Our Mission
Our mission is to be a voice for those who cannot speak, yet deserve a full and happy life. Every day, countless beautiful animals are surrendered to shelters, and some face even worse fates. We’re here to ensure every animal feels special and heard. This organization was inspired by Koda, the girl who changed my life forever. Always joyful, she lit up every room with her big grin and made friends effortlessly. Her name and spirit will never fade—we’re dedicated to fighting for other animals so they too can find their happily ever after.
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Lauren and Morgan started their journey with Effingham Animal Control in 2022 when they adopted Macie, who sadly passed away in 2024. In January 2024, they welcomed Gumbo and Kehlani, and more recently, Opie joined their family. Over the last two years, they’ve built a close connection with the amazing women at Effingham Animal Control. Their dedication to helping every animal in need is truly inspiring.
Michelle has been the chief warden at Effingham Animal Control for six years, and her leadership, along with officers Cheyenne and Mikaela, is what makes Effingham Animal Control such a vital part of the community.
Yes, we are a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. This means that your donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law, and we adhere to strict guidelines for financial accountability and transparency.
Koda is the heart and inspiration behind everything we do. With her infectious joy and big smile, she lit up every room and made friends effortlessly. Her presence changed the lives of anyone who knew her, and it’s in her honor that this organization was founded.
Our mission is rooted in her spirit—ensuring that every animal receives the love and care they deserve. Too many animals face uncertain futures in shelters or worse, but we’re here to make a difference. Koda’s legacy drives us to help every animal experience a happy, fulfilling life, just like she did.
Your donation will go directly towards supporting animals in need, covering essential expenses like medicine, food, and shelter supplies.
We use donations to provide necessary items such as medicine, food, blankets, litter, and cleaning supplies to keep the animals healthy and comfortable.
Yes, a portion of our funds goes towards covering private veterinary bills for animals that require medical attention as we see fit.
We will cover the costs of humane euthanasia and cremation services for animals that are suffering and cannot be saved, at our discretion.
We offer donors the option to specify if they would like their donation to go towards a particular need, such as medical care or shelter supplies.
Yes, the funds help cover the costs of adoption events and promotional materials.
The Hearts Behind the Mission
Morgan | Lauren
Vice President | President
Cheyenne | Mikaela | Michelle | Lauren
Treasurer | Board Member | Secretary | President
Find Your Furry Friend in the Heart of Central Illinois
Thank You To Our Lifetime Sponsors!
Your support shows that a single action can make all the difference, giving animals in need a chance for a better life and a forever home!
We are thrilled to announce an exciting new partnership with our friends at E.A.R.S. Effingham Animal Rescue Sanctuary!! Together, we’ve launched a critical care program designed to assist families with unforeseen veterinary expenses.
This initiative will provide much-needed financial support, ensuring that pets receive the care they deserve without the stress of unexpected costs.
We’re proud to expand our efforts through this collaboration, furthering our mission to keep pets with their families during times of crisis.
Visit our page to find out more! ❤️🐾The Vital Paws 𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍:
🐾 We believe no pet should be separated from their family due to financial hardship. This program was created to provide financial assistance for unexpected veterinary costs, ensuring pets receive the care they need while staying with their families who love them.
𝐖𝐇𝐎 is Vital Paws?
🐾 Vital Paws is a collaboration between two local organizations, united by a shared mission of supporting the community and their four-legged family members.
𝐊𝐎𝐃𝐀’𝐒 𝐆𝐈𝐅𝐓 𝐎𝐅 𝐏𝐀𝐖𝐒𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐈𝐓𝐘 is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, dedicated to improving the lives of animals in need through compassionate care and community support. Our mission extends beyond financial aid—we actively contribute to local shelters, advocate for animal welfare, and provide critical care assistance to families facing unexpected veterinary expenses. By ensuring pets receive the medical attention they deserve, we help keep beloved companions where they belong—at home with the families who love them.
𝐄𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐇𝐀𝐌 𝐀𝐍𝐈𝐌𝐀𝐋 𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐂𝐔𝐄 𝐒𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐓𝐔𝐀𝐑𝐘 (𝐄.𝐀.𝐑.𝐒.) is a fully foster-based, donation-based, and volunteer-run 501(c)(3) organization with three areas of focus: Foster & Adopt, Spay & Neuter, and Charitable/Critical Care Assistance. EARS was formed in 2010, and has been devoted to helping animals find loving homes, receive the medical care they need, and aid the community in pet care ever since.
Together these organizations form Vital Paws, an initiative working to ensure that pets and their families receive the support they need to stay together and thrive.
𝐖𝐇𝐎 do we serve?
🐾 Vital Paws serves families facing unforeseen veterinary expenses due to accidents, medical testing, emergency care, and other urgent health needs. We are also committed to supporting shelter animals by providing funding for critical care, including heartworm treatment and other necessary medical interventions. Our aim is to ensure that pets receive the care they deserve, whether they are in a loving home, foster care or waiting for adoption in a shelter, ultimately preventing unnecessary surrenders and promoting the well-being of animals in need.
𝐇𝐎𝐖 does the payment process work?
🐾 To ensure transparency and direct support, Vital Paws will only make payments directly to the veterinary office where the services will be provided. Each individual case can receive up to $500 in assistance. We will call the vet’s office and place funds on the individual account.
***Please note, we do not issue payment to individuals. Payments are made solely to the veterinary practices providing the care. ... See MoreSee Less
4 CommentsComment on Facebook
Wow!! So great to see amazing collaboration! ❤️🤗🐾
Congrats!!!!
This is amazing!!!!
When our friends at Effingham County Animal Shelter & Control ask for help we don’t hesitate—we load up and head their way! 🚛🐾
This incredible crew goes above and beyond every day, not just for the shelter animals but for the entire community. Their dedication, compassion, and hard work make a world of difference!!! 🤩
To all the amazing animal control officers out there—thank you for your kindness, your commitment, and everything you do! 💕🐶🐱
Your efforts don’t go unnoticed, and we’re so grateful for you! 🐾❤️ ... See MoreSee Less
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
You have no idea how much we appreciate you! Thank you for all you do🫶🏻
You are incredible! Thank you for all you do!
Join Us at The Rusty Reel’s Queen of Hearts Event! ❤️
We’re thrilled to partner with The Rusty Reel as they kick off their opening season with their annual Queen of Hearts event!
They’ve been generous enough to support us through this incredible opportunity, and we’d love for you to come out and be a part of it too!! 🤩
Stop by, grab a drink, and purchase your Queen of Hearts tickets for a chance to win big—all while supporting a great cause!
See you there! 🍻🧡🐾 ... See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook