There are many opportunities in Madison County to have fun with your own pet or volunteer your time to help animals in need.
Last Updated: 11/13/2020
Dog Parks:
Because of the pandemic, 10 people or less should be at the park at a time.
*Joe Glik Park
710 E Lake Dr. Edwardsville, IL
Fenced dog park area with trees to run around and shade.
*Miner Park
194 S. Main St. Glen Carbon, IL
Small fenced in grass area next to baseball fields, walking trails, and playgrounds.
328 Olive St, Edwardsville, IL
Small pocket of fenced-in turf with activity stations and water station. Park hours are 6am to 10pm and has dusk to dawn lighting. Open year round
*Hawthorne Dog Park
24 Kettle River Dr. Glen Carbon, IL
Members Only Dog Park affiliated with Hawthorne Animal Hospital
*Rinderer Park
2548 Veterans Honor Pkway, Highland, IL
Fenced in dog park with activity stations and shaded pavilion.
*Mutts on Main
509 W Main St. Collinsville, IL
Members only dog park owned by the City of Collinsville. Membership is free. All sized dogs share the one large fenced area. Agility equipment is present and water is available. See link for more details about membership and park rules. https://www.collinsvilleil.org/departments/parks-recreation/mutts-on-main
*Granite City’s First Dog Park is supposed to open before winter hits in 2020. This Dog Park is expected to have one area for large dogs and one for small dogs. In addition, it is supposed to have seating, water station, trees, and waste disposal systems in each area
Parks in the Area that Are NOT Pet Friendly:
*Most Madison County parks are pet friendly (Pets can be on leashes). There are a few local parks that do NOT allow pets. Here are the ones I have found:
*The Nature Institute in Godfrey
*Edwardsville Township Park (Airplane Park)
Special Treats:
*Whisker Bones Supply Co. makes FREE dog treats every Saturday from 8am to 12pm when the Land of Goshen Community Market is going on. Whisker Bones Supply Co. is located at 138 N. Main Street Edwardsville, IL. They also are selling ice cream for dogs, too.
*Annies Frozen Custard in Edwardsville has a treat called the Bow Wow Sundae that comes with a dog bone on it.
*Blue Ice Creamery in East Alton has a pup cone.
Local Pet Stores
*Whisker Bones Supply Co.: This store in Edwardsville offers a variety of dog and cat treats and toys. They also have a grooming spa. https://whiskerbones.com
*FOUR MUDDY PAWS: The family owned store in Edwardsville features nutrition options, self service dog wash, professional grooming, pet gear, and gifts for the pet lover. https://fourmuddypaws.com
Volunteer Opportunities:
*Metro East Humane Society
8495 State Route 143 Edwardsville, IL
The Society provides adoption services, spay/neuter services, vaccine/microchip clinics, humane investigation, and humane education services. It is a no kill, non-profit animal rescue shelter. Because of the pandemic, volunteers must use the online format to schedule shifts. Children 15 years or younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. First time volunteers must call and sign up for volunteer orientation. A volunteer application must be completed.
*Partners for Pets
P.O. Box 445 Troy, IL or 9136 Lower Marine Rd St. Jacob, IL
This organization is also a non-profit corporation who rescues unwanted animals from high kill animal control facilities and puppy mills. Due to Covid-19, all off-site adoption events have been canceled until further notice. Curbside adoptions to approved and scheduled adopters are being held at the shelter on Saturdays. Contact Partners for Pets if interested in learning more about volunteer options.
*Willoughby Farms
631 Willoughby Ln Collinsville, IL
www.collinsvilleil.org/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/10/263
This wonderful park has several animals like bees, pigs, cows, goats, chickens, donkeys, and mini horses. Willoughby Farm offers a variety of educational opportunities for all ages thru guided tours and presentations. Recently, the park hosted a Pony Care Class. They usually have volunteers help as farm hand on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Call (618)977-0941 for more information or complete the online form to schedule volunteer day.
*Happy Hooves Equine Rescue
7026 State Route 140 Edwardsville, IL
Happy Hooves is a non-profit organization on a mission to rehabilitate and provide purpose for unwanted or neglected horses. On the website, it is stated they are always looking for volunteers (age 16 and up) to help with daily chores and projects around the farm. Volunteer application must be completed. They offer a variety of programs for certain fees. Those programs include 1-hour horse experience, whole horsemanship group lessons, and summer camps.
Horse Care/Horse Back Riding Lessons:
*Highland Saddle Club
12118 Ellis Rd Highland, IL
Riding Lessons are done in a group setting up to 3 riders ages 7 and up. Beginner and intermediate lessons include one hour of instruction including how to tack up and groom horse and cool down. Daytime, weekend, and evening hours available. Lessons are $40. To make an appointment for riding lessons, call or text Michele at (618)616-5154. Training lessons are also available and pricing is based on client’s needs.
*Willoughby Farm
631 Willoughby Ln Collinsville, IL
3 session class where children will learn about grooming, feeding, and daily care of Beau, Amore, and Lovey. Dates the class will take place are listed on facebook. $30 for residents and $35.00 for non-residents. You can call 977-0941 or go online to register.
*Happy Hooves Educational Programs
7026 State Route 140
1 hour horse experience program includes grooming/brushing, pony ride, saddling, leading horse, taking care of horse after the ride. $50 by appointment only. Another program option includes the whole horsemanship group lessons. Children ages 9 and up are eligible. Children must have completed at least 2-3 hour horse experiences to qualify for this detailed program. Group sizes are 4 riders. This program is 3 days per week on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings. 3 hours each session. There are also programs in the summer.