Felines & Canines

Felines & Canines is a licensed 501(c)(3) no-kill animal shelter based in the United States, dedicated to providing a safe and loving environment for abandoned, injured, abused, and neglected animals until they are adopted into permanent homes. The organization strengthens the human-animal relationship through counseling, education, and compassion.

History

Founded in 1977 as Felines Inc., one of Chicago's first cage-less no-kill cat shelters, Felines & Canines initially focused on caring for felines, especially those with special needs. Under the leadership of Executive Director Abby Smith, Felines Inc. expanded its mission and operations in 2002. By 2012, the organization had grown significantly, adopting nearly 400 animals annually and expanding to include canine care. This marked the transition to Felines & Canines, a shelter for both cats and dogs.

Between 2012 and 2018, Felines & Canines saw a substantial increase in adoptions, reaching approximately 1,900 annually. In 2018, the organization further expanded with the establishment of the Hunter Stephenson Rescue Center in Northern Alabama, a high-volume rescue and relocation facility designed to save thousands of dogs and cats annually.

Mission and Values

Felines & Canines aims to end the euthanasia of adoptable pets through rescue, rehoming, education, and spay/neuter efforts. The organization emphasizes providing exceptional medical and emotional care to the animals in its care and strives for a warm, home-like environment. It prioritizes a personalized adoption experience, focusing on matching humans with suitable companion animals while promoting lifelong support for adoptive families.

One of the organization's key values is the commitment to a "forever family," making a lifetime promise to care for animals that have been part of Felines & Canines. It also emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement and evolution to meet the changing needs of the community and animals.

Unique Programs

Felines & Canines is renowned for its groundbreaking program for FIV-positive cats and for establishing the nation's first rescue and relocation facility in Northern Alabama. This facility is designed to rescue and relocate dogs and cats from understaffed areas, significantly impacting animal welfare across the region.

Through its work, Felines & Canines has become a model for innovative animal welfare initiatives in the United States.