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While it can feel overwhelming to find the rescue pet of your dreams, the right organization will help you match with a new BFF in no time. Here are seven shelters where you can start your search.
ALIVE Rescue
What started as a foster-only operation in 2008 has grown into a strong grassroots rescue, adoption and animal well-being organization. ALIVE’s adoption center is located in the West Loop. The Big Barn, its shelter-as-sanctuary concept in a country setting, opened in 2021.
Mission statement
"To save, rehabilitate, and place homeless animals while promoting sustainable living and compassion for all living beings."
Services
Adoption
Fostering
Education
Community outreach
Special programs
Barn program for animals requiring sanctuary care and the “Dog House” for special needs dogs.
Contact information
Address: 1214 W. Monroe St.
Phone: 773-913-8100
Social: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Yelp
The Anti-Cruelty Society
For more than 120 years, the Anti-Cruelty Society has provided compassionate care for all animals in need.
The open-door shelter serves more than 40,000 pets and their parents each year by intervening to prevent cruelty to animals, offering foster and adoption services, operating a low- or no-cost veterinary clinic, providing comprehensive programs and resources and hosting medical and other services in underserved communities.
Mission statement
"To build a community of caring by helping pets and educating people."
Services
Adoption
Veterinary clinic
Behavior and training
Humane education
Community outreach
Special programs
“Friends Who Care” program and extensive volunteer opportunities.
Contact information
Address: 157 W. Grand Ave.
Phone: 312-644-8338
Social: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Yelp
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Chicago Animal Care and Control
The city’s department dedicated to animal welfare offers adoptions as well as a low-cost vaccination clinic. Friends of Chicago Animal Care and Control and a coalition of nine rescue organizations that comprise the Chicagoland Rescue Intervention and Support Program (CRISP) work alongside CACC to help animals “shelter from the shelter” and save the lives of more than 23,000 animals that come into the city’s care each year.
Mission statement
"To protect public health and safety while ensuring humane treatment of animals."
Services
Adoption
Lost and found pets
Animal control
Vaccination clinics
Special programs
Emergency response team and the “Big Fix” spay/neuter program.
Contact information
Address: 2741 S. Western Ave.
Phone: 312-747-1406
Social: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Yelp
Chicago Canine Rescue
Since 2001, Chicago Canine Rescue (CCR) has found forever homes for more than 7,000 of the city’s most vulnerable dogs. It offers both foster and adoption services. And for those looking to volunteer, CCR welcomes dog walkers as well as those who want to work inside the shelter.
Mission statement
"To save the lives of injured, neglected, and unwanted dogs in Chicagoland and beyond."
Services
Adoption
Fostering
Educational programs
Special programs
“No Dog Left Behind” program focusing on dogs with medical needs.
Contact information
Address: 5272 N. Elston Ave.
Phone: 773-697-8848
Social: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Yelp
New Leash on Life
This foster-based, nonprofit rescue started in Los Angeles in 1997 and expanded its efforts by launching a Chicago outpost in 2005.
It’s staffed entirely by volunteers who are committed to helping you give your perfect match their new forever home. The organization only places dogs with people who live within 60 miles of the city, and each adoption includes a two-week foster period.
Mission statement
"To rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome dogs in need."
Services
Adoption
Fostering
Public education
Special programs
Senior-to-Senior program pairing senior dogs with senior citizens.
Contact information
Address: 2144 N. Wood St.
Phone: 312-458-9839
Email: chicago@nlolchicago.org
Social: Facebook, Instagram, Yelp
One Tail at a Time
Saving the most vulnerable animals inspired One Tail at a Time’s grassroots mission and defined its progressive approach to programming and services.
The organization places community outreach at the center of its adoption and foster efforts—by leading CRISP, operating an affordable veterinary clinic, and creating a strong foster program for dogless families.
It also hosts biannual Community Days as well vaccine clinics in underserved communities to help pet parents in need keep their pets at home.
Mission statement
"To end pet homelessness by making pet ownership a joyful and accessible experience for all."
Services
Adoption
Community outreach
Educational workshops
Special programs
“Community Pet Days” offering free resources and vet care.
Contact information
Address: 2144 N. Wood St.
Phone: 866-515-6828
Email (adoption): adopt@onetail.org
Email (fostering): foster@onetail.org
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Yelp
PAWS Chicago
The multifaceted PAWS organization runs an adoption, training and foster center in Lincoln Park, an adoption center in Highland Park, a low-cost veterinary clinic in Little Village and an outreach center that offers programs and resources for pet owners in Englewood.
Mission statement
"To build no-kill communities, starting with a no-kill Chicago."
Services
Adoption
Spay/neuter services
Medical care
Community outreach
Special programs
“PAWS for Life” program supporting low-income pet owners.
Contact information
Address: 1997 N. Clybourn Ave.
Phone: 773-935-7297
Social: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Yelp
These seven shelters represent the best of Chicago's commitment to animal welfare.
Each organization offers unique programs and services aimed at rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals while engaging with the community to promote responsible pet ownership.
Whether you are looking to adopt a new pet, volunteer, or provide support through donations, these shelters provide numerous ways to get involved and make a difference!
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