Shining Light Animal Rescue

🐾 Shining Light Animal Rescue is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to rescuing and rehoming lost, abandoned, and mistreated dogs in Southern Illinois. We’re committed to giving every animal a second chance at a loving home.🐾

ADOPTABLES on PETFINDER

🐾 Shining Light Animal Rescue is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to rescuing and rehoming lost, abandoned, and mistreated dogs in Southern Illinois. We’re committed to giving every animal a second chance at a loving home.🐾

ADOPTABLES on PETFINDER

Helping animals find forever homes in Southern Illinois.
Welcome to Shining Light Animal Rescue
Contact Us
Our Mission
Shining Light Animal Rescue was born from our deep love for animals, nurtured over six years of fostering dogs in northern Illinois. When we moved to southern Illinois in the summer of 2024, we tragically lost our beloved dog, Brody. This heartbreaking experience opened our eyes to the overwhelming number of dogs and cats in this region who need help.

In honor of Brody, we are committed to being a beacon of hope for these animals. Whether they are lost and searching for their way home, abandoned by those who should have cared for them, or fleeing from neglect, we will extend our hands and hearts to help them find safety, love, and a new beginning. While we will never stop searching for Brody, we vow to shine a light on the path to a better life for every animal that we can.

#ComeHomeBrody
About our Shelter
Shining Light Animal Rescue is a family-run, home-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit and Illinois Department of Agriculture–licensed animal shelter. We are also licensed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for wildlife rehabilitation. Our fully fenced and monitored two-acre property includes several dedicated structures, secure outdoor areas, ponds, and natural wooded spaces for safe enrichment and exploration. Our facilities include a 900-square-foot dog shelter with capacity for approximately 15 dogs, a 500-square-foot cat shelter serving up to 20 cats, and specialized shelters and enclosures for wildlife rehabilitation.
Cat Shelter
Our 500-square-foot cat shelter is a converted mobile home designed to give cats a calm, comfortable, home-like environment. It includes a dedicated isolation room, a bathroom, and a kitchen, while the remaining space features an open layout where cats can move freely, relax, climb, play, and socialize. The shelter also provides indoor and outdoor access to two secure catios, allowing the cats to safely enjoy fresh air and enrichment.
Dog Shelter
Photos coming soon...
Our 900-square-foot dog shelter includes 15 indoor kennels and 10 separate outdoor kennels, along with access to our fully fenced two-acre property. Dogs enjoy multiple secure play yards, a pond for supervised swimming, agility equipment, a slatmill treadmill, structured playgroups, and plenty of space for exercise and enrichment. We also use controlled, safety-focused introductions to help evaluate how dogs respond to cats, livestock, children, and other dogs so we can better understand their needs and find the right home.
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Recent Rescues
Follow our journey on Facebook as we share our rescue efforts in action!
About Shining Light Animal Rescue
Saving one animal at a time.
Founders
Scott and Emily have been dedicated to rescuing animals since 2018.
A Family Mission
At Shining Light Animal Rescue, our family's mission is to provide love, care, and second chances to abandoned and mistreated animals. I. Our rescue is more than just work; it’s our way of giving back and making a difference, one animal at a time.
Our Volunteers
We are incredibly greatful for the tremendous support we have received from fellow animal rescue volunteers. We cannot do it alone! 💗
Thank you, Sponsors!
Medical Sponsorship
Kennel Keeper Sponsorship
Medical Sponsorship
Kennel Keeper Sponsorship
Animal Rescue Request
Note: Surrendering a pet is a serious, last-resort decision.
In order to prioritize animals in crisis and prevent casual surrenders, a surrender fee is required for all owner-requested intakes:
🐾 Dogs: $75
🐾 Cats: $50
🐾 Litters: $100 for puppies, $75 for kittens
This fee goes toward veterinary care, food, and housing costs for surrendered animals. Fees may be reduced or waived for genuine emergencies, neglect cases, or financial hardship — please inquire.