McHenry Pet Adoption Center Still Closed Amid Staff Shortage

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL — A staffing shortage forced the McHenry County Department of Health to close its Animal Control and Adoption Center in May. Nearly a month later, the adoption center remains closed as county officials work to transfer animals currently in its care to local shelters.

As of late last month, 17 animals had been transferred and 23 remained at the facility at 100 N. Virginia St. in Crystal Lake.

"We hope to have the adoption center up and running as quickly as possible but we are still looking to fill some open positions," Lindsey Savatelli, community information coordinator for the McHenry County Department of Health, told Patch in an email response Wednesday. As of last week, eight positions were open in the animal control division.

Those interested in viewing and applying for those jobs can do so here.

The animal control division is continuing to respond to calls for service, accepting relinquished pets and stray animals, microchipping pets, assisting with pet registration and more, according to a statement from the health department.

"We do not anticipate any further disruptions in services as we move toward filling open positions. We expect to have adequate staff in place and animal adoptions resumed as soon as possible," health officials said in the statement late last month.