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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

It's All About The Paws

Bark of an Angel Dog Rescue, Inc

Bark of an Angel Dog Rescue is 100% Volunteer Based Non-Profit Dog Rescue. Our Dog Loving Volunteers dedicate their time to helping Homeless Dogs and Puppies get a second chance in life and find a loving Forever Home. We are completely Foster Based with the BEST Foster Homes any Dog or Puppy could ask for! All of our Rescues are Treated like part of the Family because they ARE! Our History Bark of an Angel Dog Rescue was founded in 2018 by a Husband and Wife Team. Ray and Cathie started off as a Foster Home for a local rescue that is no longer in operation. Ray and Cathie saw a void in the local Area when the rescue they foster for closed down and knew they had to help. From their personal Foster experience they wanted to create an organization that put not only their Rescues first and foremost, but their Foster Homes as well. Through their experience raising their personal Great Dane Mix Scooby, they me a Handsome Rescue named Phoenix. Phoenix is the inspiration to the Paw Print, Halo, and Angel Wings. Phoenix was a well loved Dane Rescue who's story inspired Ray and Cathie that with love and patience you can heal the heart, soul, and body as well as the difference you can make in a Dog's life no matter how long or short their time was here on Earth.

Animal Rescue Associates, Inc.

Animal Rescue Associates, Inc, is a licensed, No-Kill, No-Shelter rescue organization made up of rescuers throughout Illinois and surrounding communities…all dedicated and working collectively to save discarded, abandoned and displaced lives. Animal Rescue Associates strives to reduce the vast overpopulation of unwanted pets by: · Rescuing countless adoptable pets awaiting their avoidable fate of euthanasia in high-kill facilities. · Offering adoption of rescued, homeless pets. · Providing re-homing services for displaced pets. · Contributing education on the humane care and treatment of animals, as well as the importance of spaying and neutering in our communities. • Supporting and believing that high volume, community based sterilization campaigns are the humane, logical and sustainable strategy to combat the over population of cats and dogs. • Supporting the No-Kill, No-Shelter approach.

Aurora IL Animal Care and Control

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.

Recycled Rotts, Inc.

The Labrador Connection

TLC- The Labrador Connection has been rescuing and placing unwanted Labrador Retrievers into loving forever homes since February, 2006. Since then, we have saved and adopted out over 500 Labs. TLC is an all volunteer based organization. We rely on volunteers to help foster, transport, complete home visits and help with fundraising and events. All of our rescue Labs are placed in foster homes in the areas of Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois to be evaluated for temperament, level of training, and vetting needed prior to adoption TLC is a 501(c)3 organization which means that donations are tax deductable, and greatly appreciated. The funds that we raise from donations, adoption fees, and participation in fundraising events are used to pay for the veterinary care of our rescue Labs.

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.

Hoof Woof Meow Animal Rescue

We're a coalition of dedicated volunteers and professionals—rescuers, transporters, fosters, veterinarians, humane societies, investigators, and shelters—that advocate for and save homeless animals throughout the State of Illinois and across the country. Hoof Woof & Meow Animal Rescue is a registered non-profit 501(c)(3) no-kill animal rescue organization. Established in September 2012, we're on a mission to eliminate needless deaths and inhumane treatment of all animals. We're committed to finding forever homes for the animals in our care and educating the general public on the issues of mistreatment and overpopulation, as well as the need for comprehensive spay and neutering programs. Together, we're making a difference in the lives of countless animals.

Save-A-Pet

Save-A-Pet offers rescued dogs and cats the greatest opportunity for a second chance. We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and one of the largest no-kill cat and dog rescues in Lake County that operates a full-time adoption center. We provide a safe haven for abused, neglected, injured, lost, or animals that have escaped euthanasia. We will never put a limit on the amount of care we will provide for an animal and we never give up on them. The Save-A-Pet Difference: Save-A-Pet is a true no-kill rescue. We do not temperament test our dogs and cats, nor do we discriminate against age, health, or any breeds. We operate under the mantra of “Help, Heal, Home.” We will do whatever it takes to provide an animal with a second chance and to help that cat or dog find its “home”. Our adoption center provides high-quality care for our rescued animals to help them heal physically and emotionally. Through our network of animal care providers including local veterinarians, orthopedic surgeons, veterinary specialists, animal massage therapists, behaviorists, and trainers, each cat or dog has the opportunity to heal based on their unique needs. In addition, we work very hard to ensure that each adoption is a successful and long-term placement for our animals. Every successful adoption represents the success of our mission and efforts in saving the lives of cats and dogs that otherwise wouldn’t have had a chance.

A Journey Home Dog Rescue

A Journey Home Dog Rescue is a 501(C)3 all-volunteer dog rescue based in Oswego, Illinois. We rescue, provide care and find homes for dogs from overcrowded shelters. We do not have a physical shelter; our rescues get the unique opportunity of being placed directly in the homes of foster volunteers.

Fur Angels Animal Sanctuary

Fur Angels Animal Sanctuary is an all volunteer foster based animal rescue network based in Illinois and Northwest Indiana. A core group of volunteers live in the Chicago Suburbs and surrounding Chicagoland area. As a small non-profit, Fur Angels works tirelessly to giving all animals a second chance at finding a forever home. Without having an actual shelter, we have many volunteers who have opened their homes to not just dogs and cats, but also exotic domestic animals. This rescue is unique because we foster many animals deemed “unadoptable” like bonded pairs, special needs, and seniors. What we rescue: • Dogs and Cats • Birds (Large and Small) • Rabbits and Guinea Pigs • Reptiles and Amphibians • Turtles and Tortoises • Hedgehogs and Sugar Gliders • Ferrets and Rodents • Fish and more!

Dog Rescue R Us - North

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!

Homes for Endangered & Lost Pets

H.E.L.P. obtains veterinary care, food and shelter for stray and abandoned cats and dogs until they are adopted into loving homes. H.E.L.P. does not have a facility. The animals live in our volunteers' homes. We feel that foster care benefits the animal and the potential adopter, as it allows us to work on health or behavioral issues while providing a safe, healthy, happy environment until a cat or dog is adopted. In addition, fostering enables us to get to know an animal so we can better match the cat or dog to their person or family. Homeless pets are referred by police departments, veterinarians, other shelters and people in the community. Each animal is thoroughly examined by a veterinarian, is vaccinated, dewormed, receives the necessary blood tests, and is eventually spayed or neutered. They are then taken to a foster home for recovery from surgery, if necessary, socialization and evaluation. H.E.L.P. is essentially a no-kill organization. We are proud to take in animals that other organizations would not otherwise help. We do not have time limits on the animals in our care and we do not euthanize animals with health issues or non-terminal illness. However, we will not prolong the suffering of an animal with a personality that would make living in a home with people a miserable experience. Furthermore, we do not keep animals in foster care whose temperament poses a danger to people or other animals. We are a 501(c)3 charity that relies on donations and volunteers from the community as well as fundraisers to support the organization. We receive no money from federal, state, or local government.

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!

Border Tails Rescue

Border Tails Rescue is a licensed no-kill animal rescue and welfare organization dedicated to the rescue and adoption of stray dogs across the world, with a unique focus on Mexico. Border Tails Rescue has a physical shelter facility with dogs on site for viewing everyday. Border Tails Rescue primarily works with rural shelters across the country, including but not limited to TX, AR, AL, LA, KY, IN, and MI on a regular basis as well as CACC, Chicago's open intake shelter. BTR is Woman-founded by Harleigh Garcia, who was 20 years old at the time. The organization was founded in December of 2019 and Border Tails Rescue is registered with Illinois Secretary of State as a non profit organization. Border Tails Rescue operates entirely on donations and adoption fees.

DuPage County Animal Services

DuPage County Animal Services (DCAS) is the county's sole public animal shelter and control agency. The mission of DCAS is to protect the health, safety and welfare of people and pets throughout DuPage County. DCAS cares for the community's lost, homeless, stray, injured, sick, neglected and abandoned animals.

Illinois Doberman Rescue Plus

Illinois Doberman Rescue Plus operates as a not-for-profit organization based in Northern Illinois. The goal of IDR+ is to rescue animals in need, to place them into responsible homes, and to educate the public about the Doberman breed. Our rescue animals come from animal control organizations, humane societies, and owner give-up situations in Illinois and surrounding states. After entering the program, our animals are spayed or neutered, fully vaccinated, heartworm tested (and given monthly heartworm preventative), and microchipped (a computer microchip placed in the dog's lower neck for help with identification should the animal ever become lost). While awaiting adoption, most of our animals live in foster homes throughout Illinois where we attempt to evaluate their temperaments, learn their behavioral quirks, and work on basic manners and obedience. We endeavor to place each animal in a home best suited for that individual dog. Some factors we take into account include the animal's reaction to children, dogs, and cats. We carefully screen all applicants since we want to ensure that each adoption is a good match and provides a permanent home for the animal. We maintain contact with our adoptive families and encourage them to contact us in case of any questions or problems.

Just Animals Shelter

Just Animals is a non-profit no-kill animal shelter. We have been serving Grundy and surrounding Counties since 1997. All of our funding comes from donations and fundraisers. Each year we take in hundreds of cats and dogs that come in as strays off the street, from animal controls and owners that surrender them. Many of these animals have been neglected, abused and abandoned. Our goal is to provide the best medical care to mend their broken bodies, patience and love to rebuild their spirits, and when they are ready, offer them for adoption to a permanent, safe, loving home. Financially, the last several years have been difficult for many people and many of them had to give up their animals because they were losing their homes, or just couldn’t afford to take proper care of them. Because of this, there were many more animals that needed our help. We are happy to say that we have continued to place many dogs, puppies, kittens and cats into loving forever homes through the hard work and dedication of the workers and volunteers that give so much of themselves to the animals here at Just Animals. This is an amazing number of precious lives saved working from our small office in Mazon and some wonderful foster homes. Thank you to the wonderful people that adopted a new family member from us and thank you to the wonderful people that so generously donate to us, we could not do this without you. Before going to their new homes, all pets are vet checked, spayed/neutered, micro-chipped, vaccinated, flea treated and dewormed. Cats are tested for feline leukemia/FIV, dogs are tested for heartworm and started on preventative. Many of the animals we take in can require extensive medical care. Without your donations, we would not be able to provide the care many of them need. Just Animals Shelter is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization. We receive no tax-payer dollars or government funding. All funding has been donated by caring community members or raised ourselves. All donations to Just Animals Shelter are tax-deductible.

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.