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.

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.

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.

South Suburban Humane Society

The South Suburban Humane Society (SSHS) incorporated in 1970 as a small group of volunteers who brought homeless pets into their homes and worked to find them permanent homes. From those humble origins, we grew to a 501c3 nonprofit organization operating a 19,000 square foot animal resource campus in Matteson, IL that takes in more than 4,000 pets annually, a Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic, a Low-Cost Veterinary Services Clinic, and a variety of far-reaching community services. The SSHS annually impacts 20,000 pets and the people who love them through these programs.

A.R.F.-Animal Rescue Foundation

A.R.F.-Animal Rescue Foundation is a no-kill, all-volunteer, foster-based organization dedicated to rescuing and rehoming homeless dogs and cats into loving forever homes, including animals that other rescue groups often cannot accept due to advanced age or exceptional medical needs of the animals, and to enhancing the lives of animals by promoting affordable, responsible pet ownership and public awareness of animal welfare. Our History The ARFmobile, which you will see parked outside cat and dog adoption events. It all started with “two chicks and a van.” In 1985, a small group of dedicated volunteers started rescuing cats and dogs from shelters in downstate Illinois and bringing them up north to be adopted. From humble beginnings, the organization began to grow. Over time, more and more volunteers joined, rescuing more and more animals. A.R.F. was granted 501(c)(3) non-profit status. In 2008 we started working with PetSmart to manage the Adoption Centers in Wheaton and Darien which house feline residents available for adoption. We then began to collaborate with Wheaton Animal Hospital to ensure all animals are healthy and spayed/neutered before being adopted, except where medically contraindicated. In 2019, Fox Valley Animal Welfare League joined us as a veterinary supporter as well. In 2023, A.R.F. rescued over 1,200 dogs and cats through the work of more than 150 volunteers. We look forward to increasing these numbers every year, providing animals with their forever homes and people with their pet companions.

Second City Canine Rescue

Second City Canine Rescue (SCCR) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that is largely volunteer-operated. We are dedicated to serving the homeless dogs of Chicagoland, as well as branching out to other areas (such as Oklahoma, Indiana, Kentucky, Southern Illinois, Texas, & Michigan) ‚wherever homeless dogs & puppies need us.

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

All Those Left Behind Animal Rescue, Inc.

All Those Left Behind Animal Rescue, Inc. is a foster home based 501 c 3 not for profit animal rescue licensed by the State of Illinois Department of Agriculture. Our mission is to rescue animals left by their owners or at animal controls as we strive to prevent euthanasia of any animal regardless of breed, age or health concerns. Not only are we a rescue but we have sanctuary animals too which will live out the rest of their lives in our rescue because of them being considered unadoptable due to medical or behavioral concerns. All of our staff are volunteers, we do not have paid employees and we do NOT have a physical shelter, all of our animals are in foster homes.

Grundy County Animal Control

The Barn on Baseline Animal Shelter and Adoption Center

For over 40 years The Barn on Baseline has rescued the dogs and cats that no one else is willing to help. We got our start in 1975 and it's taken a lot of love, hard work, and dedication, but the animals continue to make every day a joy for us! It takes a lot to run and maintain an animal shelter, so please consider helping out in any way; volunteering your time, monetarily, or donating goods we need to keep our four-legged friends happy and healthy! Our staff works 365 days a year. That includes Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. It takes dedication to care for more than 120 animals every single day of the year. Beyond the rescue and adoption we offer additional services to the public. These services include training, boarding, grooming, and day care. To keep the health and safety of our animals and yours in mind, these services are held in the adjacent building from the shelter. While half of this building is dedicated to the long and short-term care of your pets and the other half provides full or half day day care, a grooming salon, and public boarding in upscale rooms for pets in our community. The income generated from these additional services allow both our shelter, and the Family Pet Care Center to operate.

Traveling Tails Dog Rescue

We rescue animals that need help. Whether it is domestic U.S. or overseas, we focus on helping the animals that have no voice of their own. We have worked with a lot of wonderful people in the USA as well as in a large array of countries in the Middle East. Many of those countries do not have animal rescue and our team stepped in to help. As times have changed, due to the pandemic and the CDC ban on the importation of dogs from 113 countries, the TTDR team is still fighting for the voiceless animals that need our help. At this time we are focusing on finding loving homes for abused, abandoned, and neglected dogs here in the USA. We are not losing hope that the CDC ban will still be lifted.

Gordon Setter Club of America

The Gordon Setter Club of America, Inc. is a not for profit organization dedicated to promoting and preserving the “Beauty, Brains & Bird Sense” in Gordon Setters. The club was organized in 1924 and currently has about 800 members. Most of our membership is concentrated in the United States, but we also have members from 15 to 20 countries worldwide. The GSCA’s certificate of incorporation was issued by the state of New York on January 14, 1965. Membership is open to anyone who is interested in Gordon Setters, and members receive a newsletter 8 times a year, Gordon Setter News. Our members subscribe to a Code of Ethics. The club serves as an umbrella organization for a number of regional groups (both independent clubs and area committees) who organize and put on events for Gordons, including specialty shows (conformation events), obedience trials, hunting tests, field trials and other special programs. There are more than 22 affiliated clubs and area committees in the United States. Fortunately, the relative rarity of Gordon Setters has not made an organized Rescue program a pressing need until recent years. Gordon Setter lovers rescued the occasional Gordon from a shelter on a private basis for many years, but, by the late 1980’s, it was clear that, additional active work was necessary. Thus, GSCA established a National Rescue program in 1991. Our first National Specialty was held in 1983 in Springfield, Ohio and has become a popular yearly event. It is held in different locations each year. This event generally attracts Gordons from all over the USA and foreign countries. We held our first National Field Trial in 1993 in Ohio, with an AKC approved Gordon Setter National Field Championship beginning in 1995. The event draws about 100 Gordons each year and is considered the premier field competition for our breed. Our Health & Genetics Committee gathers and disseminates information about Gordon Setter health issues, balancing a need for informing our membership and others interested in Gordons about potential health problems, and encouraging management for sound, healthy dogs. We offer a breeder referral service for individuals interested in finding a Gordon Setter puppy or adult dog. If you chose to e-mail our puppy referral service, be sure to include your snail-mail information in your communication.

Forever Home Dog Rescue IL

We are a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit dog rescue. Our all-volunteer team saves dogs and puppies that are in danger of being euthanized. These dogs and puppies come from areas in Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, and Louisiana. Once transported back here to the Fox Valley area they are placed in loving foster homes - where they receive veterinary care and start their basic training. We give these loving animals a second chance in life.

Animal House Shelter

We are a non-profit, 501(c)3, no kill shelter for all breeds of dogs and cats. Founded in June 2002, we rescue and care for homeless animals. Most of the dogs and cats that we take in are from high kill facilities that are euthanizing due to lack of space. Many have been abused, neglected or abandoned . Once rehabilitated and ready, they are carefully matched with prospective adopters and placed in loving homes. We do take in some owner relinquishments as well and there are a variety of reasons people give up their dog or cat to us. The most common reasons are lack of time due to a change in work schedule, moving, allergies, new baby etc. Like people, animals have distinct personalities that make them unique. At Animal House we are proud to say that these animals are treated like our own. We care enough to be certain they go to the right loving, forever home.

Making A Difference Rescue

Making A Difference Rescue is a 100% volunteer run, 501c3 non-profit organization, registered with the State of Illinois and licensed by the State of Illinois Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Animal Health and Welfare Because we are a 501c3 charitable organization, all donations are tax deductible. We do not have our own facility. We rely solely on a team of dedicated volunteers and screened foster homes to re-home, socialize, and care for our animals. With their help and yours, we are able to rescue animals from potential euthanasia and help lower overpopulation in area shelters. All donations are tax deductible. Who We Are Making A Difference Rescue is made up of a group of volunteers that are dedicated to placing abandoned and at-risk animals into approved, reference and screen checked homes. Making A Difference Rescue believes that these steps are crucial in order to ensure a safe and forever loving home for their animals. Financial support and/or supplies that can be donated are always greatly appreciated. We take pride in knowing that we had a part in changing their lives forever!

Paws Up 4 Rescue

We are located in Joliet, Illinois. All our animals are located in foster homes. The best way for you to meet them is to attend one of our adoption events. See the calendar for dates and locations.

A Heart for Animals

A Heart For Animals is a no-kill, non-profit 501(c)(3) animal rescue. We are foster based and believe that all animals deserve a chance to have a loving, forever home. Our organization is dedicated to helping our youth understand how to properly care for their pets and we offer service hours for high school students who volunteer to help our programs. Engaging teens to learn how to be responsible and care for pets pays it forward to future pet owners. Contact Us if you are interested in learning more about these programs. In addition, we are a volunteer-only organization and rely on the commitment and skills of our volunteers to carry out our mission. Please consider volunteering or fostering to help us save as many lives as possible.

Helping Paws Animal Shelter

Helping Paws Animal Shelter’s mission is to provide shelter, food, medical care, and comfort to abandoned, neglected, and abused animals until they are placed into loving, responsible homes. Our Story Helping Paws Animal Shelter (HP), legally known as the Fox Valley Helping Paws Animal Welfare Association, Inc., was established in 1969 with a foster program which rehomed orphaned animals into permanent, loving homes. In 1971, Helping Paws incorporated as the first no-kill, animal welfare association in McHenry County. Our first storefront location was on Route 14, across from Andy’s Restaurant at 465 Virginia Street. In 1995, we rented a facility in Ridgefield, IL, which was only able to house cats and then three years later purchased and remodeled the old Culligan Building at 257 King Street in Crystal Lake. The building was approximately 3,000 square feet and allowed us to house up to 60 cats and seven dogs. Then in 2006, Helping Paws moved into our current 10,000 square foot facility at 2500 Harding Lane, Woodstock, IL. This facility allows us to care for approximately 125 kittens/cats and to accommodate 45 puppies/dogs. Helping Paws is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Our small, committed staff of 11 employees and over 300 dedicated volunteers handle and care for more than 800 animals annually and serve more than 300,000 residents in McHenry County and surrounding communities. Each animal that comes into our shelter is treated with respect, kindness and compassion. We believe that for each of our animals…”Second Chances Start Here.”

Treasured Animal Rescue

Treasured Animal Rescue is a 100% foster based; non-profit animal rescue dedicated to help animals that face a homeless situation for no fault of their own. Animals that are placed in high-kill shelters, abandoned or are given up by their owners; Treasured Animal Rescue seeks out these animals and places them in our dedicated, loving foster homes. We provide these unfortunate souls vet care while our Volunteers diligently search for their forever homes. Treasured Animal Rescue is a “no-kill” Rescue and there are no limits to any breed, age or an animal’s health limitations. When an animal needs rescue; Treasured Animal Rescue is there to assist an animal in need or when a homeowner faces the dilemma of giving up their beloved pet. As our dedicated Volunteers search the endless paths at the shelters seeing the animals marked “URGENT”, some may see sadness, despair and hopelessness but Treasured Animal Rescue sees a “Diamond Soul”. We see an unfortunate soul that deserves a loving home, and we will give that poor animal every opportunity to reach that destiny. All animals deserve a loving home. We believe that underneath the sadness, despair and hopelessness; every animal has a "Diamond Soul" that is pure, beautiful and has an inward treasure. Treasured Animal Rescue helps all animals show the world the brilliance that shines from their loving souls.

On Angels' Wings - Pet Rescue & Resale Store

On Angels' Wings, Inc. (OAW) is a 501(c)(3) public nonprofit whose mission is to rescue, provide veterinary care for, and find forever homes for abused, abandoned, and neglected pets (dogs, cats, and small animals) in Northern Illinois and beyond. At OAW, we believe the human and animal bond is a mutually beneficial relationship, improving life for both the rescued pet as well as the members of the adopting family. OAW founders Jeannette Hager and her daughter Emily hoped to encourage future generations to embrace this way of thinking, which is why we also educate the community about animal welfare, particularly within the local school system.

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.

Paws and Affect Animal Rescue

Paws and Affect Animal Rescue is a 501c3 all breed, all ages, all animal rescue. We are built on 18 years of rescue experience. Our team is dedicated to finding forever homes for the forgotten animals of IL and across the nation. We believe in transparency, honesty, and are passionate about doing what is right for the animals in our care. We hope that we can help you find your new family member.

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.

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.

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.

It's All About The Paws