Chicago Area Shelter Events
Chicago is full of amazing organizations working to rescue, protect, and advocate for dogs – and we want to help you connect with them. Check out upcoming adoption events, fundraisers, volunteer opportunities and community gatherings hosted by local rescues and shelters. Explore what’s happening around the city and find the perfect way to support dogs in need!
Anti-Cruelty
One Tail at a Time
Paws Chicago
🐾 Upcoming Chicago Rescue Events
🐾 Upcoming Chicago Rescue Events
Dog Wellness Fair
Date: June 6, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Robbins Fire Department
Address: 3327 W 137th St, Robbins, IL 60472
Cost: Free
Details: Anti-Cruelty’s Dog Wellness Fairs offer free veterinary and pet wellness services for dogs across Chicago in partnership with Cook County Animal and Rabies Control. These community events are designed to help pet owners access important preventive care and resources to keep their dogs healthy and safe.
Services available at the event include free vaccinations, microchips, training guidance, and pet supplies. Dogs must remain on a leash at all times during the event. Space is limited to the first 100 dogs, and services are provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cheers to Change - Supporting Chicago\'s Rescue Dogs
Date: June 7, 2026
Time: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: City\'s Edge
Address: 5310 West Devon Avenue Chicago, IL 60646
Cost: $50
Details: Support Chicago’s Dogs at a Special Fundraising Event for Dark Horse Dogs 🐾
Join us for an afternoon of food, music, and community while helping support Dark Horse Dogs, a Chicago-based rescue focused on giving shelter dogs a safe path to a better future. Every ticket purchased helps fund lifesaving efforts for dogs in need across Chicago.
📅 Sunday, June 7
⏰ 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
📍 City’s Edge – Chicago
Your ticket includes:
🎶 Live Music
🍽️ Appetizer Buffet
🍻 Cash Bar
🎟️ Raffle Prizes
Spend the afternoon with fellow animal lovers, enjoy a fun atmosphere, and help make a real difference for local rescue dogs waiting for their second chance.
Have a drink, support a great cause, and help create brighter futures for Chicago’s dogs. 🐾
Organizers: Friends of Dark Horse Dogs
PAWS Chicago Beach Party
Date: June 16, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Location: Offshore Rooftop
Address: 1000 E Grand Ave. Chicago, IL 60611
Cost: $220
Details: Celebrate summer in style at Beach Party, a lively rooftop fundraiser bringing together more than 500 guests and their dogs for an unforgettable evening overlooking Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. Hosted at Offshore Rooftop, the event combines a beach-inspired atmosphere with music, cocktails, dining, entertainment, and fundraising — all in support of homeless pets in need.
Guests can enjoy an open bar featuring a signature cocktail, a full dinner buffet with passed hors d'oeuvres, live and silent auctions, raffles, photo opportunities, and a packed dance floor with a live DJ. Dogs are welcome to join the fun too, with pet-friendly activities including a dog treat buffet and spa-style services designed just for pups.
Beach Party is a 21+ event. All dogs attending must be current on age-appropriate vaccinations, and retractable leashes are not permitted. The evening offers a unique opportunity to enjoy one of Chicago’s most iconic rooftop venues while helping raise critical funds for rescue animals and lifesaving programs throughout the city. 🐾
PAWS Chicago 5K Walk/Run
Date: August 29, 2026
Time: 7:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Location: Montrose Harbor - Grove 16
Details: Join thousands of animal lovers at the 26th Annual PAWS Chicago 5K Walk/Run for Their Lives
Celebrating 26 years of lifesaving impact, the PAWS Chicago 5K Walk/Run for Their Lives is Chicago’s largest dog-friendly charity event. Enjoy a morning filled with entertainment, dog agility activities, raffles, sponsor booths, treats, and more - all while helping raise critical funds for homeless pets in need.
Whether you plan to run, walk, or simply spend the morning with fellow animal lovers, this event offers a fun and meaningful way to support rescue animals across Chicago.