Rescues & Shelters
Adoption groups, foster networks and shelters across Chicago.
Adopting, surrendering or looking for a lost dog in Chicago
Chicago's shelters and rescues work in two very different ways, and knowing which is which saves time and heartache.
Open-admission. Chicago Animal Care and Control (CACC), on South Western Avenue, is the city's municipal shelter. It takes every stray picked up in Chicago and every animal surrendered by a Chicago resident, and it cannot turn animals away.
Limited-admission (often called no-kill). Private rescues and shelters choose which animals they take. That lets them promise a dog a place until it's adopted — and it means they can say no.
What that means for you
- Lost dog? Start at CACC, in person, and keep going back. Strays found anywhere in the city are taken there, and online photos lag behind intake. Bring proof of ownership: vet records, license, microchip number, photos.
- Adopting? Every organization here is worth a visit. CACC is where the dogs with the least time are.
- Need to surrender a dog? Call a private rescue first. If they can't take your dog, CACC accepts surrenders from Chicago residents.
Low-cost vet care: The Anti-Cruelty Society runs a public clinic in River North — see Veterinarians.
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