Peoria County accepts donations and grants to bolster animal shelter operations

Peoria County officials on an unspecified date heard an operational update from Peoria County Animal Protective Services (PCAPS) and approved several donations and grants intended to expand medical care and facility capacity.

Becky, a PCAPS staff member, told the board the agency is implementing fee changes that require software and paperwork updates and that staff are coordinating with local veterinary partners who sell county tags. "We are onboarding two new associates," Becky said, adding, "We have hired an animal control officer, and we have hired to fill our administrative assistant position." She said staff expect to install two grant-funded microchip-scanning stations in the community before Jan. 1 and are working to complete outstanding grant-related projects.

The board approved a $2,500 medical supply donation from longtime PCAPS volunteers Cindy and Joel Peterson. Becky said staff plan to use the money for giardia testing and treatment and to support the shelter’s free microchip program. The motion to accept the donation was moved by Danny and seconded by Rob; members voted to approve the measure.

The board also voted to accept a $250,000 bequest left in memory of Dr. Michael Eilenfeld’s dog Molly. Becky said the donor, an anesthesiologist who registered his dog with PCAPS for many years, did not earmark the funds. "He left us $250,000," Becky said. Staff recommended reserving the gift for capital projects; members discussed placing a plaque honoring the donor or the donor’s dog and noted that staff had reached out to remaining family by letter.

Separately, PCAPS will pilot an expansion of its parasite-prevention program after the Peoria Humane Society offered leftover funding. Becky said the reimbursable grant covers upgraded products for broader parasite treatment (including intestinal parasites and ear-mite treatment) at a cost of $2,000 through the end of the year. The board voted to accept the reimbursable grant.

All PCAPS-related measures were moved and seconded in open session and carried with affirmative votes. No formal dissent or abstentions were recorded in the transcript excerpt.

The board asked administration to compile yearly totals for grants, bequests and donations and distribute that information to committee members.

The meeting record shows the board kept PCAPS-related resolutions together on the agenda so staff could remain on topic; the shelter’s staffing changes, equipment plans and new funding will affect PCAPS operations heading into 2026.