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.

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.

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.

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.

Dog Rescue R Us - North

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

Kane County Animal Control

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.