This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Illinois. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs. We've compiled this list by gathering heartfelt testimonials from both the Sniffspot community and the wider public, ensuring a comprehensive perspective on these exceptional shelters.
#47 in United States, #1 in Illinois
Chicago
An all breed foster based rescue saving dogs from our local open access shelters.
"We have always been partial to bully breeds (and german shepherds, sorry) and Dark Horse Dogs does the most for..."
— brandon r.
Volunteer / foster, Fan
"Dark Horse is simply the best. They save more dogs than anyone around and the sense of humor they bring..."
— amanda r.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter
#74 in United States, #2 in Illinois
Chicago
CCR is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was founded in 2001 to help find permanent, loving homes for homeless dogs in our city. CCR has saved the lives of over 8,000 dogs while also finding their forever homes! Traditionally, these animals were automatically euthanized at area shelters. However, today, Chicago Canine Rescue exists to give many of these animals a second chance, too! CCR assists the animals that are the MOST vulnerable in our city ‚the dogs that are slated for euthanasia because they are too old, too young, too injured, have disabilities, or have simply been overlooked for too long by potential adopters at other shelters. We are committed to each dog who comes into our care and won't stop providing for them we find their perfect family! Though we are just one of many rescues in Chicago, our dogs are one in a million and we are committed to leaving no dog behind!
"Chicago Canine Rescue does amazing work saving the most vulnerable! They have such a strong following because they truly have..."
— nancy m.
Supporter
"They need more places to have their dogs run around and stretch their legs. They are a wonderful shelter."
— caroline b.
Adoptee
#121 in United States, #3 in Illinois
Chicago
Since 1987, Community Animal Rescue Effort (C.A.R.E.‚Ñ¢) has been promoting adoptions and care for cats and dogs. C.A.R.E. is a volunteer-driven, not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) organization. Our Adoption Center opened in the Summer of 2018 and is located north of Chicago at 4927 Main Street in Skokie, IL. C.A.R.E. offers a combined adoption center and foster home model to better serve the needs of homeless animals as well as potential adopters and the community. C.A.R.E. is licensed by the State of Illinois Department of Agriculture (License 14383). Our Philosophy
"We adopted our pup from CARE and feel so lucky. He was found on the streets of Chicago weighing in..."
— gerald b.
Adoptee
"Community Animal Rescue Effort is an excellent shelter. We got our dog from them 2 years ago and I..."
— dee t.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster
#130 in United States, #4 in Illinois
Chicago
One Tail at a Time began in 2008 as a small grassroots effort and has since evolved into a pillar of Chicago's animal welfare community. As of 2024, One Tail at a Time has rescued more than 11,300 animals, hosts a bustling pet adoption and foster program, community outreach initiatives in partnership with top human service organizations in our city, and leads the Chicagoland Rescue Intervention & Support Program, a local rescue coalition that is the only operating shelter diversion program at Chicago's largest intake shelter.
"I was interested but hesitant to foster after losing my 15 year old pup. However, One Tail at a Time..."
— maggie b.
Volunteer / foster
"One tail at a time is such an amazing rescue. The community they have built is nothing short of phenomenal...."
— alejandra m.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Staff member
#130 in United States, #4 in Illinois
Naperville
We're a foster based animal rescue with the overflow of animals kenneled in our facility.
"Stacey is incredible to work with. She is truly invested always it what is best for the animal. ..."
— lynn k.
Adoptee, Supporter
"They were so nice and thorough with us to make sure we picked the right dog and the dog got..."
— matthew k.
Adoptee
#184 in United States, #6 in Illinois
Chicago
We give companion animals the best chance at the life they deserve through rehabilitation, foster care, adoption and community support that keeps pets with the people who love them.
"Evanston animal shelter takes in so many surrenders and strays and treats them with the best love and care until..."
— ashley t.
Volunteer / foster
"Evanston animal shelter takes in so many surrenders and strays and treats them with the best love and care until..."
— ashley t.
Volunteer / foster
#190 in United States, #7 in Illinois
Quad City Animal Welfare Center (QCAWC) was established in 1977 and has been dedicated to a no-kill philosophy. Located in Milan, Illinois, QCAWC is the only full service no-kill animal shelter in the Quad Cities and surrounding area. Operating solely on donations, QCAWC serves the Iowa ‚Illinois Quad Cities and surrounding counties. Every family deserves to have a pet; unfortunately not all families have the same resources. QCAWC offers low cost spaying and neutering. Along with spaying and neutering QCAWC has a low cost, high quality clinic open to the public every Wednesday and the first Saturday of every month. These unique services give families the opportunity for affordable veterinarian care. Last year, 2023, our clinic surgically altered over 4,500 companion animals. We also operate a mobile vet van that offers low cost, high quality mobile wellness to make prevention care more accessible. In our own communities, each year thousands of pets are left homeless to fend for themselves. The QCAWC accepted and re-homed over 1,500 companion animals in 2023 and more than 500 pet parents visited our pet food pantry. QCAWC carries on the tradition of educating our young people to be humane and compassionate to all beings, knowing that kind acts can influence us all. QCAWC partners with schools throughout the Quad Cities and surrounding area to provide quality educational programs to teach young people that treating all living beings with kindness, compassion, and respect is the most responsible way to live. Our school presentations emphasize proper pet care, bite prevention, animal safety and the pet overpopulation. The QCAWC presents humane educational programs to schools in both Illinois and Iowa. The impact of our programs in the community not only could save an animals life, but could save a child's life by teaching them how to avoid being bitten by a dog. We are committed to remaining a no-kill and continually strive to improve our programs and enhance our efforts to control the pet population and service our community.
"As a dog walking volunteer, I get the chance to interact and observe the staff several times a week...."
— mike c.
Volunteer / foster
"Not only do I volunteer at QCAWC at their wellness clinic, I also foster for them. I'm a member..."
— susan t.
Volunteer / foster
#218 in United States, #8 in Illinois
Chicago
Felines & Canines is located in the Edgewater neighborhood of Chicago. Our focus at F&C is to place safe, social and loving dogs and cats into permanent loving homes. We are best known for our exceptional care for both our animals and adopters, ground breaking program for FIV-positive cats, and creation of our nation's very first rescue and relocation facility - Felines & Canines Rescue Center.
"OMG Felines and Canines is the best rescue! Their personnel attention to matching the right pet to their family is..."
— sheri j.
Adoptee
"F&C is the most incredible rescue helping here in Northern AL. Their Hunter Stephenson Rescue center in Owen's Cross Roads..."
— karl z.
Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan
#235 in United States, #9 in Illinois
Chicago
Wright-Way Rescue is a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization. Our mission is to reduce the number of homeless pet euthanized in the Midwest each year through an adoption program, community education, promotion of spaying and neutering, and a veterinary medicine program.
"Great people doing great things for hurt, abandoned and unwanted dogs."
— margie m.
Adoptee
"Wright Way Rescue is an AMAZING organization! I had to make a very very hard decision at the age of..."
— alexis c.
Adoptee
#235 in United States, #9 in Illinois
Rottweiler
Chicago
We specialize in Rottweiler senior hospice care. Every now and then a puppy sneaks in. We work with high kill shelters to safe those that nobody else will come for. We also are very active in Aruba trying to help with the street dogs. We are rather small scale, but work very hard for every dog we take on.
"I have never met anyone who has a deeper love and devotion to dogs as Anja does. She truly dedicates..."
— jaci s.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan
"I adopted a Rottweiler about 4 years ago. Anja put a lot of effort in getting him ready to be..."
— sheri l.
Adoptee
#266 in United States, #11 in Illinois
Chicago
Chicago Animal Care and Control is equipped with a complete medical complex, full laboratory, radiology, and surgical capabilities for the care of its animals. Chicago Animal Care & Control veterinarians daily evaluate and treat the animals housed in the center.
"As a dedicated volunteer at the shelter, I’ve witnessed firsthand the extraordinary lengths the staff and fellow volunteers go to..."
— lauren b.
Volunteer / foster, Supporter
"CACC is filled with incredible volunteers working tirelessly to save the most vulnerable lives of chicago"
— annie k.
Supporter
#266 in United States, #11 in Illinois
Chicago
Anti-Cruelty is more than a shelter. We are a comprehensive animal welfare organization whose mission is to build healthy and happy community where pets and people thrive together. From our humble beginnings in 1899, we are now at the forefront of animal welfare and humane education. From our open door philosophy to our commitment to find a home for every adoptable animal we provide compassionate care for any animal in need.
"Wonderful, kind and always willing to go the extra mile for animals"
— jenny i.
Supporter, Fan
"These rescues go above and beyond for their animals and their communities!"
— ly.
Supporter, Fan
#361 in United States, #13 in Illinois
Naperville
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.
"In the heart of every pet adoption story, there is a hope for a forever home filled with love and..."
— leslie f.
Adoptee, Supporter
#361 in United States, #13 in Illinois
Naperville
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.
"We have rescued two dogs from this amazing rescue organization. I super fan of the work they do and want..."
— pam m.
Adoptee
#361 in United States, #13 in Illinois
Naperville
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.
"I fostered and adopted my dog through alive rescue. They are an amazing rescue helping dogs in the city of..."
— shawna p.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter
#361 in United States, #13 in Illinois
Chicago
To build No Kill communities ‚starting with a No Kill Chicago ‚that respect and value the life of every cat and dog. To end the overpopulation of homeless animals through solutions, practices and education. To transform animal welfare by setting higher standards in the way animals are treated and developing a sustainable, solutions-based model.
"PAWS Chicago has an incredible medical center that can take on the most complicated cases, a team behind every animal..."
— ellie f.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter
#361 in United States, #13 in Illinois
Chicago
Animal Care League is a limited admission shelter located in Oak Park. We help homeless cats, dogs and other small animals by providing them food, shelter, medical attention and love until we can find them a loving home. As a not-for-profit 501¬©3 organization, we depend on the generosity of our communities to help us meet our goals of finding new homes for as many animals as possible each year. If you are in interested in helping, please visit our ‚Supporting the ACL page.
"Animal Care League takes great care of all the animals that end up there. It has a strong network of..."
— olivia j.
Fan
#361 in United States, #13 in Illinois
Naperville
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!
"I follow them and they are truly dedicated to their cause."
— lee undefined.
Fan
#361 in United States, #13 in Illinois
C.A.R.E. for P.E.T.S. is committed to raising funds to benefit the pets in underserved areas of Winnebago County. Funds directly support pet retention efforts, health and vaccine clinics and spay / neuter programming. With your support, we can provide community programs to keep pets in their loving homes and decrease the number entering the shelter. The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated
"CARE’s staff and volunteers do an exceptional job helping dogs and cats find their forever homes. I’ve been impressed by..."
— jeanne k.
Volunteer / foster
#361 in United States, #13 in Illinois
Chicago
Tiny N Tall Rescue is a 501(c)(3) non for profit organization comprised of volunteers dedicated to providing temporary shelter, veterinary care and behavioral support for small and giant breed dogs as they transition into carefully selected homes. We rescue Tiny breeds under 25 pounds and Giant breeds. Our rescue is all foster based and we rely solely on donations. We provide medical care, shelter, a full belly and lots of LOVE to Tiny and Giant breed dogs. We have a great team of foster homes and volunteers that make this possible.
"They are awesome"
— amina’s a.
Adoptee
An all breed foster based rescue saving dogs from our local open access shelters.
CCR is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was founded in 2001 to help find permanent, loving homes for homeless dogs in our city. CCR has saved the lives of over 8,000 dogs while also finding their forever homes! Traditionally, these animals were automatically euthanized at area shelters. However, today, Chicago Canine Rescue exists to give many of these animals a second chance, too! CCR assists the animals that are the MOST vulnerable in our city ‚the dogs that are slated for euthanasia because they are too old, too young, too injured, have disabilities, or have simply been overlooked for too long by potential adopters at other shelters. We are committed to each dog who comes into our care and won't stop providing for them we find their perfect family! Though we are just one of many rescues in Chicago, our dogs are one in a million and we are committed to leaving no dog behind!
Since 1987, Community Animal Rescue Effort (C.A.R.E.‚Ñ¢) has been promoting adoptions and care for cats and dogs. C.A.R.E. is a volunteer-driven, not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) organization. Our Adoption Center opened in the Summer of 2018 and is located north of Chicago at 4927 Main Street in Skokie, IL. C.A.R.E. offers a combined adoption center and foster home model to better serve the needs of homeless animals as well as potential adopters and the community. C.A.R.E. is licensed by the State of Illinois Department of Agriculture (License 14383). Our Philosophy
We're a foster based animal rescue with the overflow of animals kenneled in our facility.
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.
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.
We are a 501(c) licensed Rescue that is 100% volunteer and foster based. We welcome all small breeds of all ages. However, we focus on special needs, medical, senior, and hospice dogs. Especially, but not limited to, Chihuahuas. Our rescue was named after the dog who started this passion, our beloved Chihuahua, Deeby. He was small, but mighty, and like all dogs left this world far too soon. We continue to fulfill our rescue mission in his honor.
Welcome to the 2024 Illinois Sniffspot Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List, highlighting the top rescues and shelters in Illinois chosen by the Sniffspot community and the public.
Sponsored by Sniffspot, the largest global network of private dog parks, each park offers secure, private bookings on private land, including fenced, water, indoor, and beach parks. As a hub for rescue dogs, our sponsorship underscores our dedication to supporting shelters and rescues. Explore Illinois dog parks on Sniffspot's platform.
We require adoption applications, home checks, vet references, and meet and greets with the entire family.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in San Diego? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks and off-leash dog areas, and plan for your next adventure on California’s coast.
Have you been looking for a new and interesting way to exercise your dog? You might be a good candidate for bike dog sports! Read on for an introductory complete guide to learn about what bikejoring is and how you can get started.
Discover the Jack Russell Terrier, a breed celebrated for its intelligent and affectionate nature. Recognized as a small dog, Jack Russell Terriers have their origins in England, where they were initially bred for fox hunting and vermin control starting in the 19th century.
Discover the Dalmatian, a breed celebrated for its affectionate, trainable, and loyal nature. Recognized as a medium-sized dog, Dalmatians have their origins in Croatia, where they were initially bred for coaching (running along carriages), guarding, and hunting starting in the 16th century.
Discover the Bernese Mountain Dog, a breed celebrated for its affectionate, loyal, and playful nature. Recognized as a large dog, Bernese Mountain Dogs have their origins in Switzerland, where they were initially bred for guarding livestock and droving work starting in the 1st century.
Does your dog ever growl when you walk by their food dish? Maybe they get possessive of treats, carrying them far away and giving you side-eye when you start to approach — or snarling at your other pets or children if they get too close.
As almost every dog owner is aware, the nose of a dog is an amazing thing. Just as they can pick up sounds we can’t hear, their sense of smell and ability to pick up scents is well beyond ours. In fact, dogs have 40 times the number of olfactory receptors as humans.
More than 80 million Americans rely on their service dogs to help them navigate the world. Task-trained assistance animals perform a huge range of life-changing—in many cases, life-saving—services: These dogs act as eyes for visually impaired handlers, provide mobility support, alert to seizures and blood sugar crashes, interrupt anxiety attacks, remind their people to take medications, and so much more.
You thought your dog was house trained. Your home was clean from puddles of pee, those dreaded middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks were behind you, and you loved every minute of dog ownership… until your four-legged best friend started using the bathroom inside again. What’s going on?
Ah, poop. We humans think it’s disgusting… but many of our dogs seem to love the stuff. If you’re wondering why your canine companion tries to eat feces (either their own or that of other animals) you’re not alone!
Do you have a water-loving dog looking to burn some energy? There are countless dog parks to visit throughout our country — but some of them become far too hot in the midday sun to be safe for your pets to play. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best dog water parks throughout the United States! At these locations, your pup can frolic, splash, and swim to their heart’s content.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Does your dog destroy every toy you give them? Is your house littered with remnants of fabric and stuffing of all different sizes? Are you tired of investing in “indestructible” toys only for your pup to still dismantle—or worse, get bored of—them in just a few days?
You’ve been told your dog needs regular exercise. There’s a reason “walking the dog” is a classic daily activity: Frequent excursions give your pup a chance to experience the world, maintain a healthy weight, and — most importantly — spend time with you! Consistent physical activity can also improve their strength, muscle tone, coordination, and mental ability over time.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Many dogs have gotten a bad reputation over the years for being "dangerous breeds." Rottweilers are among them. Like pit bulls and other large, blocky-headed types of dogs, these powerful and beautiful animals are often assumed to be aggressive.
Your dog is reactive. They’ll see another dog, person, or other stimulus in the environment (like a car or bike) while out on a walk and suddenly go crazy at the end of their leash. The barking, lunging, and growling feels embarrassing for you — and it’s clear that your pup isn’t having a great time either.
Does your dog display reactivity to other pets or people? Maybe they’re a new rescue pup and are still settling into your home. Or they were sick growing up, so you missed their critical socialization period. Possibly they’ve had a bad experience after being raised as a normal puppy.
Do you have a reactive dog or suspect you may have one? You’re not alone!
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
From 2009 to 2020, there was a 40 percent increase in the development of public dog parks. Designated spots for canine exercise have become commonplace in every major city in North America — many pet owners won’t even consider renting an apartment that doesn’t have its own fenced-in pet area for their canine companions.
Thousand Oaks, California has been a safe haven for Sniffspot host, Jen, since childhood. Having grown up in busy Santa Barbara, Jen, an introvert from an early age, would seek out solitude and serenity away from tourists attractions and droves of people visiting from elsewhere. “My grandparents own 60 acres about a 30 minute drive from here, and I grew up spending every summer and every holiday visiting them on the ranch,” Jen explained. “In Santa Barbara, we wouldn't go to the beach on the weekend because that's where everybody was, so you'd find places off the beaten path where the tourists weren't. For me, the ranch was just my happy place.”
Ellen is the host of Country Pasture Getaway, one of Sniffspot's most popular sniff spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great sniff spot host.
Just 20 minutes outside of the busy city of Portland, Oregon, and settled right on the banks of the Columbia River, you’ll find what countless visitors have flocked to the area in search of – mountain views, crisp, clean air, and running water for miles. What you might not expect to find, however, is a hidden oasis designed just for dogs and their people, owned and operated by a farming couple and enjoyed by visitors on two legs, and four.
Fran is the host of Ranch Setting, one of Sniffspot's most popular spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great Sniffspot host.
Looking for a space to play with your dog no matter what the weather’s like outside? Look no further than our list of the best indoor dog parks in the United States! These climate-controlled spaces are growing in popularity as pet ownership increases throughout the country. As a bonus, many of them also offer dog training, boarding, grooming, or daycare services on the premises.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered! It’s hard to narrow down, but we’ve put together some of the best off-leash dog parks throughout the country so you can plan your next adventure — along with a checklist of what to bring, what to know beforehand, and some frequently asked questions.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Las Vegas? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks to plan for your next adventure in Sin City.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered!
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Portland? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks and plan for your next adventure in the City of Roses.
Discover the German Shepherd Dog, a breed celebrated for its intelligence, loyalty, and versatility. Known for its impressive size and smooth, graceful movements, German Shepherds excel in various roles, including as guide, therapy, bomb detection, and police dogs, while being a devoted family companion.
Discover the Labrador Retriever, a breed celebrated for its playful nature, affectionate temperament, and trainability. Labradors are known for their friendly demeanor and adaptability, making them perfect family companions and versatile working dogs.
Discover the Golden Retriever, a breed celebrated for its affectionate, playful, and trainable nature. Considered a large dog, Golden Retrievers were originally bred in Scotland for hunting and retrieving game beginning in the 1860s.
Discover the American Staffordshire Terrier, a breed celebrated for its playful, friendly, and loyal nature. Considered a medium-sized dog, American Staffordshire Terriers were originally bred in the United Kingdom for baiting bulls, fighting, and hunting beginning in the 1800s — though they're known as gentle, playful lovers today.
Discover the Australian Shepherd, a breed celebrated for its trainable, playful, and affectionate nature. Considered a medium dog, Australian Shepherds were originally bred in the United States for herding beginning in the 1950s.