Why We Are Different

Animal Education and Rescue, NFP is an Illinois not for profit 501(c)(3) organization. The purpose of the foundation is to help countless numbers of animals and people.

More than Adoptions

AEAR is a unique Humane Society. In addition to finding homes for rescue pets, we focus a lot of our efforts towards helping the community through our main programs.

Please join us in our mission

It is our hope you will find it in your heart to donate whatever you can. We need funding in order to continue our progress moving forward. Also, if you or someone you know would like to volunteer for Animal Education and Rescue please contact us. If you know of a person or a company that might be willing to donate, share this web site with them. We encourage and welcome your input and your participation.

To learn more information about us, please browse the rest of our website or contact us. For information, on our stray hold policies, click here. To see animals available for adoption, click here.

  • Humane Investigations: We have a team of dedicated investigators who respond to reports of animal abuse and neglect. Our investigators help educate owners on proper pet care, work with owners in need of assistance and, rescue animals from bad situations. The investigators are in the front lines and often go into very poor and dangerous areas to help these animals. Learn more »

    AEAR Investigators are assisted by our Community Outreach Program which goes out into low-income neighborhoods offering assistance and advice to pet owners. Thanks to this proactive program, AEAR is able to help out pet owners who many not know what options they have when it comes to providing proper care and medical treatment for their pets.

  • Pet Therapy: AEAR visits area nursing homes, other approved facilities, or homebound individuals on a monthly basis. It brings joy to so many people who are going through a difficult time and is an important part in giving back to our community. Learn more »

  • Education: AEAR visits local schools and community centers where we offer educational programs to help teach kids about proper pet care and treatment. We specialize in at-risk locations where the children may not have the opportunity to experience these things on a regular basis. Learn more »

Local Focus… Where it Counts

The volunteers of AEAR pride ourselves on our local focus. We commit most of our time and energy in helping the pets and people of our community in Lake County and the nearby surrounding areas. There are so many in need of our help here and we want to be there for them.

Want to help? Consider becoming a volunteer or donate to help keep these programs running.

Please join us in our mission

It is our hope you will find it in your heart to donate whatever you can. We need funding in order to continue our progress moving forward. Also, if you or someone you know would like to volunteer for Animal Education and Rescue please contact us. If you know of a person or a company that might be willing to donate, share this web site with them. We encourage and welcome your input and your participation.

Sandy Kamen Wisniewski

SANDY KAMEN WISNIEWSKI • AEAR FOUNDER & DIRECTOR

Our Team

Sandy

AEAR FOUNDER & DIRECTOR | Sandy Kamen Wisniewski

Sandy started AEAR in September of 2003 in memory of her rescued shelter dogs, Mota and Heidi. She believes strongly in the connection of people and animals, so her vision has remained consistent: to bring people and animals together through education, therapy, and rescue.

Sandy has run successful small businesses since 1987. Her companies, The Pet Sitters of America, a professional pet sitting service, Compassionate Dog Training, and SKW Enterprises, a freelance writing and small business consulting company, largely support AEAR.

In addition, she has published a book called The Animal Warrior all about the birth of our organization and the animals we have rescued.

Video produced by Olivia Sheldon