About Us

Angels on Wheels Animal Rescue

Angels on Wheels Animal Rescue is a non-for-profit, 501c3, state licensed, foster based organization. We are composed of animal-loving volunteers that want to make a difference in the lives of these abandoned and forgotten animals. We are dedicated to finding and saving neglected and unwanted animals from high kill shelters on death row to give them a second chance for life.

We work with m

any shelters including those in Southern Illinois as well as other southern states, many of which still use gas to euthanize their animals. These states are some of the hardest hit areas with pet over-population due to lack of spaying and neutering. Numerous kittens, puppies, dogs, and loving cats are in danger of being euthanized at these facilities every day. Unfortunately for these babies, adoptions are very low and sadly, many will never make it out alive.

Many of the animals at high kill shelters are owner surrenders; especially with these tough economic times, owner surrenders are being dropped off at in extremely high numbers. Unfortunately for these once loved pets, adoption is usually far and few between for adult dogs and cats in these states, and time is not on their side.

Many times, owner surrenders are the first animals to be euthanized, and sometimes they only have five days to get rescued or adopted. That includes pregnant and nursing moms, and litters of puppies and kittens. Many animals are being put down due to lack of space to hold them. Our goal is get as many of these babies out of these places, on transport, into our rescue, get them vet checked, vaccinated and then find them their forever homes.

Sadly, until more people spay and neuter their animals or the laws change, babies will continue to be euthanized at an extremely high rates. We are frequently sent emails letting us know who is in danger, every day of every week of every month. It never

ends.

Many rescuers will post urgent rescue requests on internet forums for animals in shelters that are on the euthanasia lists, asking for help with anything from transporting animals to helping in extreme medical situations. Everyone helps everyone. Unfortunately, many times rescuers do not have enough foster homes to take any more animals...we just can't save them all, but we could save more with your help in fostering.

There is a vast network of passionate people that volunteer their time to pull animals in danger from shelters. Sometimes, they board or foster them until transport can be arranged, and then with the combined effort of many great people, transport is arranged for these animals. Angels on Wheel's founder has driven many hours in a day to help save these animals. Most transport volunteers are not asked to drive very long. There are many transport vehicles involved in the transport of just a few animals. These are called "legs"; the transport volunteers decide how long of a leg they can drive and then volunteer. Most drive around two hours. If you are interested in helping with transport, please email Susan.

When the babies finally arrive in our care, we provide them with age appropriate shots, deworming, baths, flea and tick treatment if needed, fecal testing , spaying/neutering, antibotics and any other medical attention they may need. They get plenty of good food and are provided a warm place to lay their heads. We then give them time to adjust to their new environment outside of kennels and among people. We take this time to evaluate them, assure the animals feel safe and protected and get socialized before we begin finding them loving families.

We have loved them all; from the end of a bad life to the beginning of a new life. It's breathtaking to watch the change...from a broken spirit to a, trusting, happy soul, and the happiness you see between these beautiful animals and their new families. That's the reason we rescue...Susan Pratl.

Our adoption process asks you to complete an Adoption Application prior to visiting with dogs, puppies, cats or kittens. Upon adoption, you will then be required to sign an Adoption Contract. You will need a valid driver's license and proof of residency (i.e., tax bill/deed) if you own, if you rent a copy of your lease agreement and if you own a townhouse/condo a copy of your association bylaws. You must over 21, all your pets must be current with the rabies vaccination as required by law and spayed and/or neutered. A Home Visit may be required.

This is video about four minutes long that looks at adoption from a dog's perspective.

There are many mutts, purebreds and designer puppies along with MANY adult dogs, puppies, cats, and kittens that need homes TODAY...All sizes, all shapes, and all colors. Many are in urgent need of homes NOW, because time is up. They're all waiting for that phone call to be rescued and to hear those three very special words:

"You're Safe Now"

If you don't see your new best friend under our section Adoption Information. We will look through shelters with urgent animals in need of a home. We will then send you pictures for you to review. Please email us to let us know the color, breed, size and/or sex of the dog, puppy, cat, or kitten you are looking for. If you don't see anything the first time around, we will keep trying. Chances are you will be united with a new friend sooner than you may think.

Transport will be arranged to bring your new pet into our rescue where they will receive all vetting needs and spaying/neutering, which will be covered in the adoption fee. Remember when you adopt, you save two lives: the one you took home and the one you just made room for in a shelter.

How Animal Shelters ? Video

I wonder if they see me? Can my little voice be heard? I'm waiting here so patiently for you to take me home. I'm young, I'm old, I'm little, I'm big with one wish that I hold. My wish is very simply you see, to be loved and hugged and treated kindly by someone just like you. I'll give to you my full attention, and love you ever more. So please just stop a moment and turn your eyes on me. You'll see I'm looking for you, and beg you'll come my way. Sometimes I start to loose my hope as days and weeks go by. My voice is one of thousands. I pray that mine is heard. Dear Lord let someone hear my cry, and take me home today.

Sincerely, A shelter Pet.

Author: Unknown and Modified By Susan Pratl

Below are a few of the families who have saved a life, thank you for adopting instead of buying.

Angels on Wheels Animal Rescue, NFP

"I am only one. But still, I am one. I cannot do everything, but still, I can do something. I may not change the world, but I can change the world for one."