Pets for Patriots – Free Pet Adoption
Your service deserves recognition. So does your need for companionship. Through a partnership between Anti-Cruelty Society Chicago and Pets for Patriots, military veterans in the Chicagoland area can now adopt rescue dogs and cats completely free. No adoption fees. No hidden costs. Just a loving companion ready to start their forever home with you.
Whether you’re active duty, National Guard, reserve, or retired, if you’ve served our country, this program is designed for you.
Why Adopt a Rescue Pet?
Rescue dogs have so much love to give – and they remember it. Animals waiting in shelters aren’t broken or damaged; they’re simply waiting for someone to see their worth. As a veteran, you understand second chances. You understand resilience. And rescue pets understand loyalty in a way that’s hard to explain to anyone who hasn’t experienced it.
Adopting through this program means:
- You get a loving, vetted companion ready for a forever home
- A rescue animal gets a second chance because of your decision
- You join a community of veterans who understand the healing power of pets
- Your costs are completely covered — adoption fee, initial vet care and ongoing support
How It Works: Your Path to Adoption
Step 1: Apply to Pets for Patriots Online
Start here: Visit petsforpatriots.org/veterans/pre-qual-application/ to complete your application.
The process takes about 5 minutes and is available 24/7 — apply from home, from base, whenever it works for you. You’ll provide:
- Your military service information
- Whether you prefer a dog, cat, or either
- Your timeline for adoption
- Backup care plans (important for those with deployment or life changes)
- How you heard about the program
Complete the application yourself — not a spouse or family member. This ensures Pets for Patriots can communicate directly with you throughout the process.
Step 2: Pets for Patriots Reviews and Approves
The Pets for Patriots team will review your application and contact you by email. They’ll verify that you meet the program requirements:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Military Service | Minimum 190 days of active military duty (excluding basic training) in any U.S. military branch — Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Space Force, or National Guard |
| Service Status | Active duty, reserve, National Guard, or veteran (retired or separated) |
| Background | No felony convictions or animal-related offenses |
| Pet Commitment | Willingness to adopt a dog or cat meeting program criteria: age 2 or older, special needs animals, those homeless 6+ months, or dogs 40+ pounds at adoption |
If you meet these requirements, Pets for Patriots will ask for military service documentation to verify your eligibility.
Step 3: Receive Your Approval Letter
Once your military service is verified, you’ll receive an official approval email from Pets for Patriots with instructions on next steps. This letter is your ticket to adoption.
Step 4: Visit Anti-Cruelty Chicago and Adopt
With your Pets for Patriots approval letter in hand, visit Anti-Cruelty Society Chicago’s River North Adoption Center:
📍 510 N. LaSalle Ave, Chicago, IL (River North)
This is the only Anti-Cruelty location where Pets for Patriots adoptions are available. (Note: The Everyday Adoption Center at the South Loop PetSmart store is NOT part of this program.)
Browse available rescue dogs and cats, find your match and bring your approval letter to complete your adoption. Your adoption fee is completely waived — you walk out with your new companion at no cost.
Step 5: Begin Your Year of Support
Your adoption doesn’t end at pickup — it begins there. As a Pets for Patriots adopter, you’re enrolled in a year-long support program designed to ensure your adoption thrives.
What You Get: Complete Adoption Support
| Benefit | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Free Adoption | $0 adoption fee at Anti-Cruelty Chicago’s River North location |
| $200 Gift Card | Pet retailer gift card for welcome-home supplies, food, toys and essentials during those critical first weeks |
| Discounted Veterinary Care | Access to discounted brick-and-mortar veterinary practices, 24/7 telehealth and telemedicine and walk-in wellness clinics nationwide |
| Savings on Pet Supplies | Member-only discounts on pet food, pet insurance, medication and everyday pet care products |
| Personal Follow-Up | Dedicated check-ins with every single adopter for at least one year to ensure your adoption is thriving |
| Crisis Support Programs | If life changes — deployment, housing instability, financial hardship, or health challenges — Pets for Patriots has programs to help so you’re never faced with surrendering your pet |
Eligibility at a Glance
You’re Eligible If:
- ✓ You served at least 190 days of active military duty (excluding basic training)
- ✓ You’re in any branch of service (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Space Force)
- ✓ You’re at any stage of military career (active, reserve, National Guard, retired, or separated)
- ✓ You have no felony convictions or animal-related offenses
- ✓ You’re willing to adopt a dog or cat meeting program criteria
Important Notes:
- You must apply and be approved by Pets for Patriots first — before visiting Anti-Cruelty
- Adoptions only happen at the River North location (510 N. LaSalle Ave)
- Dogs must be age 2+, special needs, long-term shelter residents, or 40+ pounds at adoption
- Cats are available without restrictions
No. Pets for Patriots adoptions are only available at Anti-Cruelty’s River North location (510 N. LaSalle Ave). The Everyday Adoption Center at the South Loop PetSmart store is not part of this program.
Ready to Adopt?
Your forever companion is waiting. Here’s what to do right now:
1. Apply to Pets for Patriots
Visit petsforpatriots.org/veterans/pre-qual-application/ to start your 5-minute application. Apply anytime, 24/7.
2. Wait for Approval
Pets for Patriots will review your application and request military documentation. This typically takes a few days.
3. Get Your Approval Letter
Once verified, you’ll receive your official approval email from Pets for Patriots.
4. Visit Anti-Cruelty Chicago
Head to 510 N. LaSalle Ave (River North) with your approval letter. Browse available dogs and cats, find your match and complete your adoption — completely free.
5. Bring Your Companion Home
Welcome your new best friend to their forever home. Your year of support begins immediately.
Need Help?
Questions about Pets for Patriots? Visit petsforpatriots.org for program details, FAQs and direct contact.
Questions about Anti-Cruelty Chicago? Contact Anti-Cruelty Society Chicago at their River North location or visit their website.
Pet ownership shouldn’t be another barrier for those who’ve served. Adoption fees, veterinary costs and ongoing pet care expenses can be significant — especially for veterans navigating career transitions, housing changes, or financial uncertainty. This program removes those barriers.
Rescue pets are transformative for veterans – especially those managing PTSD, anxiety, depression, or the loneliness of transition. A dog or cat offers unconditional acceptance, routine, purpose and connection. They don’t ask questions. They don’t judge. They just love you.
You’ve served your country. Start your application today.