The Best Chicago, IL Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2026

Dark Horse Dogs, NFP

An all breed foster based rescue saving dogs from our local open access shelters.

Chicago Canine Rescue

CCR is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was founded in 2001 to help find permanent, loving homes for homeless dogs in our city. CCR has saved the lives of over 8,000 dogs while also finding their forever homes! Traditionally, these animals were automatically euthanized at area shelters. However, today, Chicago Canine Rescue exists to give many of these animals a second chance, too! CCR assists the animals that are the MOST vulnerable in our city ‚the dogs that are slated for euthanasia because they are too old, too young, too injured, have disabilities, or have simply been overlooked for too long by potential adopters at other shelters. We are committed to each dog who comes into our care and won't stop providing for them we find their perfect family! Though we are just one of many rescues in Chicago, our dogs are one in a million and we are committed to leaving no dog behind!

Community Animal Rescue Effort

Since 1987, Community Animal Rescue Effort (C.A.R.E.‚Ñ¢) has been promoting adoptions and care for cats and dogs. C.A.R.E. is a volunteer-driven, not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) organization. Our Adoption Center opened in the Summer of 2018 and is located north of Chicago at 4927 Main Street in Skokie, IL. C.A.R.E. offers a combined adoption center and foster home model to better serve the needs of homeless animals as well as potential adopters and the community. C.A.R.E. is licensed by the State of Illinois Department of Agriculture (License 14383). Our Philosophy

One Tail at a Time

One Tail at a Time began in 2008 as a small grassroots effort and has since evolved into a pillar of Chicago's animal welfare community. As of 2024, One Tail at a Time has rescued more than 11,300 animals, hosts a bustling pet adoption and foster program, community outreach initiatives in partnership with top human service organizations in our city, and leads the Chicagoland Rescue Intervention & Support Program, a local rescue coalition that is the only operating shelter diversion program at Chicago's largest intake shelter.

Evanston Animal Shelter

We give companion animals the best chance at the life they deserve through rehabilitation, foster care, adoption and community support that keeps pets with the people who love them.

Felines & Canines

Felines & Canines is located in the Edgewater neighborhood of Chicago. Our focus at F&C is to place safe, social and loving dogs and cats into permanent loving homes. We are best known for our exceptional care for both our animals and adopters, ground breaking program for FIV-positive cats, and creation of our nation's very first rescue and relocation facility - Felines & Canines Rescue Center.

Doggy Has Soul Sanctuary

We specialize in Rottweiler senior hospice care. Every now and then a puppy sneaks in. We work with high kill shelters to safe those that nobody else will come for. We also are very active in Aruba trying to help with the street dogs. We are rather small scale, but work very hard for every dog we take on.

Wright-Way Rescue

Wright-Way Rescue is a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization. Our mission is to reduce the number of homeless pet euthanized in the Midwest each year through an adoption program, community education, promotion of spaying and neutering, and a veterinary medicine program.

Anti-Cruelty

Anti-Cruelty is more than a shelter. We are a comprehensive animal welfare organization whose mission is to build healthy and happy community where pets and people thrive together. From our humble beginnings in 1899, we are now at the forefront of animal welfare and humane education. From our open door philosophy to our commitment to find a home for every adoptable animal we provide compassionate care for any animal in need.

Chicago Animal Care and Control

Chicago Animal Care and Control is equipped with a complete medical complex, full laboratory, radiology, and surgical capabilities for the care of its animals. Chicago Animal Care & Control veterinarians daily evaluate and treat the animals housed in the center.

Hinsdale Humane Society

Hinsdale Humane Society is a private, nonprofit organization operating the Tuthill Family Pet Rescue & Resource Center, providing innovative care and adoption services for all animals, including those that are harder to place. We educate, advocate, and adopt out pets, acting as a voice for animals who depend on people for their care. We nurture the human-animal bond through community outreach and progressive programming, to help ensure the compassionate treatment of all animals.

Animal Care League

Animal Care League is a limited admission shelter located in Oak Park. We help homeless cats, dogs and other small animals by providing them food, shelter, medical attention and love until we can find them a loving home. As a not-for-profit 501¬©3 organization, we depend on the generosity of our communities to help us meet our goals of finding new homes for as many animals as possible each year. If you are in interested in helping, please visit our ‚Supporting the ACL page.

Tiny N Tall Rescue Inc.

Tiny N Tall Rescue is a 501(c)(3) non for profit organization comprised of volunteers dedicated to providing temporary shelter, veterinary care and behavioral support for small and giant breed dogs as they transition into carefully selected homes. We rescue Tiny breeds under 25 pounds and Giant breeds. Our rescue is all foster based and we rely solely on donations. We provide medical care, shelter, a full belly and lots of LOVE to Tiny and Giant breed dogs. We have a great team of foster homes and volunteers that make this possible.

PAWS Chicago

To build No Kill communities ‚starting with a No Kill Chicago ‚that respect and value the life of every cat and dog. To end the overpopulation of homeless animals through solutions, practices and education. To transform animal welfare by setting higher standards in the way animals are treated and developing a sustainable, solutions-based model.

Caring Animal Rescue Inc.

Caring Animal Rescue Inc. is an incorporated, non-profit 501(c)(3) and 509(a)(2) no-kill International rescue organization dedicated to reducing overpopulation, abuse, and neglect of domesticated animals. Caring Animal Rescue Inc. is run entirely by compassionate like-minded individuals who volunteer their time and resources to help save the lives and care for these animals. We have two locations: Chicago, IL and Cairo, Egypt.

Turbo Kees Foundation

Love You More Animal Rescue

Crème de la Crème Animal Foundation - The Therapy House

Créme de la Créme Animal Foundation - Therapy House is a 501(c)3 nonprofit charity registered in the state of Illinois. Many years before the start of the organization our founder, Lisa Marie Petrongelli, was an active member within the animal rescue world. After many years of dedication and fostering for other organizations, the time became right for Lisa to start a new organization. The organization is unique, as the mission strives to not only rescue animals, and educate the public about humane treatment to animals, but to incorporate animal-assisted therapy (AAT) interventions into the rescue work. Serving two great needs to the community. For over 10 years, at our previous location and farm sanctuary, we served as an adoption center and retirement community for dozens of animals great and small. Regardless of the species, we have taken in almost any animal in need, ranging from bison to horses, to cats, dogs and reptiles. Our dog and cat population are among our current adoptable animals. Our rescue cycle typically involves the process and costs of intake, vaccinations, spay/neuter, appropriate diet, preventative medications, chronic illness medications and the emotional healing and rehabilitation of the animals. Our organization is desiccated to the following goals: • Through the efforts of Therapy House, we provide and promote AAT with rescued animals to facilitate healing for all people in need. • Rescue stray and relinquished animals from animal shelters that have not been adopted and are scheduled to be euthanized. • Provide a cage-free adoption center and sanctuary where rescued pets can be safely sheltered without the threat of euthanization until adoptive families are found for them, or where they may live out their days surrounded by the best care while in our care. • Provide medical care to neglected, abused and injured animals. • Rehabilitate hard-to-adopt animals and those with special needs and find them loving homes. • Educate children and adults alike on responsible pet guardianship. • Create an alliance with local shelters and animal rescues to improve the adoption rate of all animals.

Midwest Working Dog Rescue

Our mission is to accept and place Belgian Malinois and Dutch Shepherd into appropriate homes. We are first and foremost breed advocates only placing out sound, well rounded dogs into appropriate situations, whether that be an active companion home, sport home, or working opportunity. We will do our best to evaluate each dog in our care and determine that dog's appropriate placement. We are committed to providing long standing support for our adopters, which includes, but not limited to, referrals for approved trainers, sport dog clubs, and veterinary clinics.

Woof Pack Dog Rescue

We are a 501c3 startup dog rescue with a passion for helping where much help is always needed. We are an all-volunteer, non-profit dog rescue organization. As a foster-based rescue organization, we do NOT have a shelter and keep animals in foster homes. We have some amazing foster parents who open up their homes to provide these babies a safe, loving, and caring environment while we find them great forever homes.

Young At Heart Senior Pet Adoptions

Young at Heart is dedicated to the following goals: To rescue stray and relinquished senior animals from animal shelters that have not been adopted and are scheduled to be euthanized. Young at Heart takes the animals that are considered ‚too old for traditional shelters and rescues and provides them with a chance at a forever home, either with a new loving family, or through our Sanctuary Program. To provide a cage-free adoption center and sanctuary where rescued senior pets can be safely sheltered without the threat of euthanization until adoptive families are found for them, or where they may live out their days surrounded by the best care and love at our sanctuary. To provide medical care to neglected, abused and injured senior animals. To rehabilitate hard-to-adopt senior animals and finding them loving homes. To promote the benefit of adopting older pets, and educate the public on the care of senior dogs and cats. To educate children and adults alike on responsible pet guardianship. To create an alliance with local shelters and animal rescues to improve the adoption rate of senior pets.

Community Animal Rescue Effort (C.A.R.E.)

Since 1987, Community Animal Rescue Effort (C.A.R.E.™) has been promoting adoptions and care for cats and dogs. C.A.R.E. is a volunteer-driven, not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) organization. Our Adoption Center opened in the Summer of 2018 and is located north of Chicago at 4927 Main Street in Skokie, IL. C.A.R.E. offers a combined adoption center and foster home model to better serve the needs of homeless animals as well as potential adopters and the community. C.A.R.E. is licensed by the State of Illinois Department of Agriculture (License 14383).

Illinois Shorthair Rescue

Illinois Shorthair Rescue is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, breed specific rescue group serving Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. Our mission is to rescue German Shorthaired Pointers and educate the public about this amazing breed. We place them with responsible, loving families where they are cared for until we find them their forever home. We rescue GSPs from many circumstances: animal control facilities, humane societies, owner relinquish, puppy mills, and conditions involving cruelty and neglect. Our rescued dogs receive loving care and medical attention. They are fostered in private homes and live indoors as family companions while they wait for their forever homes. At Illinois Shorthair Rescue, we believe ALL unwanted and discarded German Shorthaired Pointers deserve the chance to find their special forever home. A special place where they will receive the love and care they deserve. Illinois Shorthair Rescue is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in northern Illinois. We were founded in 2005. Each year ISR finds homes for more than 60 orphaned GSPs. Our officers, directors, and foster homes are made up of volunteers who reside throughout Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Indiana. We will consider applicants in adjacent states, assuming we have a volunteer available for a home visit. We cannot, however, do long distance adoptions. Our rescue efforts are managed out of our own homes and are juggled with our careers and family. Through telephone interviews, veterinary reference checks, and on-site home visits, ISR volunteers work extremely hard to place our dogs with the best suited family. Our goal is that the new home will be the dog’s final home. ISR’s expenses are funded through our adoption fees, fund-raising efforts, and donations. Your support is greatly appreciated, and your contributions are tax deductible.

Illinois English Bulldog Rescue

Illinois English Bulldog Rescue is dependent on the donations of our supporters. We are now a nonprofit 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization which means that Your donations are Tax Deductible!!

Mobile Mutts Rescue

Survivors for Strays

Survivors for Strays is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, animal rescue organization dedicated to saving animals that are homeless, neglected, abused, or about to die in an open access animal shelter. We are Survivors & Thrivers of sexual abuse, intimate partner abuse, domestic violence, cancer, and other traumas. We are here because our furry family members or other animals helped us get through our personal ordeals, and we want to give back. It is OUR turn to save innocent, precious lives like the ones who saved us.

Redemption Road Rescue Rehab Inc.

Redemption Road Rescue Rehab Inc (aka R4) is a 501(c)(3), not-for-profit organization based in Lake County, Illinois. R4 functions as an all breed and ages, dog and cat rescue that specializes in behavioral training and rehabilitation. We are a professionally operated nonprofit dog and cat rescue run by a certified dog trainer.

Players for Pits, NFP

Players for Pits, NFP (PFP) is an Illinois based 501c3 no-kill dog rescue. Founded in 2013, PFP takes in pit bull type dogs who have come across desperate situations and need rescue to save their lives. All funds required to run the rescue come from donations, grants, and business sponsorships.

B.A.A.R.K. Dog Rescue

Barrington Area Animal Rescue & Kennels NFP (B.A.A.R.K.) is an all-volunteer, foster-based Dog Rescue, serving the Chicago area. The Organization’s primary location is Barrington Hills Illinois, with a secondary satellite in Naperville Illinois. The Organization’s Articles of Incorporation were accepted by the Illinois Secretary of State in December, 2014. Acknowledgement as a 501c3 organization was received in April 2015. B.A.A.R.K. is also registered with the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, as a charitable organization operating within the state of Illinois. All activities undertaken by the volunteers of B.A.A.R.K. are in support of the Organization’s Mission, and its Vision to create a more humane and compassionate world in which all animals are treated with dignity and respect. While the Organization has been registered as Barrington Area Animal Rescue & Kennels NFP and this name is designated in its Articles of Incorporation, the Organization also holds the name of and plans to do business under the name “Holly’s Safe House for Strays.” This name will be used specifically in relation to B.A.A.R.K.’s Animal Rescue, Foster Care, and Adoption Programs. As the Organization grows, additional programs such as humane education and pet therapy will be incorporated, each with its own name.

K9 Enrichment Initiative, Inc.

We are a 501c3 animal rescue organization, licensed by the IL Department of Agriculture, which aims to complete families through the re-homing of shelter, abandoned and surrendered dogs. We believe, for every dog, there is a family and for every family, there is a dog. Each of our dogs is well prepared to join their family upon adoption and live quality lives as we carefully craft customized programs for each dog we intake. This prepares us and them to find the best match to complete a family as well as to enrich the dog’s life through medical care, behavior care, and training. Our mission extends beyond just the adoption stage and into all the years at that juncture. We believe homeless and surrendered dogs are not broken and with time and extraordinary efforts on the dogs part we can help them to be the best dog, they can be for the rest of their lives.People are individuals, unique with quirks, positive traits and not so positive traits; dogs are the same. If the world was filled with perfect people and perfect dogs; what a boring world it would be.