McLean County Animal Services [MCAS], formerly McLean County Animal Control, is offering half-priced adoptions through Aug. 6 to promote their name change and help animals find forever homes before relocating to a new facility.
“They've been waiting a while,” said animal services director Marshell Thomson. “It's always important to any facility who works with animals to keep them moving as quickly as possible because it's always better to be in a home and getting to know your new family.”
Services
MCAS is a comprehensive program that provides many services outside of adoptions.
Other services include stray animal control, educating the community on wildlife and most importantly, according to Thomson, rabies prevention.
Donations to MCAS go toward rabies vaccinations, spay or neutering, microchipping and core vaccinations—all of which get done before the animals are put up for adoption.
“When they go back to their new home, they're ready to just jump right into being pets and happy and healthy,” Thomson said.
MCAS is the first responder to animals, said Thomson.
“We pick them up from the streets sometimes,” she said. “Or if they're unwanted pets and their owner released [them] here, after seven business days we'll evaluate what their medical needs are, start them on that journey to get them fully vetted and then they can be transferred or adopted.”
The facility primarily has dogs and cats, along with one chicken that may go up for adoption if no one claims it soon.
Animal care
Working for MCAS can be hard on the staff because animals keep coming in as quickly as they are moving them out.
Last week, Thomson said MCAS got a bunch of animals adopted or transferred to other shelters in town and then received about 20 cats the very next day.
“It takes a huge effort,” Thomson said. “And then before you have time to take a breath, there's another onslaught of that first responder need. And so my heart wants those days to stop.”
Thomson said many shelters deal with the same struggle of receiving large amounts of unwanted animals, and she hopes with MCAS’s new facility opening soon, she can set an example for community members to step up.
"There are too many [animals], there's not enough [help], and we have to find a different way to solve this problem," Thomson said.
When needed, Thomson said she and her family will care for the animals that require more attention socially or medically.
“And then we are able to bring them back [to MCAS] until they find a loving home,” Thomson said. “To be able to have that social part come full circle, and all the investment and time, and people don't see that journey.”
Thomson said the magic that happens at MCAS "saves her life everyday" and gives her purpose.
When MCAS moves into the new facility, Thomson said her staff will be able to provide more enrichment and behavioral relief for the animals to give them a better chance at getting adopted.
In the meantime, Thomson said she wants every animal to find their forever home.
“I'm calling all heroes right now,” Thomson said. “Now is the time, if you've ever wanted to be a part of something special, jump on and help out.”
Animals can be viewed on the MCAS website, Facebook page and at 9279 North 1375 East Road Bloomington, IL. The half-priced adoption fees run through August 6.
Puppy adoptions are $22.50, kitten adoptions are $12.50, adult dog adoptions are $17.50 and cat adoptions are $7.50. Adopters are also required to purchase a $15 rabies registration fee.
