Inside the Humane Society of Central Illinois with Nicole Watts
In a world where compassion often changes lives, the Humane Society of Central Illinois (HSCI) has been doing just that — for 40 years. Executive Director Nicole Watts recently joined the Life Multiplied podcast to share more about the organization’s work, her journey, and how the local community can support their mission.
A Lifelong Passion for Animals
Nicole brings nearly three decades of experience in veterinary medicine to her leadership at HSCI. Born in Illinois and having spent time in Florida and the Carolinas, she returned to the Midwest two years ago with a renewed passion for animal welfare — and a deep commitment to giving animals a second chance.
More Than a Shelter
HSCI isn’t just a place where animals wait for homes. It’s a vibrant, active rescue that houses up to 150 animals at a time — including cats, dogs, and small animals like rabbits and guinea pigs. But the work goes far beyond basic care. Animals receive:
Spay/neuter services
Vaccinations
Microchipping
Flea/tick and heartworm prevention
Medical care
Long-term housing (some for over a year, if needed)
As Nicole puts it, “They can stay as long as they need until they’re adopted — even two years.”
Expanding Services and Impact
Over the past year and a half, HSCI has broadened its reach with community-focused events, including:
Adoption events at Pet Supplies Plus and local sporting games
“Wet Nose Wednesday” on B104 Radio
Visits to community events like hockey games and pickleball tournaments
Future programs are also in the works:
A pet food pantry to support families during financial hardship
A foster care program for animals needing extra attention (especially during kitten season!)
Potential spay/neuter initiatives to help reduce overpopulation
Adoption and Education
For those looking to adopt, HSCI offers multiple ways to connect — from browsing available pets online at hscipets.org to visiting the shelter in person. They also offer support post-adoption, thanks to a trained dog behaviorist on staff and their “3-3-3 Rule,” which helps adopters understand the adjustment period for new pets (3 days to settle, 3 weeks to feel at home, 3 months to fully integrate).
How You Can Help
HSCI receives no federal or state funding and relies entirely on donations and volunteers. Here are a few ways you can support their mission:
Donate: Monetary gifts cover everything from food to medical care.
Volunteer: From walking dogs to cleaning cat cages or simply offering companionship, every role matters.
Supplies Needed: Bleach, paper towels, kitty litter, dog waste bags, laundry detergent, and more.
Foster: Especially valuable for young kittens and animals that struggle in a shelter environment.
Community, Collaboration, and Compassion
Nicole shared her love for Bloomington-Normal, noting how welcoming the town has been and how much support HSCI has received. “It reminds me of where I grew up — friendly, vibrant, and full of opportunity.”
When she’s not working at the shelter or managing her farm (complete with competitive horseback riding!), Nicole loves exploring local spots like Biaggi’s, Ancho & Agave, and Franklin Park.
Upcoming Events
HSCI has a packed calendar, including:
Furcella – A music festival and open house featuring adoptable pets, live bands, food trucks, and even the Easter Bunny.
Tails & Teenies – A fall martini shake-off fundraiser with entertainment and auctions.
Summer Reading Program – Kids read books to shelter animals, in partnership with local libraries.
Final Thoughts
Nicole wants people to rethink how they view animal shelters. “People say it’s sad, but when I walk into HSCI, it’s filled with toys, enrichment, and love. Our animals are treated like they’re at a spa!”
So, if you’ve ever wanted to give back, find a furry friend, or simply visit a place where love lives in every kennel, stop by the Humane Society of Central Illinois.
🐾 Visit hscipets.org to adopt, donate, or volunteer.