loose or stray animal | 217-431-2660 prompt 1 | Responds during Monday-Friday office hours. | Give exact location, animal description and safety risk. |
| Animal bite | 217-431-2660 prompt 1; emergency after hours 911 | Handles bite cases and rabies quarantine rules. | Give bite details, owner info if known and medical urgency. |
| Cruelty, neglect or welfare visit | 217-431-2660 prompt 1 | Investigates cruelty, neglect, illegal breeding, backyard breeders and animal fighting. | Provide address, animal condition, photos if safe and observation dates. |
| Injured animal | 217-431-2660 prompt 1 | Responds to injured animals during business hours. | If safe, bring sick/injured stray to shelter Mon-Fri 8:30-4:30. |
| Nuisance complaint or livestock issue | 217-431-2660 prompt 1 | Handles nuisance complaints and livestock issues listed by the county. | Document dates, location and repeated issue. |
| No known owner hold | Animal Control hold | Animals with no known owner are held for 7 days. | Check lost listings quickly. |
| Known owner hold | Animal Control hold | Animals with a known owner are also held for 7 days while Animal Control works with the owner. | Call immediately if your pet is identified. |
| Rabies bite quarantine | Quarantine observation | Animals held for rabies bite quarantine must be observed for 10 days. | Follow Animal Control instructions. |
Rabies Tags, Vaccines and Late Fees
Vermilion County publishes rabies tag and vaccine pricing. Rabies vaccines with shelter vets are by appointment only.
| Item | Fee | Applies to | Important note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-year rabies tag, dog intact | $30 | Intact dog | Register within 30 days after vaccine to avoid late fee. |
| 1-year rabies tag, dog spayed/neutered | $15 | Altered dog | Proof may be needed. |
| 3-year rabies tag, dog intact | $65 | Intact dog | Rabies vaccine term must support registration. |
| 3-year rabies tag, dog spayed/neutered | $35 | Altered dog | Proof may be needed. |
| 1-year rabies tag, cat intact | $30 | Intact cat | Register after rabies vaccination. |
| 1-year rabies tag, cat spayed/neutered | $15 | Altered cat | Proof may be needed. |
| 3-year rabies tag, cat intact | $65 | Intact cat | Register after rabies vaccination. |
| 3-year rabies tag, cat spayed/neutered | $35 | Altered cat | Proof may be needed. |
| Rabies tag late fee | $25 | 30 days after vaccine | Applies if registration is late. |
| Military and seniors over 65 | Up to two free tags per year | Spayed/neutered pets | Ask shelter what proof is required. |
| Vaccine / service | Official fee | Timing | Best action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rabies vaccine | $19 | By appointment with shelter vets | Call 217-431-2660. |
| FVRCP vaccine, cat | $12 | Anytime during normal shelter hours | Ask current availability first. |
| Bordetella vaccine, dog | $12 | Anytime during normal shelter hours | Useful for dogs around shelters/boarding/daycare. |
| DA2P + Lepto vaccine, dog | $12 | Anytime during normal shelter hours | Ask whether your dog needs boosters. |
| Euthanasia request | $75 | Ask shelter | Call before arriving. |
Low-Cost Spay and Neuter Program
The official program guidelines are specific. Do not assume every animal qualifies.
| Program item | Fee / requirement | Who it helps | Important detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canine spay | $130 | Vermilion County resident dogs | Rabies tag is not included in package price. |
| Canine neuter | $100 | Vermilion County resident dogs | Photo ID required at drop-off. |
| Feline spay | $90 | Domesticated cats | Animal must be at least 4 months old and 4 pounds. |
| Feline neuter | $80 | Domesticated cats | No ill patients accepted. |
| Feral cat spay/neuter | $20 | Feral cats | Release address required; all feral cats are ear-tipped. |
| Feline rabies tag | $7 | Spay/neuter program tag add-on | Not included in surgery package. |
| Canine rabies tag | $11 | Spay/neuter program tag add-on | Not included in surgery package. |
| Multiple animals | Maximum 4 spots per month | Caregivers with more than one animal | Allows others to participate. |
Pet Food Pantry
The Pet Food Pantry is designed for short-term support to help Vermilion County families keep pets safely at home.
Pantry hours
Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM, through the Animal Control Entrance on the left door.
What may be provided
As available: one bag of pet food per pet, measuring cup and extra supplies such as bowls, leashes and collars.
How long it helps
The county says each bag is intended to help feed about 10 days for a medium dog or 16 days for a cat.
Repeat visits
For repeat visits, pets must be spayed/neutered or a spay/neuter registration must be submitted with the request form.
Donation needs
The pantry especially needs dry cat food, dry puppy food and clumping cat litter.
Business partners
Businesses with overstock or pet products can contact Kate Suchodolski at ksuchodolski@vercounty.org.
Donate, Foster and Support Shelter Pets
If you cannot adopt, you can still help the shelter reduce stress and improve care.
Amazon Wish List
The shelter links an Amazon Wish List for donations. Use it for direct supply support.
Feral cat dens
Vermilion County says it needs feral cat dens to help its Community Cats program run smoothly.
Foster
Use the official Foster a Pet route if you can provide temporary care and help animals move toward adoption or rescue.
Payments and donations
Vermilion County accepts credit and debit card payments through AllPaid.com for listed shelter payments and donations.
Pet Food Pantry support
Donate unopened dog/cat food, clumping litter and new pet supplies during regular business hours.
Share adoptable pets
The county points users to Facebook and Instagram for more photos, videos and bios. Sharing can help pets get noticed.
Before You Leave Home
Application, pet screenshot, government photo ID, leash/carrier, family/dog meet plan, payment.
Recent photo, microchip number, last-seen cross streets, 24PetConnect report, Petco Love Lost report.
Government photo ID, animal ID number, ownership proof, rabies certificate, spay/neuter proof if applicable.
Photo, exact found location, tag/collar details, microchip scan route, neighbor/social posts, safety plan.
Copy/Paste Call Scripts
Adoption
Hi, I am interested in [pet name/ID]. Is this animal available for adoption today, and what should I bring before arriving?Lost pet
Hi, my [dog/cat] is missing near [cross streets]. Description: [color/sex/collar/microchip]. Has a matching animal been brought in?Found pet
Hi, I found a [dog/cat] at [exact location]. The animal is [safe/injured/aggressive]. I checked [tag/microchip/social posts]. What should I do next?Reclaim
Hi, I see animal ID [ID number] on the lost page and believe it is my pet. I have photo ID, proof of ownership, rabies proof and spay/neuter proof. What are the next steps and fees?Animal Control
Hi, I need Animal Control for [loose/stray/bite/cruelty/welfare/injured/nuisance/livestock] at [address]. The animal is [description], and the safety issue is [details].Spay/neuter
Hi, I am a Vermilion County resident and want to register my [dog/cat/feral cat] for low-cost spay/neuter. What forms, ID and appointment steps are required?Map: Vermilion County Animal Shelter
Use this map for the official Catlin/Tilton Road shelter location. Call first if your visit is time-sensitive.
Official Vermilion County Animal Links
The key details are summarized above. Use these official pages for live pet status, current forms, fees and final verification.
Vermilion County Animal Shelter FAQ
Where is Vermilion County Animal Shelter located?
Vermilion County Animal Shelter is listed at 14775 Catlin / Tilton Road, Danville, IL 61833, with some official wording also describing the Catlin-Tilton Road location in Tilton, Illinois.
What is the Vermilion County Animal Shelter phone number?
The main shelter phone number listed by Vermilion County is 217-431-2660.
What are Vermilion County Animal Shelter adoption hours?
Vermilion County lists adoption hours Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Saturday adoption guidance appears on official pages, with walk-in adoption viewing listed as 11:00 AM to 4:30 PM and the general Saturday shelter hours shown as 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, so call before a Saturday visit.
What are Vermilion County Animal Control office hours?
Vermilion County lists Animal Control Office hours Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. After-hour emergencies should call 911.
How much does it cost to adopt a puppy or dog?
Vermilion County’s revised adoption fees list puppies under 6 months at $200, adult dogs 6 months and older at $150, and senior dogs 8 years and older at $75, with senior-citizen and veteran discounts listed on the official adoption page.
How much does it cost to adopt a kitten or cat?
Vermilion County lists kittens under 6 months at $50 or two for $75, adult cats at $40 or two for $60, and senior cats at $20 or two for $30, with senior-citizen and veteran discounts listed.
Can I place an animal on hold?
Yes, but Vermilion County says a nonrefundable $100 adoption hold fee is required. The hold is valid for two days. If the animal is not adopted and does not leave within that period, the fee is considered a donation and the animal becomes available again.
How long are animals held by Vermilion County Animal Control?
Vermilion County says animals with no known owner are held for 7 days, animals with a known owner are also held for 7 days, rabies bite quarantine observation is 10 days, and legal circumstances may have variable holding times.
What do I need to reclaim my pet?
To reclaim a pet, bring a government-issued photo ID, the animal ID number from the website, proof of ownership such as veterinary records or pictures, a current rabies certificate if applicable, and proof of spay/neuter if applicable.
Does Vermilion County offer a Pet Food Pantry?
Yes. The Pet Food Pantry is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM through the Animal Control Entrance. It provides short-term support as supplies are available and has repeat-visit spay/neuter guidelines.
Animal Shelter Action Planner: Lost Pet, Found Pet, Adoption, Reclaim & Surrender Helper
Use this free tool to create a practical next-step plan before visiting or contacting an animal shelter, humane society, rescue, or animal control agency. It does not search a live shelter database, but it helps you prepare the right documents, questions, safety steps, and official-source searches.
Build a USA-wide shelter action plan
Select your situation and location. The tool will create a general action plan, search links, call questions, and a copyable checklist.
Lost pet recovery checklist
Check the steps you have completed. This helps you stay organized during the first urgent hours and days.
Found pet safety decision helper
Use this when you find a stray or loose pet and need a safe next step.
Adoption readiness checker
This helps adopters prepare before visiting a shelter or rescue. It is not a guarantee of approval.
Pet reclaim document checklist
If your pet may be at a shelter, prepare proof before visiting. Exact requirements and fees vary by agency.
Owner surrender preparation helper
Surrender rules vary. Many shelters require appointments, proof of residence, behavior/medical information, and may offer alternatives.
Animal control contact decision helper
Choose the situation and get a general USA-wide contact path. Local rules may differ.
Adoption and first-month budget planner
This is a planning guide, not a shelter fee database. Always confirm adoption fees and included services with the shelter.
Your generated shelter plan
Your action plan, search links, call script, checklist, or budget guide will appear here.
Start with the Planner tab
Select your state, city/county/ZIP, pet type, and goal. The tool will create a practical USA-wide shelter action plan.
Privacy note: this tool runs in your browser. It does not send your entries to animal-shelter.org.