Our Vision

Heartland is building a humane community where pets and people thrive together in Chicagoland and beyond.

Since opening in October 2002, Heartland Animal Shelter has worked toward a future where every dog and cat has a safe, loving home and every family has the support they need to keep their companion animals with them.

A Humane Community for All

Our vision goes beyond adoption. We strive to create a community where compassion for animals is woven into everyday life — through education, outreach, collaborative partnerships, and programs that keep pets and people together.

How We Get There

• Providing excellent, life-saving care to the most vulnerable dogs and cats until they find permanent homes
• Working with adopters, volunteers, donors, and community partners to expand our impact across Chicagoland
• Promoting responsible pet ownership, including spay and neuter awareness to prevent overpopulation
• Guiding our work through our 2024–2026 Strategic Plan, developed with donors, adopters, staff, Board members, volunteers, and community representatives

Our Mission

Heartland Animal Shelter provides excellent and life-saving care to the most vulnerable dogs and cats until we find them good homes. Through progressive programs, outreach, and collaborative partnerships, we also work to keep all companion animals with their families.

Our Values

Everything we do is guided by compassion, community, respect, collaboration, safety, trustworthiness, and integrity — ensuring every animal, staff member, volunteer, and visitor is treated with dignity and care.