Orphans of the Storm Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption 2026
Use this page as a practical Orphans of the Storm dashboard for adoption hours, dog and cat adoption steps, lost/found pets, Lake County Animal Care & Control, nearby vet resources, emergency clinics, parking/arrival planning and 2026 shelter updates.
Fast warning: Orphans is an animal shelter and adoption organization. For animal-control enforcement, bite/rabies issues, stray pickup, dangerous animals or public-safety calls, start with Lake County Animal Care & Control or local non-emergency police.
Official source checked
Last verified: August 24, 2026. Details come from Orphans’ official adoption, dog/cat adoption, adoption survey, lost/found, veterinarian and emergency-clinic resource pages, plus Lake County and Illinois law sources.
Call before driving
Hours, pet availability, resident-pet meet requirements, offsite showcase timing, donations, and visit flow can change. Call 847-945-0235 first.
No fake details added
No fake doctor names, clinic schedules, parking rules, adoption fees, reviews, ratings or staff names are invented. Missing details are marked clearly.
Choose What You Need
- What was missing in the old article
- Clickable action cards
- Current adoption hours
- Parking and arrival note
- Dog adoption steps
- Cat adoption steps
- What adoption includes
- Age, ID and housing rule
- Lost/found pets
- Animal-control routing
- Illinois stray/microchip law
- Vet/doctor resources
- 24-hour emergency clinics
- Hawthorn Mall showcase
- 2026 new shelter plan
- Call scripts
- Map
- Official links
- 10 FAQs
Content Gap Audit: What the Existing Article Was Missing
A strong Orphans of the Storm article should not be a thin directory block. It should help the visitor finish a real task: adopt, call, reclaim, report, visit, or find the right animal-control route.
Exact official hours
Many posts miss the current official footer hours: Wed-Fri 12-4, weekends 12-5, closed Mondays, Tuesdays and national holidays.
Adopter requirements
The adoption survey requires adopters to be 21+, have valid ID with current address, and verify pet permission where they live.
Dog process details
The old article needed kennel-card, front-desk, wooded-trail, household-member and resident-pet meet steps.
Cat process details
The cat room, cat gallery, meeting room, household introductions and carrier note were missing.
Animal-control route
Orphans is not the only route for lost/found or enforcement. Lake County Animal Care & Control and local police matter.
Vet resources, not fake doctors
The shelter lists veterinarian and emergency-clinic resources, but no public shelter doctor appointment schedule. This page says that clearly.
Clickable Orphans of the Storm Action Cards
Tap the card that matches your situation. This keeps the page practical and avoids generic shelter filler.
Current Adoption Hours and Visit Timing
Use the current official Orphans website hours first. Some older community posts may show older Tue-Fri language, so this version uses Orphans’ own current footer and tells readers to call before driving.
| Day | Official public hours | Best visitor action | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Closed to the public | Do not plan public adoption visit. | Official page says closed Mondays. |
| Tuesday | Closed to the public | Use online pet search or call another day. | Official page says closed Tuesdays. |
| Wednesday | 12pm-4pm | Arrive early enough for meet and paperwork. | Short weekday window. |
| Thursday | 12pm-4pm | Bring all required household decision-makers if adopting. | Dog adoptions may require household meets. |
| Friday | 12pm-4pm | Call before late arrival. | Weekend timing and pet availability may change. |
| Saturday | 12pm-5pm | Good adoption visit day; call first. | Longer weekend window. |
| Sunday | 12pm-5pm | Check same-day pet availability before driving. | Availability may change quickly. |
| National holidays | Closed to the public | Check official site/social channels before visiting. | Holiday closures are official. |
Parking, Vehicle and Arrival Notes
No official parking-fee page or detailed parking-lot rule page was found for this shelter. This article does not invent parking claims. It gives safe visit planning instead.
Use the exact address
Put 2200 Riverwoods Road, Riverwoods (Deerfield), IL 60015 in your map app. Confirm the correct entrance if visiting with a pet or donation.
Ask where to park
Before driving, ask whether adoption visitors, donation drop-offs, foster visitors, or lost/found arrivals should use a specific entrance or parking area.
Transport safely
Use a leash or carrier, keep nervous animals contained, bring water, and never leave an animal unattended in a vehicle.
Adoption Eligibility: Age, ID and Housing Permission
Adopters must be 21+
Orphans’ adoption survey says adopters must be at least 21 years old.
Valid ID required
Bring valid identification with your current address.
Housing verification
You must verify that you are allowed to have a pet of the breed and size you wish to adopt where you currently live.
Dog Adoption Process at Orphans
The dog process is not just “show up and pick a dog.” The official process gives clear steps.
Visit and walk through
Check in at the front desk and walk through the dog area. Each kennel card lists details such as the dog’s name, breed, age and kennel number.
Give the kennel number
When you find a dog you like, return to the front desk with the kennel number. If you have not already filled the adoption application, staff can help you start.
Meet the dog personally
Staff retrieve the dog for a personal introduction. Let the dog stretch, relax and settle before deciding.
Use the wooded trail
Orphans says visitors can walk the wooded trail while getting acquainted with the dog.
Bring household members
All household members need to meet the dog. A meet-and-greet with resident pets may be required depending on the dog and your situation.
Finalize with counselor
When it is a fit, the adoption counselor walks you through final paperwork. Orphans says most of the time the new dog goes home right away.
Cat Adoption Process at Orphans
Explore the cat wing
The official cat page describes a big cat room, cat gallery, kittens, adult cats, shy cats and senior cats.
Read each cat card
Each cat has an information card with name, age, personality notes and more.
Ask for one-on-one time
When you find a cat you are considering, staff can help you spend time in the calm cat meeting room.
Complete application
If you have not already done it, complete the adoption application before finalizing.
Plan household introductions
All household members should meet the cat before finalizing, and staff help you think through introductions with resident pets.
Bring a carrier
Bring a cat carrier for safe transport. Orphans says a temporary carrier may be provided for a nominal fee if needed.
What Adoption Includes
This is one of the most valuable details missing from generic pages. Orphans lists strong veterinary and starter-kit inclusions for both dog and cat adoptions.
Dog adoption includes
- Adoption packet with helpful tips and resources.
- Goodie bag with toys and treats.
- Leash, collar and harness.
- Spay/neuter surgery.
- Microchip.
- Wellness exam via partner veterinarian.
- Age-appropriate rabies, Bordetella and DAPPV vaccines.
- Heartworm preventative and 4Dx blood test.
- Deworming, flea/tick prevention and fecal test.
- GoodPup virtual training certificate: first week free plus discounted ongoing rate.
Cat adoption includes
- Adoption packet with helpful tips and resources.
- Goodie bag with toys and treats.
- Cat collar.
- Spay/neuter surgery.
- Microchip.
- General wellness exam via partner vet.
- Age-appropriate FVRCP and rabies vaccinations.
- FIV and FeLV blood tests.
- Deworming.
- Fecal test for Giardia, roundworm, hookworm and coccidia.
- Flea and tick prevention.
Lost or Found Pet: What to Do First
Orphans’ lost/found page is practical and local. It points people to police, Lake County Animal Care & Control, microchip companies, Facebook groups, PetFBI and physical search steps.
If your pet is lost
- File a lost pet report with your local non-emergency police department and neighboring towns.
- File a lost pet report with Lake County Animal Care & Control or call 847-377-4700.
- Post in Lost Pets of Lake County Illinois, Lost and Found Pets of Lake County IL, and Illinois Lost and Found Pets groups.
- Post on neighborhood apps such as Nextdoor.
- Report to PetFBI.
- Notify the microchip company if your pet is chipped.
- Contact local shelters and veterinarians.
- For smaller animals, check garages, window wells and under decks.
- When posting flyers, give them to delivery drivers such as your postal worker.
If you found a pet with no tag
- Contact your local police department’s non-emergency number.
- Contact your local animal control if your jurisdiction has its own route.
- Visit or call Lake County Animal Care & Control at 847-377-4700.
- Post in local lost-pet Facebook groups.
- Have a local vet scan the animal for a microchip.
- If a microchip is found, contact the chip company and report that the animal has been found.
- Keep the found animal separate from your pets until instructed.
- Do not privately rehome a found animal before the owner has a fair chance to reclaim it.
Animal Control: Orphans vs Lake County Route
This page title includes “Control,” so the article must explain the route clearly. Orphans is the shelter/adoption resource; Lake County Animal Care & Control and local police are the control/reporting route for many lost/found and public-safety cases.
| Need | Best first route | What to say | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adopt a dog or cat | Orphans of the Storm | “Is [pet name/ID] still available, and should I fill the survey first?” | Adoption process is shelter-led. |
| Lost pet report | Local non-emergency police + Lake County ACC | “My pet is missing near [cross streets]. I need to file a lost report.” | Orphans tells users to report through local police and Lake County ACC. |
| Found pet with no tag | Local police / animal control / Lake County ACC | “I found an animal at [exact address] and can/cannot hold it safely.” | Jurisdiction matters for intake and owner reclaim. |
| Injured or sick stray | Lake County Animal Care & Control | “This stray appears injured/sick and is located at [address].” | Lake County ACC handles animal-control services and emergency warden routing. |
| Dangerous, biting or vicious animal | Emergency / local police / Lake County ACC | “There is an immediate safety issue involving an animal.” | Public safety comes before shelter adoption routing. |
Illinois Stray, Microchip and Reclaim Framework
This is legal-context information, not personal legal advice. Use it to understand why reporting and microchip checks matter.
Report by next business day
Illinois shelter law says a shelter may not accept a stray dog or cat unless the animal is reported to county animal control or law enforcement in the county where found by the next business day.
Microchip and ID checks
Illinois law includes microchip scanning and examination for other identification before transfer, adoption or euthanasia.
Hold period is local
When no owner can be identified, Illinois shelter law points to the period specified in local ordinance before adoption, transfer or euthanasia.
Doctor / Veterinarian Availability: Verified Resources Only
The official resources list veterinarian contacts, but they do not publish a named shelter doctor appointment schedule for public visits. This article does not invent shelter doctor names or timings.
Deerfield Animal Care Center
Official Orphans resource page lists Deerfield Animal Care Center, 150 Waukegan Rd, Deerfield, IL 60015, phone 224-300-6300.
Animal Medical Center
Official Orphans resource page lists Animal Medical Center, 8343 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie, IL 60077, phone 847-673-2616.
Ruth Helen Wolf Animal Clinic & Hospital
Official Orphans resource page lists 1650 Hollister Drive, Libertyville, IL 60048, phone 847-634-0022.
24-Hour Emergency Clinics Listed by Orphans
For urgent medical issues, call the emergency clinic before driving. Do not wait for a shelter adoption desk to open if an animal needs emergency care.
| Clinic / resource | Address / phone | Use for |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Emergency and Critical Care Center | 1810 Skokie Boulevard, Northbrook, IL 60062 847-564-5775 | 24-hour emergency veterinary care. |
| BluePearl Veterinary Partners / Emergency Clinic | 820 Frontage Road, Northfield, IL 60093 847-564-5775 | Emergency veterinary care. |
| BluePearl Veterinary Partners | 3735 W. Dempster Street, Skokie, IL 60076 847-673-9110 | Emergency or specialty veterinary care. |
| Veterinary Specialty Center | 2051 Waukegan Road, Bannockburn, IL 60015 847-459-7535 | Specialty/emergency resource. |
| National Animal Poison Control Center | 1-888-4ANI-HELP / 1-888-426-4435 | Poison-control emergency guidance. |
Pet Showcase at Hawthorn Mall
Orphans’ footer resources also list an offsite pet showcase. Call before relying on offsite hours because holiday/event schedules can change.
Location
122 Hawthorn Center, Vernon Hills, IL 60061.
Listed timing
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays 11am-3pm, with extended hours during holidays.
Call before going
Ask whether adoptable pets are at the showcase that day and whether your desired animal is onsite or at the Riverwoods shelter.
2026 New Shelter Plan: Why This Matters
A 2026 Riverwoods notice says Orphans plans to rebuild on the current site to better serve pets and people for future generations.
Medical and isolation areas
The planned facility includes dedicated medical and isolation areas for cats and dogs.
Better animal housing
Plans include improved air quality, healthier housing, larger dog kennels and 24/7 outdoor access for dogs.
Community space
Plans include an indoor dog meet-and-greet/exercise space and a community room for education and events.
Surrender, Foster and Rescue Help
No universal surrender-fee schedule was verified in the current sources reviewed. Use a call-first process instead of arriving with an animal without confirmation.
Call first
Call 847-945-0235 and explain the animal’s species, age, behavior, medical needs, location and why you need help.
Ask whether intake is open
Ask if they are accepting owner surrenders, transfer cases, foster cases or emergency referrals that day.
Prepare documents
Bring veterinary records, vaccine/rabies proof, medication list, microchip number, bite history if any, and ownership details if requested.
Ask about foster route
Orphans volunteer materials list fostering as a way families can help. Ask whether fostering is available or useful for your case.
Before You Leave Home
Pet screenshot, adoption survey, valid ID, housing permission, carrier/leash and all household decision-makers.
Bring resident-dog information and be ready for a required meet-and-greet if staff advises.
Recent photo, microchip number, collar/tag details, cross streets and Lake County ACC report route.
Photo ID, rabies proof, license/registration, vet records, case number and payment questions.
Copy/Paste Call Scripts
Adoption
Hi, I am interested in [pet name/ID]. Is this animal still available, and should I complete the adoption survey before visiting?Dog meet
Hi, I have a resident dog. For [dog name/kennel number], will a resident-pet meet-and-greet be required before adoption?Lost pet
Hi, my [dog/cat] is missing near [cross streets]. Description: [color/size/collar/microchip]. Has a matching animal been reported or brought in?Found animal
Hi, I found a [dog/cat] near [exact location]. I can/cannot hold it safely. Should I contact local police, Lake County ACC, or bring it somewhere?Parking/arrival
Hi, I plan to visit Orphans today. Where should adoption visitors park and enter, and are there any same-day arrival rules I should know?Medical question
Hi, I am considering adopting [pet name]. Can you confirm current vaccines, spay/neuter, microchip, medications and any medical follow-up needed?Map: Orphans of the Storm Animal Shelter
Use this map for route planning only. Call first for current hours, parking/entry instructions, pet availability and special visit rules.
Official and Professional Links
The important details are summarized above. Use these links for live pets, forms, lost/found routing, emergency resources and final verification.
Orphans of the Storm FAQ
What is Orphans of the Storm Animal Shelter’s phone number?
Orphans of the Storm Animal Shelter lists 847-945-0235 as its main shelter phone number.
Where is Orphans of the Storm Animal Shelter located?
The shelter is located at 2200 Riverwoods Road, Riverwoods (Deerfield), IL 60015.
What are Orphans of the Storm adoption hours?
The current official Orphans website lists public hours as Wednesday-Friday 12pm-4pm and Saturday-Sunday 12pm-5pm. It is closed to the public Mondays, Tuesdays and national holidays.
How old must I be to adopt from Orphans of the Storm?
The official adoption survey says adopters must be 21 years of age and have valid identification with their current address.
Do I need housing permission to adopt?
Yes. The official adoption survey says adopters need to verify that they are allowed to have a pet of the breed and size they want where they currently live.
What is included with a dog adoption?
Dog adoption includes starter resources, leash, collar, harness, spay/neuter, microchip, wellness exam via partner veterinarian, age-appropriate vaccines, preventatives, diagnostics and GoodPup training support.
What is included with a cat adoption?
Cat adoption includes starter resources, cat collar, spay/neuter, microchip, wellness exam via partner vet, age-appropriate vaccines, FIV/FeLV blood tests, deworming, fecal testing and flea/tick prevention.
Who do I call for lost or found pets near Orphans of the Storm?
Orphans recommends filing a report with local non-emergency police and Lake County Animal Care and Control. Lake County Animal Care and Control can be reached at 847-377-4700.
Does Orphans of the Storm publish shelter doctor appointment times?
No public shelter doctor appointment schedule was verified in the official sources reviewed. Orphans does publish veterinarian and emergency-clinic resource pages for pet owners.
Is there a Hawthorn Mall pet showcase?
Orphans’ footer resources list a Pet Showcase at Hawthorn Mall, 122 Hawthorn Center, Vernon Hills, IL 60061, with listed hours Friday-Sunday 11am-3pm and extended hours during holidays.
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.