Adopt Ocotillo the Labrador Retriever 🐾

Helping Ocotillo leave the shelter may begin with a simple visit to Chicago Animal Care and Control. Some visitors arrive planning to adopt while others become interested after spending time together during a meet and greet interaction outside the kennel area.

Depending on the interaction, visitors may walk with him, use treats or toys, or spend quiet time together while learning more from staff and volunteers. Spending time together outside the busiest shelter areas often provides a much clearer understanding of how he behaves in calmer surroundings.

If surgery still needs to be completed before adoption can be finalized, Ocotillo will need recovery time afterward before going home. Volunteers can explain what the timeline may look like and when pickup could become available.

Some rescue organizations may also help coordinate foster placements for visitors interested in helping him leave the shelter sooner. Foster homes often provide dogs additional time to settle into routines and decompress outside the shelter environment.