Nonprofit organization Tails Together is opening on 2900 Central Street. The new facility will be a no-kill shelter with foster and adoption services, along with a pet supply store open to the public.
Tails Together’s primary mission is to “change the lives of animals in need and the families who love them.” One of the shelter’s core goals is to reduce the burden on existing Evanston animal shelters.
“With shelters overflowing and animals at risk of being euthanized, we step in to provide the support that keeps pets in their homes and helps shelter animals find the forever families they deserve,” said Tails Together staff.
For some students, the new shelter brings a sense of comfort and optimism, inspiring hope for animals in need.
“I’m hopeful that animals will be able to find new homes, especially around the holidays,” said freshman Delaney Broderick. “Many families in Evanston are in the position to give homes to these animals and truly care for them.”
Broderick said she sees a clear role for Tails Together in Evanston, viewing the shelter as an essential part of connecting homeless animals with families who can support them.
“Animal shelters act as a bridge, helping animals without homes find loving ones,” said Broderick.
According to Broderick, the shelter is likely to draw more people to adopt or foster animals.
“I think that Tails Together could bring some new faces into the neighborhood to take a look at the animals,” said Broderick.
Freshman Simone Hewitt agrees that the new shelter will be a valuable addition to the Evanston community. Hewitt believes Tails Together could reshape how people acquire pets.
“I think that this pet adoption center will urge the community to shy away from breeding companies and give older dogs a home,” said Hewitt.
Tails Together plans to provide opportunities for families and students to support their efforts. Kids will be able to read to pets and hear books about animals being read by older kids and adults. The shelter offers volunteer positions for students 14 and older with parental permission and internships for those 16 and older. Younger children can also participate in various programs with their parents.
As Tails Together prepares to open on Central Street, it hopes to become a resource for overcrowded facilities and a new option for Evanston families ready to adopt or foster an animal, with community members already expressing interest in supporting the organization.
