August 22, 2023 -Veterans adopting dogs or cats will no longer have to pay a fee, thanks to a new law signed this month.
Across the state, pet adoption fees vary widely depending on the organization, ranging from $50 to $275. The new law requires animal shelters and animal control facilities to waive the adoption fee for military veterans in Illinois.
For returning troops, the benefits of bonding with a pet are important to aiding the transition back to civilian life. The bond created between people and animals can reduce grief, lessen loneliness, and improve mental health and overall well-being. Pets have the ability to improve the lives of veterans and, likewise, veterans can improve the lives of sheltered animals by giving them a home.
The law takes effect on January 1st.
