The Best Naperville, IL Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2026

Project Hope Animal Rescue

We're a foster based animal rescue with the overflow of animals kenneled in our facility.

MCP Rescue Pack

MCP Rescue is a Chicago based animal rescue that finds Forever Homes for the overlooked, abused, neglected, in need, at risk dogs (and cats). We believe every animal is an individual with their own idiosyncrasies, gifts, likes and dislikes, just like humans. MCP is the opposite of a revolving door type of Rescue model. We may not have the large numbers monthly but we have a return rate lower than 3% and we know where our dogs are and how they are. 85% of the dogs we bring into our Pack are considered true underdogs and harder to adopt, whether they be of Pitbull types dogs, XL breeds, bonded pairs, seniors, major medical, or hospice.

ALIVE Rescue

ALIVE Rescue is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that was founded in March 2008 as a rescue and safe haven for animals. From March 2008 through November of 2012, we ran operations solely through the use of our foster homes. In November of 2011, we signed a lease for a building (The Little Barn) in the Roscoe Village neighborhood of Chicago. For nearly one and a half years, we rehabbed and re-designed the original structure, preparing it to become our first adoption center. On May 5th, 2013, we opened The Little Barn, celebrating this accomplishment with dozens of our donors, volunteers, and the animals we rescued. In June of 2019 we closed The Little Barn and opened our new Adoption Center ("AC") in Chicago's West Loop. We remained at the AC through the pandemic and closed those doors in January of 2022. On October 5, 2020, we broke ground on The Big Barn, a new location that will help us save more homeless pets.

K9s4U Dog Rescue

K9s4U Dog Rescue is a non-profit dog rescue organization founded by a group of friends committed to saving dogs from high-kill shelters and dire situations and placing them into their FUREVER homes. We are a foster-home based rescue and rely on donations and fosters to help us in our mission to save as many dogs as we can. Thanks to our wonderful fosters and the donations we've received, we have saved the lives of more than 5,700 dogs since we began.

Angel Dog Alliance

We are the Angel Dog (and Cat!) Alliance Our 501c3 rescues and rehomes dogs from the nation’s highest-kill shelters. We believe every dog deserves a chance at a happy, healthy life, and we’re committed to making that a reality. Our Story Founded by Teresa Ryan, Angel Dog Alliance emerged from a simple yet profound desire to make a difference. Witnessing the dire situation in high-kill shelters across the U.S., Teresa felt a deep calling to act. In 2023, she transformed her passion into purpose, establishing Angel Dog Alliance. Teresa’s journey began with a single act of rescue, but it quickly grew into a nationwide movement. Her vision was clear: no dog should face euthanasia simply due to overcrowded shelters. What We Do • Rescue Missions: We identify and rescue dogs at the highest risk in overcrowded shelters. • Funding and Support: Through fundraising and donations, we provide financial support for the rescue and care of these dogs. • Collaborations: We partner with rescue organizations and shelters nationwide to ensure a safe haven for rescued dogs.

Orphans of the Storm

To take responsibility for each and every orphaned, abandoned, abused, or neglected dog and cat who reaches our doors; to take them in and shelter them; to provide the best medical and physical care possible for them; to nurture them back to health if need be; and finally to place them into warm, loving, adoptive homes where they can enjoy the lives they deserve.

River Valley Animal Rescue

River Valley Animal Rescue is a registered non-profit no-kill animal rescue and shelter located in Momence, Illinois. River Valley Animal Rescue has no paid employees and operates fully on proceeds from our resale shop and donations from the public. We offer a temporary home at our shelter to dogs, cats, birds and a variety of small animals until their "furever" home arrives. We are proud to say that we have placed hundreds of animals in permanent homes since 2012!

Recycled Rotts, Inc.

New Leash on Life - Chicago

NLOL Chicago is an entirely volunteer run, nonprofit organization committed to finding loving homes for shelter dogs who might otherwise be euthanized. Through our adoption, foster, training and education programs, NLOL Chicago addresses the nationwide issue of pet overpopulation and the importance of spay/neuter. We also tackle local concerns, such as the threat of breed-specific legislation (BSL). The mission of NLOL Chicago is to provide consistent advocacy for those forgotten animals - to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.

Free Spirit Siberian Rescue

The Free Spirit Siberian Rescue opened its doors in 1999 with the intention of rescuing and finding a home for every husky/husky mix in need of rescue. Fast forward twenty years later, and FSSR has saved over 3000 dogs by helping them find their forever homes! This accomplishment couldn't of been done without the passion and love of animals of our president, Karen Ferreri-Miller. Her desire to allow any animal the second chance of finding their happily ever after is what drives her and all of our volunteers. We are truly grateful to all of the love and support from our volunteers, adopters, and numerous supporters along the way.

Safe Haven Dog Rescue

Safe Haven Dog Rescue, is a Tax-Exempt 501(c) 3 Organization, created by volunteers to rescue, rehabilitate, and find loving families for homeless dogs and puppies. Most of our dogs and puppies are rescued from rural southern pounds and shelters where they have little chance of a better life without being rescued. We are all foster based, meaning we do not have a shelter and we rely on the generosity of the community to open their homes and foster these deserving dogs and puppies.

A&S Rescue

A&S Rescue was founded in 2001 by Alise Carrico and Silvia Simmons. We knew a lot of dogs—especially bullies—needed more before being adopted. These dogs have been through a lot. They needed to be prepared for their forever homes. We prioritize structure through carefully selected foster homes and training, so our rescues can feel safe to be themselves again. We also focus on nutrition and high quality food, follow our dogs for their lifetime, and will help adopters after adoption. Our rescues are at the core of everything we do, which is why we go great lengths to help them to succeed. To date, we have placed over 3,000 dogs with only two returns. That’s unheard of in other organizations!

FIERCE Animal Rescue

FIERCE Animal Rescue is located along the Illinois/Wisconsin border. We are a small but mighty group of animal advocates. We welcome all people to help us in our battle against pet overpopulation. You will see us out and about in the community, assisting local Trap, Neuter, Return initiatives led by county TNR groups. We have a special place in our hearts for educational outreach. We love to speak with local community groups, nursing homes, and schools about what we can all do to help this cause! We realize that in the fight against suffering, there can never be enough hands on deck. We partner with other local rescues and provide “backup.” We are stronger together!

Tails Humane Society

Tails Humane Society is a managed admission animal shelter providing a safe haven for over 2,500 animals each year. We are committed to providing each animal the time and medical care they need to have their best chance at adoption. Tails was established in 1999 by a group of local animal advocates dedicated to bringing a comprehensive animal shelter to DeKalb. We operated out of an old farmhouse until 2005 when we cut the ribbon on our Barber Greene facility. In 2009, we opened our affordable Spay/Neuter Clinic providing quality, affordable sterilization services to the public. We continue to grow and strengthen our programs and service as we continue to save lives.

Pets and Vets USA

Pets and Vets USA began from a promise between a mother and a son. Peter Thomas Cangelosi and his mother, Carol Ann, pledged to make a difference by agreeing to donate time and resources to the local animal shelter. Unfortunately, Carol Ann became ill and passed in 2005. In 2013, Peter renewed his promise, by pledging funds on death row dogs in shelters across the United States. Then Peter saved his first dog, "Truth" a bull dog/pit bull mix. The dog was minutes from being euthanized in a region where hundreds of thousands of pit bull mixes die every year. After a long journey, he joined Peter in Illinois and was renamed Miracle. During this time, Peter learned more about the countless dogs euthanized and the homeless veterans who had put their life on the line. Peter decided to keep his promise to his mother and make a difference by helping homeless veterans so he founded Pets and Vets USA, a 501c3 nonprofit.

Joliet township animal shelter

Every year hundreds of animals come into Joliet Township Animal Control and it is our goal to find them their forever home. Our Vet Techs meet with each potential adoptee and ensure that is the right match for the new owner as well as their new pet.

PET PROJECT INC.

Pet Project Inc was incorporated in October of 1993. We are a no kill shelter based in Marseilles. We are the oldest non-profit animal shelter in LaSalle County. We are registered with the State of Illinois Atty. General as a 501(c)3 charitable organization.

Bombshell Bullies Pit Bull Rescue, Inc.

At Bombshell Bullies Pit Bull Rescue, our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and re-home dogs identified primarily as American Pit Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers. Our goal is to place these adoptable dogs into their safe and loving forever home.

All Herding Breeds Dog Rescue

All Herding Breed Dog Rescue of Illinois is a state licensed, non for profit, 501c3, rescue group. We are an all-volunteer organization that operates solely on donations.

Kane County Animal Control

Kendall County Animal Control

Kendall County Animal Control is the County agency responsible for the enforcement of the state statutes governing rabies control in domestic companion animals. The State of Illinois requires that all dogs and cats be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian. Compliance with this law is monitored through the issuance of rabies tags for all dogs and cats residing in the County. All dogs and cats are required to wear their rabies tags when off of the owner’s property. If a pet is lost, rabies tags also provide an excellent means of identifying your pet. Kendall Co. Animal Control also enforces the County’s ordinance that prohibits dogs from running at large in unincorporated, residential areas.

A.D.O.P.T. Pet Shelter

Animals Deserving of Proper Treatment (A.D.O.P.T.) is a private, “no-kill”, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that has found homes for more than 30,000 pets. We provide a temporary, loving home for dogs and cats that no longer have a family of their own. The animals in our shelter have ended up here for a variety of reasons ranging from abandonment, to rescue from an abusive situation, to owner surrender because they no longer are able to take care of them. Our animals are loving, family pets who are desperately awaiting for their forever home. A.D.O.P.T. was founded in 1989 by a group of dedicated volunteers determined to find homes for animals in need. Over the years, our objective has remained the same: to place animals into permanent, caring homes and advance the humane treatment of animals through education. Our Facility Thanks to the generosity of numerous donors, A.D.O.P.T.’s state-of-the-art facility was completed in spring of 2003. Built to house approximately 40 dogs/puppies and 100 cats/kittens, we provide our animals a safe, comfortable environment while they’re waiting for their new home.

Anderson Humane

Bringing people and animals together for good. For more than fifty years, Anderson Humane has been the leading animal welfare organization in our community. We have been dedicated to creating positive connections between people and animals from day one because animals make us better! Today, we place more than 4,000 pets into loving homes each year. Our innovative programs make the healing presence of animals available to seniors, veterans, and those in crisis. We help pet owners provide the best care possible to their dogs, cats, rabbits, turtles, and other animals through free training and resources. Every year, Anderson Humane cares for more than 3,000 injured and orphaned wild animals. Our classes and programs help people appreciate and preserve these animals and their natural habitat.

Saving Animals In Need Rescue Inc

We are a 501c3 Not for Profit Animal Rescue Organization. We are a foster based rescue. We are a group of volunteers who are rescuers, transporters, and fosters. We work with professionals including veterinarians, humane societies, county animal services, etc. that advocate for and save homeless animals throughout the State of Illinois and our country. Founders Arita Sego and Lisa Pyle are two animal rescuers that found each other in 2009. Arita met Lisa and shared her volunteer work with the animals with her. They quickly connected over their love for animals and the desire to help animals in need. After 14 years of friendship and rescuing animals together, they decided to start a new animal rescue; there are not enough rescues to help all the homeless animals. That is how SAVING ANIMALS IN NEED RESCUE, AKA SAIN RESCUE was formed. ARITA SEGO has had animals throughout her life. She currently has two adopted senior dogs, Grandpa and Herbie. She has always loved animals. As an adult, Arita has adopted, fostered, and provided hospice care to over 200 dogs and cats. She has taken care of dogs with significant medical issues and nursed them back to health. She fostered one dog that was paralyzed from the waist down. This dog was able to be rehabilitated to the point that she could run after the squirrels, which she loved to do. Arita has fostered and nurtured dogs who were fearful of humans and helped rehabilitate them and find them their forever home. She has volunteered in Animal Rescue for almost 15 years prior to exploring and beginning this rescue. Animal Rescue is Arita’s passion. Her career has been spent helping people in need so it is not surprising that she decided to also help animals in need. Arita believes it takes a village, a team of volunteers with a heart for the animals in order to do the work of animal rescue. Without volunteers and donors, this Rescue wouldn’t exist. LISA PYLE has always had animals in her life, growing up and as an adult. She has always loved animals and currently has a few adopted dogs and cats. She has been fostering animals since 2009. Lisa has fostered and adopted around 150 dogs/puppies. She has been instrumental in giving them a second chance in life. Lisa adopted several dogs that had significant behavioral issues that made their possibility of adoption remote at best. Without Lisa choosing to adopt them, their future was bleak. Lisa spent her time, energy and resources nurturing these dogs to the point that they were able to either fully trust her or trust her enough to become part of her pack. Lisa has also been actively involved in TNR in her community. She has helped over 50 cats get spayed/neutered to help with the overpopulation of feral cats. Lisa continues to take care of a colony of cats that have all been altered.

It's All About The Paws

Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary

THE SANCTUARY WAS FOUNDED AND INCORPORATED BY A SMALL GROUP OF RESIDENTS FROM ROCKFORD, IL ON APRIL 30, 1978. THEIR PRIMARY CONCERN WAS HUMANE CARE AND POPULATION CONTROL. THERE HAVE BEEN OVER 30,000 ANIMALS THAT HAVE BEEN ABOARD THE ARK. EACH YEAR OVER ONE THOUSAND ANIMALS COME TO NOAH'S ARK IN NEED OF A WARM BED, GOOD MEAL, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY A FOREVER HOME. OUR DEDICATED STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS WORK HARD TO ENSURE EACH ANIMAL RECEIVES THE BEST CARE POSSIBLE DURING HIS/HER STAY. WE RECEIVE NO GOVERNMENT FUNDING AND RELY ON THE SUPPORT AND KINDNESS FROM OUR COMMUNITY, PRIVATE DONATIONS, BEQUESTS, FUND RAISING EVENTS, GRANTS, AND VOLUNTEER HELP TO COMPLETE OUR MISSION. NOAH'S ARK DOES NOT EUTHANIZE ANIMALS TO MAKE SPACE TO HOUSE OTHERS. WE ARE A NO KILL SHELTER AND WORK TO PRESERVE LIFE WHENEVER POSSIBLE. OUR VISION IS TO SECURE A SAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR ALL COMPANION ANIMALS. WE ENVISION A WORLD WHERE ALL PEOPLE AND THEIR PETS LIVE HEALTHY, HAPPY, AND LONG LIVES TOGETHER.

Glory Bound Rescue Ranch

Over two decades ago, Jennifer Finkelman, our founder, president, and lifelong animal advocate, envisioned Glory Bound as a peaceful haven for her horses, boarders, and riding lessons. However, the transformative encounter with a draft horse named Ripley marked a turning point. Ripley needed Jennifer just as much as she needed him, forever altering the trajectory of Glory Bound. What began as a horse stable has blossomed into a sanctuary for horses, dogs, and various farm animals. Fueled by a dedicated volunteer force, we embrace senior animals and those that may not fit elsewhere. The resilience displayed by our "residents" is nothing short of miraculous. Emerging from adversity, these animals overcome physical and mental anguish, learning to trust and accept human touch during their rehabilitation. Glory Bound stands as a no-kill animal sanctuary, rescuing creatures from abuse, neglect, imminent danger, and abandonment. Our daily commitment echoes our purpose: to be a voice for the voiceless. We're steadfast in our determination to RESCUE ON! As Winston Churchill aptly said, "There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man." At Glory Bound, we witness these profound connections daily, as many souls find solace, rehabilitation, and a second chance at a fulfilled life.

Helping Out Pets Everywhere: H.O.P.E.

We are an all-breed dog and cat rescue dedicated to helping animals in need. All of our animals are cared for in foster homes with the intention of finding lifelong families for each animal.

Naperville Area Humane Society

History In 1979, a group of caring citizens dedicated themselves to helping homeless companion animals in their community. They created the Naperville Humane Society and fostered animals in their homes until permanent homes could be found. Wishing to serve more people and animals, this group solicited the financial support of the community and built a 3,550-square-foot shelter in 1988. After 43 years and more than 20,000 animals served, the Board of Directors changed the organization's name to more accurately reflect the population we serve. In January of 2005, the name was officially changed to Naperville Area Humane Society. This new name more accurately reflects the areas we serve. In 2021, we completed our shelter expansion project, which increased our square footage to 8,150. The Naperville Area Humane Society is a 501(c)3 organization. Our tax-exempt number is 363040480. Care At the Naperville Area Humane Society, each animal is tenderly cared for. Entering a shelter can be stressful or possibly even terrifying to some cats and dogs. Our dedicated and highly trained staff and volunteers offer compassionate care to each animal and work to address his or her individual needs. The staff diligently matches each pet's needs with a family eager to adopt a dog or cat. At the Naperville Area Humane Society, all animals receive basic vaccinations and medical care. All animals are neutered or spayed before being released to their new owners. In addition, dogs’ temperaments are thoroughly assessed before being made available for adoption. Unfortunately, far too many cats and dogs continue to need help in our society. Since we cannot solve this overwhelming problem ourselves, we have evolved our approach to the homeless animal crisis to include innovative community service initiatives, such as humane education and a behavior helpline, while we continue to rehome animals. No-Kill Statement There is no term in the animal sheltering field more divisive than no-kill; in fact, there is no clear definition. Generally speaking, a no-kill shelter is described as an organization that does not euthanize “adoptable” animals. A 90-percent save rate for animals entering a shelter is the common-sense benchmark for measuring lifesaving progress. Typically, the number of pets suffering from irreparable medical or behavioral issues that compromise their quality of life and prevent them from being rehomed is not more than 10 percent of all pets entering shelters.* While the 90-percent benchmark offers a meaningful, consistent way to gauge progress, it is neither a floor nor a ceiling. For many shelters, a true no-kill statistic may be closer to a 95-percent save rate or higher. For some shelters, particularly those offering unique care and services such as neonatal kitten programs or compassionate end-of-life services for residents with pets in under-resourced communities, the benchmark may be slightly below 90 percent.* The Naperville Area Humane Society meets the requirements of a no-kill animal shelter, but we choose not to use the term because of its ambiguity. We refer to our shelter as a limited-admission organization. We accept only those animals that we have space to house safely and properly, meeting the standards of the Association of Shelter Veterinarians. Rather than keeping our animals in overcrowded conditions, we have a waiting list for animals needing to come into the shelter. The Naperville Area Humane Society never euthanizes animals for space or time constraints. All animals are evaluated for health by local veterinarians and for behavior by trained shelter staff using standardized assessments. The decision to euthanize an animal is never an easy one, but we believe it is sometimes necessary. We will choose euthanasia when an animal is suffering from an incurable, debilitating medical condition or when an animal displays severe, unmanageable aggression. We believe it is irresponsible to place a dangerous animal in the community. When appropriate, however, we will transfer an animal to an approved rescue group with the resources to provide behavior modification training in a foster home to change outcomes.

Home Sweet Home Pet Rescue

Home Sweet Home’s mission is to create a no-kill community through the rescue, rehabilitate and re-homing of pets and the education of youth about animal related issues. HSH is committed to the following actions: Provide a home and veterinary care for animals in need, Provide a home for animals while in rescue, Find appropriate homes for every adoptable animal & Educate youth in the community through HSH’s Youth Council