Our mission is clear

At Orphans of the Storm, we take responsibility for each and every dog and cat who reaches our doors, compassionately sheltering them with the highest standard of care. Guided by our commitment to promote adoption, and humane treatment, reduce pet overpopulation and to keep people and pets together, we aim to create a more compassionate community.

Orphans of the Storm is conveniently nestled between the North Shore communities of Deerfield and Buffalo Grove on nine acres, just 1.5 miles off I-94. The buildings include three dog wings with outdoor access, cat housing, office space, and a small clinic. Outdoor facilities include numerous kennel runs, dog meet-and-greet spaces, the Jim Farmer Memorial Dog Enrichment Park, and a seven acre wooded nature trail. It is a beacon of hope for homeless cats and dogs in Northeastern Illinois and beyond and has found loving homes for over 150,000 dogs and cats.

Our Values

Compassion: We believe in showing kindness and empathy to every animal and person that comes through our doors. Compassion forms the foundation of our actions and interactions. We are considered a No-Kill shelter with a 98.5% release rate in 2023. To receive the designation a shelter must be above a 90% rate.

Respect: We treat all animals with the utmost respect, acknowledging their inherent worth
and unique personalities, regardless of their species, breed, or background.

Dedication: We are committed to the well-being of every animal under our care, ensuring
their physical, emotional, and social needs are met while they await their forever homes.

Education: We believe in the power of education to create positive change. We are dedicated to educating individuals and the community at large about responsible pet ownership, animal welfare, and the importance of spaying and neutering. We want the community to know they can find a wonderful dog or cat at their local shelter.

Collaboration: We recognize that our mission is best achieved through collaboration and partnerships. We work hand in hand with volunteers, other shelters and the community to maximize our impact and reach.

Goals

Animal welfare: Continuously improve the quality of life for animals in our care by providing
comfortable housing, exceptional medical treatment, enrichment, and loving attention.

Adoption and placement: Increase adoption rates and find suitable, loving homes for every animal by implementing innovative adoption programs and matchmaking processes.

Community engagement: Expand community outreach and education programs through the shelter and its external locations to promote pet adoption, responsible pet ownership,
advocate for animal welfare, and foster a compassionate community.

Support network: Establish a support network within the community to assist pet owners facing temporary hardships, providing resources and advice to support pets remain in loving homes during difficult times.

Programs

Adoption events and counseling: Regularly organize adoption events and provide counseling to match animals with compatible, loving families.

Educational programs: Host workshops on responsible pet care, behavior training, and the importance of spaying/neutering.

Volunteer and foster programs: Offer opportunities for community members to volunteer, foster animals, and actively contribute to the shelter’s mission.

Community outreach initiatives: Engage with schools, community groups, and events to raise awareness about pet adoption, animal welfare and responsible pet ownership.

Community support programs: Offer low-cost/free microchipping events and food pantries to reduce lost animals and to further support our community keeping animals in loving homes in times of hardship.

Enrichment programs: Always look for and implement new ways to reduce stress and increase joy for animals in our care.

Our Mission has always been: To take responsibility for each and every orphaned, abandoned, abused, or neglected dog and cat who reaches our doors; to take them in and shelter them; to provide the best medical and physical care possible for them; to nurture them back to health if need be; and finally to place them into warm, loving, adoptive homes where they can enjoy the lives they deserve.

Watch to learn more about the impact of Orphans of the Storm