Young at Heart Senior Pet Adoptions

Young at Heart Senior Pet Adoptions Young at Heart is a cage-free rescue and sanctuary for senior dogs and cats located in Woodstock IL. For more info visit www.adoptaseniorpet.com

Young at Heart is a rescue and safe haven for senior dogs and cats in Northern Illinois. Young at Heart's mission is to provide senior dogs and cats with a safe haven to ensure they live with comfort, compassion, and companionship in their golden years. We are a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization dedicated to the rescue and rehoming of senior dogs and cats. Because we are a cageless facility, ado

ptions are done by appointment only with an approved application. We do not offer "walk thru" adoptions for the senior pets safety and comfort.

❣️ ADOPTED & LOVED ❣️The moment 10-year-old Everest arrived, which was only a few weeks ago, he already had a home. We j...
02/22/2025

❣️ ADOPTED & LOVED ❣️

The moment 10-year-old Everest arrived, which was only a few weeks ago, he already had a home. We just didn't know it yet. For our Animal & Donor Care Team member, Jamie, it was love at first sight. From the moment she met sweet, social, and chill guy, Everest, she had a gut feeling he was going to go home with her. The gut doesn't lie!

As soon as Everest was fully vetted and ready for adoption, Jamie swooped in and made her claim before he could even go up on our website! She was determined to be the one to give this awesome dude the good life in his golden years. 🥰 Everest is settling into his new home incredibly well, and his kitty sister - YAH alum, Azul - is tolerating the newfound need to share the human's attention.

Yay for Everest, Jamie, and Azul! 🎉 Happy life together, kids!

That's definitely one way to eat breakfast, Gizmo. 🤣
02/22/2025

That's definitely one way to eat breakfast, Gizmo. 🤣

02/22/2025

🐾 PET NAIL CLIPPING TOMORROW AT NATURE'S FEED 🐾

Donations requested to benefit Young at Heart Senior Pet Adoptions.

Pet nail clipping provided by Fur the Love of Dogs, Inc..

See y'all tomorrow! 😁

02/22/2025

When the winter weather keeps you in, it’s frozen treats for the win! 7-year-old Charlie loves his “brain games” and is always very sad to see them go. 😋

Charlie is adoptable within 200 miles of Woodstock IL. He would do best in a home with older kids (12+), a fenced-in yard, and where he can be only pet.

Learn more about Charlie and apply to adopt on our website.

www.adoptaseniorpet.com

We're worried that Simone is feeling stressed in her new role as an office cat. 🤭Not! This sassy 9-year-old girl has bee...
02/21/2025

We're worried that Simone is feeling stressed in her new role as an office cat. 🤭

Not! This sassy 9-year-old girl has been LOVING her life as a solo kitty in our Medical Director, Jen's, office. She has settled so wonderfully and has been allowing us to see more of her sweet, playful, and curious side. Her naughty, little trickster side is present as ever, as Simone will still chew on Jen's hands when she's hungry and sit on the keyboard while Jen is trying to get work done. But that's what makes her, her!

📍 Simone is available for adoption in Woodstock, IL. Learn more about her ideal home and apply to adopt on our website.

www.adoptaseniorpet.com

🚨 NEWBIE ALERT! Today, we opened our doors to 10ish-year-old Samuel! This poor, old guy was all out of sorts at the kenn...
02/21/2025

🚨 NEWBIE ALERT!

Today, we opened our doors to 10ish-year-old Samuel! This poor, old guy was all out of sorts at the kennel. He was nervous, hesitant, and would shake terribly. He wanted desperately to seek comfort from the humans, but he was just so confused, wanting to go home, wherever that may have been.

The shelter wanted better for this sweet old man, so they reached out to us for rescue. Thanks to the reliable and generous gifts from our Constant Companion members, we were able to say "yes" to offering Samuel safe haven here at Young at Heart. ❤️

Samuel just arrived a couple hours ago, so he is still very shaken up, but calms enough to try and rest when staff is able to sit with him. We know these next few days of adjustment are scary, so we're going to do our best to show ole Samuel that he is safe, secure, and has the best village of people (that's you!) looking out for him now.

Sweet Midge had her dental yesterday - or a comprehensive oral health assessment and treatment (COHAT), if you're feelin...
02/20/2025

Sweet Midge had her dental yesterday - or a comprehensive oral health assessment and treatment (COHAT), if you're feeling technical. 🦷✨ She lost her remaining 17 teeth, including 3 of her 4 canines. Goodbye to icky rotten teeth, and hello to a healthy comfortable mouth for this 16-year-old sweetheart!

Midge is recovering in one of our comfy suites at the adoption center, where she can rest and recuperate in a cozy space of her own. No noisy or nosy roomies, and the space isn't too big or intimidating for this blind & deaf girl. She is adjusting well and is loving the opportunity to meet our lovely volunteers who give her all the snuggles.

This adorable girl is out of new arrival isolation, but she is still on medical hold while she recovers. We also want to have a chance to schedule a visit with the ophthalmologist so we have a complete understanding of her blindness before sending her off to a potential forever home. 😊 Stay tuned for more news on Midge!

❣️ ADOPTED & LOVED ❣️Tabby's dreams have come true! She has been adopted and can now spend the rest of her life smotheri...
02/20/2025

❣️ ADOPTED & LOVED ❣️

Tabby's dreams have come true! She has been adopted and can now spend the rest of her life smothering her new family with love, and they will happily accept it - every second of every day. 🥰

Meaghan is a previous adopter. When she reached out with interest in bringing home another, we were ecstatic, knowing whomever she chose would want for nothing. After getting the chance to meet everyone, it was 7-year-old Velcro kitty, Tabby, who won her heart and secured a ride to her new home with Meaghan and Mom.

Tabby has someone home with her all the time, which means everything to this lovey-dovey girl. All she needed was a family who she could pour her overabundance of love into, and she has just that (and more) with Meaghan and Mom! 😻 YAY!!

This week has been a little tough on sweet Charlie. The weather has been far too cold to be outside for fetch or decent ...
02/19/2025

This week has been a little tough on sweet Charlie. The weather has been far too cold to be outside for fetch or decent walks, and he's definitely starting to come down with a bit of cabin fever. He's been showing signs of increased stress, no matter how many volunteers or staff spend time with him, no matter how many brain games we try to engage him in.

After a rough afternoon, our Chaos Coordinator, Sarah, brought him back into the Family Room for some snuggles on the couch. It was just what Charlie needed: a warm lap, a softly-sung lullaby, and the soothing strokes of someone who loves him unconditionally. ☺️

This is what Charlie needs every day. Comfort, care, consistency. Home. Family. Our cage-free adoption center is great; yes, we do everything we can to make it as cozy as possible. But it's still not home. Charlie knows that. He feels that. He needs something more. He deserves the quiet home with the adoring family that he yearns for.

Charlie is a big snuggle bug - an over-sized lap dog with a quality over quantity mindset regarding his friends and family. He has done well with older kids (12+) and would prefer to be the only pet in the household.

If you would like to learn more about Charlie - or if you know someone who would be a good fit for him - please visit our website. And please share this post to help Charlie find that perfect family!

www.adoptaseniorpet.com

📍 Charlie is available for adoption within 200 miles of Woodstock, IL. Adoption fee is $200; senior citizens get a 50% discount on adoption fees. All of our senior pets are fully vetted before adoption.

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away... 🌟🪐AKA last month, just a handful of weeks ago, we welcomed in an ancient pu...
02/19/2025

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away... 🌟🪐

AKA last month, just a handful of weeks ago, we welcomed in an ancient pug named Yoda. He ended up at a southern shelter after he was found as a stray, emaciated and dehydrated. The shelter simply wasn't equipped to care for seniors - especially super seniors like Yoda - and they wanted more for this wise, old man than life in a chain-link run. They worked diligently to find a safe haven for Yoda, leading him to Young at Heart.

Originally estimated to be maybe 13, our in-house vet Dr. Cassandra evaluated him and put him closer to 16-years-old. He came to us with a looong list of old man ailments, and after performing diagnostics and thorough examinations, we added even more things to that list.

Some "highlights" include, but are not limited to: blindness, deafness, a collapsing trachea, severe brachycephalic airway disease, severe spinal arthritis, and the most heartbreaking find was a long-term, untreated eye disease - most likely KCS or "dry eye." This led to the ulceration and rupture of his left eye, and a deep ulcer with partial rupture of the right eye. These are very painful conditions, and it is crushing to think of all that little Yoda has endured. 😔

He may look to be in rough shape, and well... he is. Despite that, Yoda proved to be a sweet, happy-go-lucky guy with a ferocious appetite for life. He has earned the chance to experience as much comfort and love as possible, and with your support, that's exactly what we aim to give him for as long as he may have left.

He is monitored by staff and volunteers closely. We are going day-by-day to ensure he's still able to enjoy every moment. Yes, we may be having "the talk" about quality of life sooner rather than later, but that doesn't make his rescue any less valuable. In fact, saving senior pets like Yoda reminds us how much our mission means not only to us, but to the homeless senior pets who suddenly find themselves lost and alone.

It truly has been incredible to watch Yoda defy odds and wake up each day with new wisdom and a pep in his step. It takes a village, and you - our generous friends - have given him this amazing opportunity to know dignity, comfort, and companionship in the twilight of his life. Thank you. ❤

Valentine's Day may be over, but there is still plenty of love in the air! 💕 Gather round for one of our favorite love s...
02/19/2025

Valentine's Day may be over, but there is still plenty of love in the air! 💕 Gather round for one of our favorite love stories from this year (so far):

There once was a kitty named Stan Lee. This cute, creamsicle boy was chubby-cheeked and cute as can be. For photos Stan posed so politely, and on Valentine's Day, John sent them to his beloved Tammy.

Dr. Tammy's heart filled with glee. She reached for her phone to tell Young at Heart they were ready; they wanted to meet Stan Lee. It was purrs at first sight, and now John, Tammy, and Stan Lee make three! 🥰

Thank you to our good friends, John and Dr. Tammy of Animal Hospital of McHenry, for falling in love with Stan Lee and bringing him into your hearts and home! He couldn't ask for a better family in his golden years. And what a wonderful testament to the heart-stealing powers of a Young at Heart Valentine's e-card. 😉

Bonnie was delighted to see her cute self on our Valentine's display in our main lobby. 🥰Oh yeah, her beau thing, Clyde,...
02/18/2025

Bonnie was delighted to see her cute self on our Valentine's display in our main lobby. 🥰

Oh yeah, her beau thing, Clyde, was in it too, looking handsome as ever. But Bonnie needs you to know it's her who really stole the show; she always brings the drama!

Bonnie and Clyde are an adoptable bonded pair! Learn more about their preferred home and submit an application on our website.

→ adoptaseniorpet.com
📍 Woodstock IL

Choosing your next cat companion can be tough. There are so many amazing cats out there in need of homes, but today, we'...
02/18/2025

Choosing your next cat companion can be tough. There are so many amazing cats out there in need of homes, but today, we're here to talk about just one. Some would even say THE one AND only... Margie! ✨

This 9-year-old Torbie girl was rescued in May 2024, and from then 'til now, staff, volunteers, and guests have learned alllll about Miss Margie. One of her biggest fans comes in the form of Rayne from our Animal Care Team, whose latest letter of adoration reads:

"I love how Margie is a little bit of everything all of the time. She can be silly and playful and loves rolling around, showing off her cute belly. She loves to be comfy and cozy and can make do anywhere. She loves rubbing her head on me and getting pets, but remains an independent girl boss and will walk away and lay on her own when she’s done.

She’s such a silly, cute, loving girl and I hope she finds a forever family that will love and enjoy her as much as I have!" 💌😭

Margie is very much adoptable and ready to find her forever family! If you think you're worthy of this queen's presence on the daily, you can read more about her and submit an adoption application on our website.

www.adoptaseniorpet.com

📍 Woodstock IL

We were a little quiet on socials this weekend because we were busy welcoming in two new senior dogs... Say hello to 12-...
02/17/2025

We were a little quiet on socials this weekend because we were busy welcoming in two new senior dogs... Say hello to 12-year-old Mandy the Maltese mix, as well as 13-year-old Wolfie (Wolfgang if you're feeling fancy) the American Eskimo mix! ❤️

These precious, old pups both found themselves in need of a second chance for different reasons, and thanks to your generosity, we were able to say "yes." Both Mandy and Wolfie made it to us on Valentine's Day, filling our hearts to the brim with joy. We gotta say, saving some deserving senior dogs is definitely our favorite way to spend the holiday of love.

Our in-house vet, Dr. C, will see both dogs this week for their intake exams, and once we learn more from diagnostics, we will formulate plans for both Mandy and Wolfie's specific needs. Both will likely need dentals. Mandy will for sure be getting a much-needed spa day. We're excited to give both of them what they need and deserve, which we're only able to do because of the kindness of our community. 🥰

Thank you for providing Mandy and Wolfie with a second chance to enjoy comfort, compassion, and companionship in their golden years!

❣️ ADOPTED & LOVED ❣️14-year-old Lulu (left) has been welcomed into the hearts and home of Jolanda, Peter, and adorable ...
02/16/2025

❣️ ADOPTED & LOVED ❣️

14-year-old Lulu (left) has been welcomed into the hearts and home of Jolanda, Peter, and adorable new sister, Lucy!

From the moment Lulu arrived, we had one of those unexplainable feelings that she would be snatched up by that perfect person sooner rather than later. She just had that special aura about her. 😍 When Jolanda's application for Lulu came in, and she wrote about how rescuing seniors gives her purpose, we had that same special feeling about her as we did Lulu. It's like they were meant to be together, and now, they are!

Jolanda, Peter, and Lucy were all eager to welcome Lulu home and spoil her silly in her golden years. They have been so patient, understanding, and compassionate as they help this cute little girl navigate her new life with her loving family. No doubt about it - Lulu is such a lucky girl. 💕 Thank you for adopting a senior dog!

I'm Gideon, I'm 16-years-old, and I'm the most adorable old dude this side of Woodstock. 😍 I am also looking for a forev...
02/15/2025

I'm Gideon, I'm 16-years-old, and I'm the most adorable old dude this side of Woodstock. 😍 I am also looking for a forever home!

I am a handsome and quiet boy who prioritizes "me" time. I like getting loved on, specifically behind-the-ear scratches. I'm a big fan of food, I love to play games with my snuffle mats and treat puzzles, and I'm a great companion for short walks around the neighborhood. I've done okay with chill dogs of all sizes here, but the idea of spending my retirement as your one and only pup sounds real good to me, too!

I enjoy the occasional belly rub from my favorite people, a good nap in the sun, and the quiet love of a family. This Valentine's Day, I am hoping for a person or family to welcome me into their hearts and love me like crazy. 🥰

To learn more about me and submit an adoption application, visit Young at Heart's website.

www.adoptaseniorpet.com

📍 Woodstock IL

Our big hearted volunteers showering our senior pets with so much love this Valentine’s Day. ❤️
02/14/2025

Our big hearted volunteers showering our senior pets with so much love this Valentine’s Day. ❤️

Address

4301 S IL Route 47
Woodstock, IL
60098

Telephone

+18153334001

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When the winter weather keeps you in, it’s frozen treats for the win! 7-year-old Charlie loves his “brain games” and is always very sad to see them go. 😋 Charlie is adoptable within 200 miles of Woodstock IL. He would do best in a home with older kids (12+), a fenced-in yard, and where he can be only pet. Learn more about Charlie and apply to adopt on our website. www.adoptaseniorpet.com

Getting good lovins from staff members shortly after his arrival. ❤️

Margie loves Ramen box <3

Linus on a walk!
Linus on a walk!

Adoptable Linus went for his first solo walk at the adoption center once the weather warmed up! He was definitely nervous at first, always looking to his walker for cues, which is an awesome habit. Checking in with your person is always a desirable behavior on walks, and he was doing it naturally! ☺️ Linus got more and more confident the longer he walked, eventually walking a little further in front of his walker, taking in all the scents he caught. But he always checked back in. We’re excited to keep building his confidence and reinforcing all the good traits he’s exhibiting on his walks while Linus waits for his forever home. To learn more about what we know about Linus and what his preferred forever home looks like, visit our website! www.adoptaseniorpet.com 📍 Woodstock IL

Our Holiday Open House is today - 11 AM - 2PM! ❤ Come out and shop our "Stocking Stuffer"store! Get Young at Heart swag for yourself or as a gift for a loved one and 100% of your purchase goes back to help homeless senior pets! Scoop ‘n’ Poop Farm is here with delicious smelling soaps and every sale benefits Young at Heart. Lots of sweet senior dogs and cats are ready to greet you and spread joy. 🥰 We hope to see you!

Hanging with the Littles 🐶
Hanging with the Littles 🐶

Get to know the “Littles” of Young at Heart - AKA the cutest, cuddliest old doggos ever. 💕 Each of these precious pups were saved because of big-hearted people like you. Create more life-saving moments for homeless senior pets when you make a gift on our website: srpets.co/HOL24

Therapy with Mr. Clyde 😎
Therapy with Mr. Clyde 😎

Join 16-year-old Clyde as he gets his weekly therapy from our Animal Wellness Coordinator, Blanaid! 🌊 It is only with your help that we can provide comfort and compassion to senior pets just like Clyde. You can improve more pets’ lives by making a donation today! Your gift will be MATCHED when you donate at srpets.co/HOL24 💙

Meet the kitties of Kitty Corner 2 😽
Meet the kitties of Kitty Corner 2 😽

Settle in and let our wonderful Animal Care Team Manager, Lilly, lead you through Kitty Corner 2 to meet some of our frosty-faced felines. 😽

Meet Snickers & Nova 💞
Meet Snickers & Nova 💞

Meet the infamous “Bigs” here at our adoption center, AKA adoptable Snickers and Sanctuary senior, Nova. 💞 Snickers and Nova were given second chances to thrive in their golden years thanks to your kindness! There are many more sweet seniors just like them who need you to be their voice. Make a donation today and it will be MATCHED, instantly doubling your generosity for older pets at risk of euthanasia. (Link to donate in comments).

You can imagine just how crucial veterinary care is to our mission to provide senior dogs and cats with comfort, compassion, and companionship in their golden years. That's why we are beyond grateful to have Dr. Cassandra here full-time to offer her incredible expertise and skill to our seniors, just like with Sanctuary kitty, Fanny. 😻 So many older pets come in to our facility in rough conditions. Some of them are medical messes due to neglect or being on their own as strays. Even more tragic are those old souls who are deteriorating simply because they have given up, having lost all hope of a second chance at a happy life. YOU give senior pets hope again. Your generosity provides senior dogs and cats with the medical care necessary to make them comfortable and restore their health. When their bodies feel good again, they start to flourish, becoming the loving and lively animals they were always meant to be. We have seen so many amazing transformations: old dogs who originally didn't want to move due to the pain becoming active and energetic pups, and white-muzzled cats with multiple chronic diagnoses defying all odds. It is all thanks to YOU. ❤️ Your constant kindness allows us to have a talented and knowledgable vet and techs on-site, dedicated solely to caring for our seniors. You allow us to take every measure possible to save a life, so that we can confidently say, "We tried everything." You see the value in golden-aged dogs and cats, and you make sure they get every chance they deserve. We can't thank you enough. _ You can offer health and happiness to more homeless senior pets by making a donation. When you make a gift today, it will be MATCHED by a generous friend of Young at Heart, doubling your impact on an older pet who needs you most. Visit http://srpets.co/HOL24 to make a gift today.

WOWEE! On the worldwide day of giving, you all helped raise over $10,000 for the frosty-faced dogs and cats of Young at Heart. ❤️ We are constantly blown away by the kindness of our animal-loving community. Thank you! The very generous donor who agreed to match donations up to $50,000 is STILL willing to double any donation made. The giving spirit transcends far beyond one day; there’s still time to boost the impact you can make on a senior pet at risk of euthanasia. Let’s come together to reach that $50,000 goal!! And as you all continue to show up for older dogs and cats who need you most, we are continuing to show you some of the precious senior lives you have saved and continue to care for with your generosity and compassion. So join our team members, Sarah and Sandy, as they tell you a little bit about an unexpected pair of besties at our adoption center. ☺️

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Our Story

In a perfect world, every senior pet would spend its twilight years surrounded by a loving family. But sadly, senior pets that end up in shelters often do not get that chance.

Young At Heart™ is a rescue and safe haven for senior dogs & cats in Northern Illinois founded in 2005. Young at Heart’s new adoption center & sanctuary just for senior pets opened in September 2019 in Woodstock, IL. Young at Heart's mission is to provide senior dogs and cats with a safe haven to ensure they live with comfort, compassion, and companionship in their golden years. We find loving homes for adoptable senior pets and offer a peaceful sanctuary life for those that are less adoptable. With your support, Young at Heart™ gives older dogs and cats another chance to enjoy the twilight of their lives through rescue, foster, adoption and sanctuary.

Young at Heart™ believes that Love Has No Age Limit™ and that senior pets deserve to enjoy their golden years wrapped in the love, safety, and comfort of a loving family.

For more information, visit www.adoptaseniorpet.com