Ready to adopt a furry friend?
In this article, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best dog rescues in Chicago!
1. The Anti Cruelty Society
The Anti Cruelty Society is located in Chicago, Illinois and was founded in 1899, making it one of Chicago’s oldest animal welfare nonprofit organizations.
In 2008, they started their SAFE program. This program will temporarily house the pets of victims of domestic violence and domestic emergencies. Their animal rescue serves over 40,000 pets yearly through sheltering, spay/neuter surgery, training, classes, and more.
To adopt with them, view the pets in their gallery. If your dog of choice is in foster care, there will be instructions on setting up a meet and greet on their profile. Once you fill out a questionnaire and complete an adoption consultation, you’ll be able to bring your new pet home.
Learn more about their dog rescue at The Anti Cruelty Society.
2. PAWS Chicago Medical Center & Lurie Clinic
PAWS Chicago Medical Center in Illinois seeks to build no kill communities, transform animal welfare, and end overpopulation. In 2021, this animal rescue saved over 4000 pets through adoption and conducted over 21,000 spay/neuter surgeries.
Since they were founded in 1997, their solutions based approach has caused a 91% drop in euthanasia citywide. They have performed over 280,000 free or low cost spay/neuter surgeries and found forever homes for over 70,000 pets.
To adopt with them, take their Dog ComPETibility Quiz to receive a personalized link to view ideal dogs for your lifestyle and to complete the adoption application. You will then be able to schedule a meet and greet. If it’s a perfect fit, you can take your new best friend home!
Check out their Instagram to keep up with the adorable dogs at their rescue and visit PAWS Chicago Medical Center to learn more about their dog rescue.
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3. Felines & Canines
Felines & Canines is located in Chicago’s Edgewater neighborhood, Illinois and is a cageless, nonprofit, no kill animal shelter. They have been in business for over 45 years and see roughly 1900 adoptions every year.
This dog rescue does same day adoptions, and they ask that all fulltime household members are present for the adoption process. The adopter will fill out their adoption application and meet with an adoption counselor. A meet and greet between dogs will be required if you already own a dog.
Adoptions fees include spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, heartworm testing, deworming, microchipping, and a collar and leash. To view their adoptable dogs, visit Felines & Canines animal shelter.
4. Animal Care League
Animal Care League is located in Oak Park near Chicago and is a non profit animal rescue that does not euthanize for space.
If you’re interested in working with a trainer, Animal Care League also offers a training program for rescue dogs. This program is designed to help you build trust with your dog, teach them control, and socialization.
To adopt with them, view their available dogs online and fill out their questionnaire. From there, they will set up an appointment for you to meet your new best friend.
Check out Animal Care League to learn more about their dog rescue.
5. Chicago Canine Rescue
Chicago Canine Rescue is located in Chicago and has saved over 6000 homeless dogs since it was founded in 2001 by finding them forever homes. They assist the most vulnerable animals who are bound for euthanasia due to age, injuries, and disabilities.
To adopt with them, view their available dogs online. Once you’ve found the right dog for you, submit an application. Once your application has been screened and your references contacted, you will have the opportunity to meet with the dog.
Check out their Instagram to view the adorable pups in their care and visit Chicago Canine Rescue to learn more about the adoption process.
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6. One Tail at a Time
One Tail at a Time is located in Chicago and began as a safe space for animals at risk of being euthanized. As their space grew, they started accepting dogs rescued from southern states in need.
In 2016, they started their ISO program, which assists pets in animal rescues that are exposed to shelter illnesses. As these dogs are often euthanized, One Tail at a Time opened the ISO House, where they care for sick animals before moving them to foster homes.
To adopt with them, submit an application for the dog of your choice. An adoption coordinator will contact you to set up an adoption appointment. All dogs are spayed/neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated.
Check out their Instagram to view their adorable dogs and visit One Tail at a Time to learn more about their dog rescue.
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7. Red Door Animal Shelter
Located in Chicago, Red Door Animal Shelter is a cageless, no kill, nonprofit dog rescue. They were founded in 1988 as a small group of foster homes. In 2000, they opened their first adoption center to care for homeless pets and animals facing cruelty.
They get their name from the Middle Ages, as a red door symbolized a safe haven. As well, in the Chinese art of feng shui, a red door brings luck to those who live behind it. They aim to provide a safe space for suffering pets and luck to dogs looking for a forever home.
To adopt with them, visit Red Door Animal Shelter or fill out their online application.
8. Community Animal Rescue Effort
Located in Skokie near Chicago, Community Animal Rescue Effort is a nonprofit dog rescue, and all animals stay with them until they find their forever homes. In 2021, over 340 animals were adopted, with a live release rate of 99%.
To adopt with them, fill out a dog survey for the pet you’re interested in. You will then be contacted by an adoption counselor to schedule a meet and greet. Adoption fees include full medical exams, spay/neuter surgery, heartworm check, vaccines, and more.
Visit Community Animal Rescue Effort to view their adoptable dogs.
Summary for Dog Rescues in Chicago
We hope you found a shelter off our list of dog rescues in Chicago and wish you all the best in adopting your furry best friend!
