Considering a furry addition to your Chicago home or apartment? If you’re looking for a canine companion, why not consider dog adoption in Chicago? There are thousands of four-footed friends in the Windy City who are waiting for a forever home. In this extensive blog, we review the most recommended and reputable dog rescues and shelters. Read on to learn more below!
Chicago Canine Rescue
Chicago Canine Rescue has helped match over 8,000 dogs with owners. They welcome all ages and sizes of dogs and treat them with compassion.
The CCR family works with every dog they rescue to prepare them for life with a new best friend. They encourage growth and recognize every milestone with hope and excitement.
Chi-Town Pitties
Chi-Town Pitties is committed to rescuing bullies. They work with high-kill shelters to save dogs and place them with foster homes matched to the pup’s individual needs.
Chi-Town is a small operation that works to learn all they can about the pitties they take in. They also carefully screen potential owners to ensure a match that helps dogs thrive.
One Tail at a Time
One Tail at a Time rescue is one of several top transfer shelters for animal control in Chicago. Once a backup plan for other rescues and shelters in the area, they have become a respected rescue organization in Chicagoland.
Dogs at One Tail at a Time receive compassionate care to prepare them for a forever home. Owners choosing the rescue for their dog adoption in Chicago will find a supportive community and helpful resources for adding a new canine companion to their family.
Community Animal Rescue Effort – C.A.R.E.
Since 1987, Community Animal Rescue Effort (C.A.R.E.) has worked to match dogs and cats with the right forever home. C.A.R.E. places adoptable dogs with foster families to provide for their physical and emotional needs before adoption.
Once someone adopts a dog from C.A.R.E., they will have access to ongoing support and resources to foster a smooth transition.
Border Tails Rescue
Border Tails Rescue partners with local and national animal service facilities to help prevent euthanasia of adoptable dogs. The organization uses community outreach, education, and a spay/neuter clinic to reduce the number of homeless dogs.
Owners who adopt from Border Tails Rescue receive ongoing support throughout the transition and beyond. The organization is committed to making the Chicago dog adoption experience easy and enjoyable.
Red Door Animal Shelter
Red Door Animal Shelter in Chicago is a no-kill facility for dogs, cats, and rabbits. The organization emphasizes rehoming pets through adoption.
While they reside at Red Door, dogs are in a cageless environment to give them a close-to-home experience that eases the transition to a forever home.
Wright-Way Rescue
Wright-Way Rescue is a non-profit organization founded in 2004. The rescue saves thousands of pets every year and works to connect them with the right homes.
Wright-Way Rescue offers education, spaying and neutering, and other veterinary services to help support pet owners.
Anti-Cruelty Society
For over 125 years, the Anti-Cruelty Society has worked in Chicago to provide the best care. It is the largest private animal welfare organization in the Windy City.
Anti-Cruelty supports owners and their companions with humane education, veterinary services, and more.
PAWS Chicago
PAWS Chicago seeks to end euthanasia of homeless pets in Chicago. They work to match homeless pets with potential adopters and provide ongoing support through training and veterinary care.
Homeless pets at PAWS receive compassionate care and are placed in loving foster homes. Owners have access to continued support from after adoption.



