The Arlo Fund supports the emotional and behavioral well-being of Heartland’s dogs. It funds fear-free training, veterinary behaviorists, enrichment activities, and kennel improvements. By addressing the mental health of shelter dogs, the fund helps fearful or misunderstood “underdogs” find new homes.
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Your Support Saves Lives
FUNDING PRIORITIES
Fuel Our Mission
There are countless ways to make a difference at Heartland, and every contribution fuels our mission to save lives. Whether you prefer to make a direct impact through a specific fund, leave a lasting legacy, or turn your professional network into a force for good, your generosity provides the foundation for every rescue story we write.
Explore the diverse opportunities to help to find the giving path that resonates most with your heart and helps our animals thrive.
Where it's needed most
General donations are the most flexible and vital way to support Heartland. Unrestricted funds allow the shelter to respond quickly to daily needs—from medical care and maintaining our facility to food, cleaning supplies, and enrichment toys—ensuring we’re always ready to care for animals and handle unexpected challenges.
Dill and Penny (Kitten)
Named for two tiny kittens who fought bravely against the odds, this fund is dedicated to our smallest and most vulnerable residents. Newborn and “bottle-baby” kittens have delicate immune systems and require specialized, around-the-clock care to grow strong enough for their forever homes.
Dr. Do More (Medical)
The Dr. Do More Fund provides critical medical care beyond routine services like vaccines and spay/neuter. It supports specialized treatments, diagnostics, and emergency stabilization for animals in crisis. This fund ensures Heartland can act immediately when an animal needs urgent, advanced care.
ARLO FUND (BEHAVIORAL)
SPONSOR A KENNEL
Kennel and Condo sponsorship provides a “home base” for animals during their stay at Heartland. Your name or company is displayed on a plaque supporting a specific space. It helps maintain comfortable living areas and offers a meaningful way to honor a beloved pet or loved one while supporting shelter animals.
GIVING SOCIETIES
Join a Community of Compassion
At Heartland Animal Shelter, we offer several ways to deepen your commitment to our mission. Whether you are looking for monthly perks, high-impact annual giving, or a way to ensure your legacy lives on, there is a community here for you.
Hearts of Hope Society
HIGH-IMPACT LEADERSHIP
The Hearts of Hope Society is composed of philanthropic leaders who make a significant annual investment in Heartland's future. This society is for donors who contribute $1,000 or more annually, providing the fuel for our most critical life-saving initiatives. Members receive personal updates on the animals they’ve helped save, special recognition in our annual reports, and invitations to exclusive society gatherings.
Join the Society
Heartland Heroes
THE FOUNDATION OF CARE
Our Heartland Hero donor membership program is for our most dedicated monthly supporters. By committing to a recurring gift of $20 or more per month, you provide the steady, reliable funding we need to cover the "everyday" essentials—from high-quality kibble to warm bedding. Members enjoy exclusive Heartland Hero swag, discounted access to event tickets, and the knowledge that they are a constant safety net for our residents.
Become a Hero
Legacy of Love Society
A FUTURE GUARANTEED
The Legacy of Love Society honors those who have made the ultimate commitment to our mission by including Heartland Animal Shelter in their estate plans. This society is for visionaries who wish to ensure that Heartland remains a sanctuary for animals long into the future. Membership is open to anyone who names Heartland as a beneficiary in their will, trust, retirement plan, or life insurance policy.
Join & Notify Us
Loved for Life Program
OWNER PEACE OF MIND
The Loved for Life Program offers pet owners ultimate peace of mind by ensuring their beloved companions will always be safe, even if the unexpected happens. Through this program, you can officially designate Heartland as the future caregiver for your cat or dog in the event of your serious illness or passing. Enrollment requires a bequest agreement with a financial commitment of $5,000 per animal.
Notify Us to Enroll
WAYS TO GIVE
Choose Your Path to Impact
Whether you prefer a one-time contribution or a strategic long-term gift, find the method that best fits your lifestyle and helps us sustain our vital work.
Your unrestricted gift will impact the area of greatest need. Make your donation via credit card, check, or ACH transfer. For questions or help making a donation, please contact us.
You can turn any donation into a recurring gift. Whether you are supporting a specific fund, a seasonal campaign, event or our general fund, simply select “Monthly” as your giving frequency on our donation form. This is the easiest way to provide steady support on your own terms.
Looking for a deeper connection to our mission with added perks? Join the Heartland Heroes, our monthly giving program, and unleash your inner Superman!.
Note: to make changes to your monthly giving, please contact us.
Your gift to Heartland Animal Shelter could go twice as far! Check if your employer will match your donation!
Is your company looking to make a meaningful difference in the local community? A corporate partnership with Heartland Animal Shelter is a powerful way to align your brand with a cause that resonates with your employees and customers alike. By becoming a sponsor, you aren’t just donating—you’re investing in the health, safety, and future of animals in need.
We would love to create a custom sponsorship package that fits your company’s values and budget. Contact us to explore our current opportunities and start making an impact today.
Looking for a “set it and forget it” way to help our animals? Many employers offer the option to donate a portion of your paycheck directly to Heartland Animal Shelter through payroll deductions.
Check here or with your Human Resources or Benefits department to see if your workplace participates in a workplace giving campaign (like United Way or the Combined Federal Campaign) or offers independent payroll deductions.
Giving through a Donor Advised Fund is a powerful way to sustain Heartland Animal Shelter’s mission of providing care, kindness, and second chances to animals in need. By utilizing a DAF, you can make a lasting impact on our residents while enjoying immediate tax benefits.
When you recommend a grant through your Donor Advised Fund, the notifying organization does not always include your name or contact information. We want to ensure your generosity doesn’t go unnoticed! Please contact us. to let us know about your gift or for assistance with giving through your Donor Advised Fund.
Donating appreciated securities—such as stocks, bonds, or mutual funds—is one of the most tax-efficient ways to support the cats and dogs at Heartland Animal Shelter. By transferring ownership of securities directly to Heartland, you can often avoid paying capital gains taxes on the appreciation. You may receive a federal income tax charitable deduction for the full market value of the securities (subject to IRS limitations).
Donating is simple! To get started, please contact us with your financial advisor or brokerage firm’s information, and Heartland will provide them with our account information to complete the transfer.
Heartland Animal Shelter welcomes the opportunity to partner with family and private foundations that share our commitment to animal welfare. Foundation grants provide the vital stability needed to fund our most impactful work—from large-scale medical rescues to the daily enrichment that keeps our residents happy and healthy.
Let’s connect! To discuss grant opportunities or to schedule a private tour of the shelter to see our mission in action, please contact us.
You can ensure that Heartland Animal Shelter remains a safe haven for cats and dogs for generations to come by including us in your long-term plans. A legacy gift is a beautiful way to carry on your compassion for animals in need without affecting your current finances. By including Heartland in your estate planning you create a permanent safety net for the pets who need us most.
A tribute gift is a meaningful way to celebrate a milestone or cherish the memory of a beloved person or pet. Tribute giving is available for every donation at Heartland.
Simply select the “Tribute” option during your online donation submission. If you provide an email address for the honoree or their family, they will be automatically notified via email of your thoughtful gesture.
If you would prefer a physical card be mailed to the recipient, please For questions or help making a donation, please contact us with the recipient’s full name and mailing address after completing your donation.
Do you have a creative idea to help our rescues? Third-party events or campaign are fundraisers organized by passionate supporters like you—individuals, local businesses, or community groups—to benefit Heartland Animal Shelter. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, running a local shop, or gathering friends for a good cause, your event can provide life-saving funds for our residents.
Let’s Get Started: We want your event to be a “pawsitive” success! Please For questions or help making a donation, please contact us to share your idea and receive our Third-Party Event Toolkit & Guidelines before you begin.
FUNDRAISING EVENTS
Turning Moments Into Milestones
At Heartland, our events are more than just a good time—they are a lifeline for the animals in our care. Whether you’re walking for your sole mate or dancing the night away at a gala, your participation turns compassion into action.
Do you have a knack for planning, a creative eye, or a passion for community outreach? We are looking for dedicated volunteers to join our Event Committees and help bring our signature fundraisers to life! By lending your time and talent, you play a direct role in the success of events like the Golden Paw Gala or Walk of Love, ensuring we raise the vital funds needed to care for our animals.
Why Join a Committee?
- Use Your Skills: Assist with everything from auction procurement and décor to marketing and logistics.
- Go Behind the Scenes: Get an insider’s look at how our major campaigns are built from the ground up.
- Build Community: Work alongside fellow animal lovers and Heartland staff to make a tangible impact.
Help Us Lead the Way: If you’re ready to help us plan our next big success, we want to hear from you! Please reach out to [email protected] to learn more about current committee openings and how you can get involved.
Slumber Pawty
Join us April 18-19 to celebrate the power of our foster program by participating in the unique, immersive event.
REGISTER NOW
Walk of Love
Walk with your best friend on June 13 to celebrate the bond between pets and people.
Golden Paw Gala
You are invited to an elegant evening of dinner, auctions, and inspiration on October 16.
Giving Tuesday
Help us kick off the holiday season on December 1 with a day of giving.
WISH LIST
In-Kind Donations
The gift of tangible goods or professional services is a vital way to lower our overhead costs, ensuring every dollar we raise goes directly toward saving lives.
Check out our dog/puppy, cat/kitten, and medical/general lists for high-priority items like kitten formula, enrichment toys, and heavy-duty leashes directly to our door.
Top 5 Dog/Puppy Items Needed
- Martingale collars, size M
- Harnesses – EZ Walk or Freedom No-Pull, sizes M, M/L, and L
- Science Diet Small Bites Dry Food
- Kong Wobbler or Kong Extreme – size L, XL, XXL
- Canned dog food – adult and puppy – please see the choices on our Amazon Wish List
More Dog/Puppy Supplies
- Nylabones
- Max & Neo Leashes
- Poop bags
- Training Treats
- More Training Treats
- Canned Chicken
- Cream Cheese
- LickiMats
- Toppl Treat Puzzle
- Orbee-Tuff Mazee Ball
- Planet Dog Snoop
- Star Mark Bob-a-Lot
- Magic Mushroom
- Durable Stuffed Animals for Pets – check out the choices on our Amazon Wish List!
Top 5 Cat Items Needed
- Canned cat food (Friskies or Fancy Feast preferred) – all flavors welcome
- Delectables Squeeze Up Pouches
- Cat treats – we love Temptations Cat Treats!
- Science Diet Dry Food – adult and kitten
- Non-clumping clay cat litter
Top 10 Kitten Supplies
- Canned kitten food (Purina Fancy Feast, Royal Canin or Purina Pro Plan preferred)
- Kitten formula (PetLac, KMR, 2nd Step, Breeder’s Edge or Fox Valley)
- Science Diet Kitten Health Development Original Dry
- Baby food cans (human) chicken-flavored is best
- Nursing Kits
- SmartPetLove Snuggle Kitty
- Miracle brand nipples
- Liquid Syringes
- Snuggle Safe Pet Bed Microwave Heated Pads
- Small Kitchen Scale
More Cat/Kitten Supplies
- Cardboard cat scratchers
- Greenies Pill Pockets – Salmon & Tuna Falvor
- Machine washable cat toys (nothing with catnip, please)
- Cat treats – we love the Temptations Cat Treats!
- Nail clippers for cats
- Stretch & Scratch (scratching posts for cages)
- Feliway diffuser refills
- Kuranda bed
- Pet Wipes
- Foldable Play Pen
- Disposable Litter Boxes
Top 5 Medical and General Supply Items Needed
- Help me Up Harnesses – size medium, large, extra large
- Gift cards:
Amazon, PetSmart, Petco, Target,
Walmart, Sam’s Club, Costco,
Menards, and Home Depot - Shoe Covers
- Frontline Plus Flea & Tick treatment
- Cosequin DS Joint Health Tablets
More Medical Supplies
- Frontline Plus topical treatment
- Pill Pockets for medication administration
- FortiFlora Probiotics for Dogs
- Nutra-Vet Fish Oil Supplements
- Cosequin DS Joint Health Tablets
- Comfy Cones E-Collars (all sizes)
- Disposable gowns
- Rubbing alcohol
- Latex and non-latex disposable gloves
- Scrub tops, coats and pants (new or used)
- Zen Collars (all sizes)
More General Supplies
- Lysol Spray
- Paper towels
- Bleach
- Liquid laundry soap with bleach
- Paper Plates – (small and dinner size; no styrofoam, please!)
- Heavy Duty Contractor Bags (3 mil. thickness)
- Postage stamps
- Tall garbage bags
Make a donation to our twice-monthly pet food pantry.
- Entertainment
- Event decor
- Printing services
- Shelter repair/maintenance
- Grooming
Please contact us. if you can assist us with any of these services, or to discuss other ways to help our animals.
OUR PARTNERS
A Community of Support
Heartland’s life-saving work is made possible by the dedicated businesses, foundations and organizations that invest in our mission year-round. We extend our deepest gratitude to our current partners, whose generous funding and professional contributions allow us to focus our resources where they matter most—on the animals in our care.
Interested in joining this impactful circle? We invite new organizations to help us build a more compassionate future by contacting us at [email protected] to discuss partnership opportunities.
HEARTLAND ANIMAL SHELTER
586 Palwaukee Drive
Wheeling, IL 60090 Map
Monday – Wednesday Closed
Thursday – Friday 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday – Sunday 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
847-296-6400
Press 7 for dogs and 5 for cats
[email protected]
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Heartland is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. @2026 Heartland Animal Shelter. All rights reserved.
OUR MISSION
At Heartland Animal Shelter, we provide 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.
