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!
🐾 Upcoming Chicago Rescue Events
Pet Food Pantry at The Bloc
SEP
4
FRI
Details: One Tail at a Time's Pet Mutual Aid program distributes free pet food at The Bloc in Chicago's Humboldt Park neighborhood. The pantry is open to anyone who needs help feeding their pets, and no RSVP is required. Distribution begins at 11:30 a.m. and continues while supplies last.
Organizers: One Tail at a Time
Pet Food Pantry at Pilsen Food Pantry
SEP
4
FRI
Details: One Tail at a Time's Pet Mutual Aid program distributes free pet food at Pilsen Food Pantry in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood. The pantry is open to anyone who needs help feeding their pets, and no RSVP is required. Distribution begins at 2 p.m. and continues while supplies last.
Organizers: One Tail at a Time
Orphans of the Storm Pet-Palooza
Date:
Time: –
Location: Gurnee Place Memory Care
Cost: Free
SEP
10
THU
Details: Meet adoptable animals from Orphans of the Storm during an afternoon gathering at Gurnee Place Memory Care. The event also includes local pet vendors, opportunities to support the shelter and activities for animal lovers.
Organizers: Orphans of the Storm, Gurnee Place Memory Care
Famous Fido Celebration of Life Gala
Date:
Time: –
Location: Chief O’Neill’s Pub
Cost: $125
SEP
11
FRI
Details: Famous Fido Rescue will host its annual Celebration of Life Gala at Chief O’Neill’s Pub in Chicago’s Avondale neighborhood. The evening includes a buffet dinner, live music, a silent auction and stories celebrating animals helped through rescue. Individual tickets are $125 and support medical care, shelter, nourishment and intervention services. Buy gala tickets.
Organizers: Famous Fido Rescue
C.A.R.E. Open Hours
Date:
Time: –
Location: C.A.R.E. Adoption Center
Address: 4927 Main Street, Skokie, IL 60077
Cost: Free
SEP
12
SAT
Details: Visit the C.A.R.E. Adoption Center during public open hours to meet adoptable cats and dogs currently staying at the center. Some animals listed online may be living in foster homes and may require a separate appointment.
Organizers: Community Animal Rescue Effort
C.A.R.E. Soul Good Coffee Pop-up
SEP
13
SUN
Details: Meet Community Animal Rescue Effort volunteers at Soul Good Coffee in Skokie. Visitors can ask adoption questions, learn about caring for a newly adopted pet and find out how to support animals through fostering or volunteering.
Organizers: Community Animal Rescue Effort, Soul Good Coffee
Tiny Dog 500
Date:
Time: –
Location: Midwest Coast Brewing Company
SEP
13
SUN
Details: Join One Tail at a Time for the Tiny Dog 500 at Midwest Coast Brewing in West Town. Small dogs will take center stage during this annual rescue fundraiser and community gathering. Additional race registration, activity and admission details will be announced by the organizer.
Organizers: One Tail at a Time
Anti-Cruelty Dog Wellness Fair at Phalanx Family Services
Date:
Time: –
Location: Phalanx Family Services
Cost: Free
SEP
17
THU
Details: Anti-Cruelty will provide free canine vaccinations, microchips, training guidance and pet supplies on a first-come, first-served basis. The fair plans to serve up to 100 dogs. Dogs must be leashed, and retractable leashes or leashes longer than six feet are not permitted.
Organizers: Anti-Cruelty, Phalanx Family Services
Pet Food Pantry at Gyrls in the H.O.O.D.
SEP
17
THU
Details: One Tail at a Time's Pet Mutual Aid program distributes free pet food at Gyrls in the H.O.O.D. in Chicago's Greater Grand Crossing neighborhood. The pantry is open to anyone who needs help feeding their pets, and no RSVP is required. Distribution begins at 11 a.m. and continues while supplies last.
Organizers: One Tail at a Time
Mums for Mutts
SEP
18
FRI
Details: Support A.D.O.P.T. Pet Shelter by purchasing fall mums, with proceeds helping provide food, shelter and medical care for homeless animals. Orders must be placed by the announced ordering deadline, with plant pickup available at the shelter on September 18.
Organizers: A.D.O.P.T. Pet Shelter
C.A.R.E. Strut for Strays
SEP
19–26
MULTI
Details: Walk to support homeless pets during C.A.R.E.’s annual Strut for Strays fundraiser. The event begins with an in-person kickoff at McGrath Evanston Subaru and continues with virtual participation, allowing supporters to walk on their own while raising money for animals in C.A.R.E.’s adoption and foster programs.
Organizers: Community Animal Rescue Effort
Chicago Pet Rescue Adoption Event at Pet Supplies Plus Lincolnwood
Date:
Time: –
Location: Pet Supplies Plus Lincolnwood
SEP
19
SAT
Details: Meet Chicago Pet Rescue volunteers and learn about dogs and other foster animals seeking homes during this Lincolnwood adoption event. The visit is designed to help local families understand the rescue’s adoption process, discover current volunteer needs and find out whether fostering could fit their household. No separate event admission charge has been announced.
Organizers: Chicago Pet Rescue
Pet Food Pantry at M.A.S.K.
SEP
19
SAT
Details: One Tail at a Time's Pet Mutual Aid program distributes free pet food at M.A.S.K. in Chicago's Englewood neighborhood. The pantry is open to anyone who needs help feeding their pets, and no RSVP is required. Distribution begins at noon and continues while supplies last.
Organizers: One Tail at a Time
Anti-Cruelty Crafting for Critters
Date:
Time: –
Location: Anti-Cruelty Education and Training Center
Cost: $5
SEP
20
SUN
Details: Individuals and families can help shelter animals by making enrichment projects such as toys, beds, treats and puzzles. Children must attend with an adult. Registration costs $5 per person for adults and children age four and older. The event takes place in Chicago’s River North neighborhood.
Organizers: Anti-Cruelty
5th Annual Paws & Putts Golf Outing
Date:
Time: –
Location: Odyssey Country Club
SEP
24
THU
Details: Support South Suburban Humane Society during its fifth annual Paws & Putts Golf Outing. Registration and lunch begin at noon, followed by a 1:00 p.m. shotgun start, cocktails at 6:00 p.m. and dinner, raffles and fundraising activities beginning at 7:00 p.m.
Organizers: South Suburban Humane Society
Pour Your Heart Out
SEP
24
THU
Details: Anti-Cruelty’s annual Pour Your Heart Out fundraiser brings animal supporters together at Sarabande Chicago in the Avondale neighborhood for tastings, food pairings, a silent auction, raffle activities and time with puppies and kittens. General admission runs from 7–10 p.m., while VIP guests may enter for a special hour beginning at 6 p.m. The event is limited to guests age 21 and older. Tickets begin at $150, with VIP and reserved-table packages also available.
Organizers: Anti-Cruelty Associates Council, Anti-Cruelty
C.A.R.E. Open Hours
Date:
Time: –
Location: C.A.R.E. Adoption Center
Address: 4927 Main Street, Skokie, IL 60077
Cost: Free
SEP
26
SAT
Details: Visit the C.A.R.E. Adoption Center during public open hours to meet adoptable cats and dogs currently staying at the center. Some animals listed online may be living in foster homes and may require a separate appointment.
Organizers: Community Animal Rescue Effort
Oakbrook Center Adoption and Supply Drive — September
SEP
26
SAT
Details: Hinsdale Humane Society returns to Oakbrook Center for an early-fall adoption event and shelter supply drive. Visitors can meet animals looking for homes, ask questions about adoption and contribute practical items that support daily care at the shelter. No separate event admission charge has been announced.
Organizers: Hinsdale Humane Society
Oakbrook Center Adoption and Supply Drive
SEP
26
SAT
Details: Meet adoptable dogs from Hinsdale Humane Society and help stock the shelter by donating requested pet supplies. The event will take place in the grassy center area of Oakbrook Center.
Organizers: Hinsdale Humane Society
Growlers for Howlers
SEP
27
SUN
Details: Support A.D.O.P.T. Pet Shelter during an afternoon featuring adoptable dogs, live music, food, drinks, raffles and a 50/50 raffle at Two Brothers Roundhouse. Ticket proceeds support shelter animals and include two beverages.
Organizers: A.D.O.P.T. Pet Shelter
Pet Food Pantry at The Bloc
OCT
2
FRI
Details: One Tail at a Time's Pet Mutual Aid program distributes free pet food at The Bloc in Chicago's Humboldt Park neighborhood. The pantry is open to anyone who needs help feeding their pets, and no RSVP is required. Distribution begins at 11:30 a.m. and continues while supplies last.
Organizers: One Tail at a Time
Pet Food Pantry at Pilsen Food Pantry
OCT
2
FRI
Details: One Tail at a Time's Pet Mutual Aid program distributes free pet food at Pilsen Food Pantry in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood. The pantry is open to anyone who needs help feeding their pets, and no RSVP is required. Distribution begins at 2 p.m. and continues while supplies last.
Organizers: One Tail at a Time
Animal House Shelter Annual Pawfest
OCT
3
SAT
Details: Meet adoptable dogs and enjoy vendors, food, live music, raffles and family-friendly activities during Animal House Shelter’s annual Pawfest. A low-cost pet clinic will offer rabies, Bordetella and distemper vaccinations plus microchips for $25 each. Dogs are welcome but must remain leashed.
Organizers: Animal House Shelter
Subaru Loves Pets Adoption Event
Date:
Time: –
Location: McGrath Evanston Subaru
Address: 3340 Oakton Street, Skokie, IL 60076
Cost: Free
OCT
3
SAT
Details: Meet adoptable animals from Community Animal Rescue Effort during the Subaru Loves Pets adoption event at McGrath Evanston Subaru. Rescue representatives will be available to introduce participating animals and answer questions about adoption.
Organizers: Community Animal Rescue Effort and McGrath Evanston Subaru
Chicago Wolves Adopt-A-Dog Night
OCT
10
SAT
Details: Meet adoptable dogs from Chicago-area rescue partners during the Chicago Wolves game against the Manitoba Moose. Adoption representatives will be available at Allstate Arena to introduce dogs looking for homes and explain their adoption requirements.
Organizers: Chicago Wolves
Pet Food Pantry at Gyrls in the H.O.O.D.
OCT
15
THU
Details: One Tail at a Time's Pet Mutual Aid program distributes free pet food at Gyrls in the H.O.O.D. in Chicago's Greater Grand Crossing neighborhood. The pantry is open to anyone who needs help feeding their pets, and no RSVP is required. Distribution begins at 11 a.m. and continues while supplies last.
Organizers: One Tail at a Time
Pet Food Pantry at M.A.S.K.
OCT
17
SAT
Details: One Tail at a Time's Pet Mutual Aid program distributes free pet food at M.A.S.K. in Chicago's Englewood neighborhood. The pantry is open to anyone who needs help feeding their pets, and no RSVP is required. Distribution begins at noon and continues while supplies last.
Organizers: One Tail at a Time
Anti-Cruelty Crafting for Critters
Date:
Time: –
Location: Anti-Cruelty Education and Training Center
Cost: $5
OCT
18
SUN
Details: Individuals and families can help shelter animals by making enrichment projects such as toys, beds, treats and puzzles. Children must attend with an adult. Registration costs $5 per person for adults and children age four and older. The event takes place in Chicago’s River North neighborhood.
Organizers: Anti-Cruelty
One Tail at a Time Associate Board Fundraiser
OCT
29
THU
Details: Join the One Tail at a Time Associate Board for an evening fundraiser at Pizza Lobo in Logan Square. Proceeds will support the rescue’s work helping homeless pets. Additional ticket and event-program details will be announced by the organizer.
Organizers: One Tail at a Time
Pet Food Pantry at The Bloc
NOV
6
FRI
Details: One Tail at a Time's Pet Mutual Aid program distributes free pet food at The Bloc in Chicago's Humboldt Park neighborhood. The pantry is open to anyone who needs help feeding their pets, and no RSVP is required. Distribution begins at 11:30 a.m. and continues while supplies last.
Organizers: One Tail at a Time
Pet Food Pantry at Pilsen Food Pantry
NOV
6
FRI
Details: One Tail at a Time's Pet Mutual Aid program distributes free pet food at Pilsen Food Pantry in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood. The pantry is open to anyone who needs help feeding their pets, and no RSVP is required. Distribution begins at 2 p.m. and continues while supplies last.
Organizers: One Tail at a Time
Chicago Wolves Adopt-A-Dog Night
NOV
15
SUN
Details: Meet adoptable dogs from Chicago-area rescue partners during the Chicago Wolves game against the Manitoba Moose. Adoption representatives will be available at Allstate Arena to introduce dogs looking for homes and explain their adoption requirements.
Organizers: Chicago Wolves
Pet Food Pantry at Gyrls in the H.O.O.D.
NOV
19
THU
Details: One Tail at a Time's Pet Mutual Aid program distributes free pet food at Gyrls in the H.O.O.D. in Chicago's Greater Grand Crossing neighborhood. The pantry is open to anyone who needs help feeding their pets, and no RSVP is required. Distribution begins at 11 a.m. and continues while supplies last.
Organizers: One Tail at a Time
Pet Food Pantry at M.A.S.K.
NOV
21
SAT
Details: One Tail at a Time's Pet Mutual Aid program distributes free pet food at M.A.S.K. in Chicago's Englewood neighborhood. The pantry is open to anyone who needs help feeding their pets, and no RSVP is required. Distribution begins at noon and continues while supplies last.
Organizers: One Tail at a Time
Pet Food Pantry at The Bloc
DEC
4
FRI
Details: One Tail at a Time's Pet Mutual Aid program distributes free pet food at The Bloc in Chicago's Humboldt Park neighborhood. The pantry is open to anyone who needs help feeding their pets, and no RSVP is required. Distribution begins at 11:30 a.m. and continues while supplies last.
Organizers: One Tail at a Time
Pet Food Pantry at Pilsen Food Pantry
DEC
4
FRI
Details: One Tail at a Time's Pet Mutual Aid program distributes free pet food at Pilsen Food Pantry in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood. The pantry is open to anyone who needs help feeding their pets, and no RSVP is required. Distribution begins at 2 p.m. and continues while supplies last.
Organizers: One Tail at a Time
Chicago Wolves Adopt-A-Dog Night
DEC
12
SAT
Details: Meet adoptable dogs from Chicago-area rescue partners during the Chicago Wolves game against the Rockford IceHogs. Adoption representatives will be available at Allstate Arena to introduce dogs looking for homes and explain their adoption requirements.
Organizers: Chicago Wolves
Pet Food Pantry at Gyrls in the H.O.O.D.
DEC
17
THU
Details: One Tail at a Time's Pet Mutual Aid program distributes free pet food at Gyrls in the H.O.O.D. in Chicago's Greater Grand Crossing neighborhood. The pantry is open to anyone who needs help feeding their pets, and no RSVP is required. Distribution begins at 11 a.m. and continues while supplies last.
Organizers: One Tail at a Time
Pet Food Pantry at M.A.S.K.
DEC
19
SAT
Details: One Tail at a Time's Pet Mutual Aid program distributes free pet food at M.A.S.K. in Chicago's Englewood neighborhood. The pantry is open to anyone who needs help feeding their pets, and no RSVP is required. Distribution begins at noon and continues while supplies last.
Organizers: One Tail at a Time
16th Annual Houndstooth Ball
APR
3
SAT
Details: Join One Tail at a Time for its annual formal fundraising gala at Morgan Manufacturing in Fulton Market. The Houndstooth Ball supports the rescue’s lifesaving, medical and adoption programs. Ticket and program details will be announced by the organizer.
Organizers: One Tail at a Time
Annual Chicago Area Dog Events
Learn more about these recurring dog adoption, fundraising and community events:
- Anti-Cruelty BARK: Walk for Chicago’s Animals
- Clear The Shelters at Chicago Animal Care and Control
- Empty the Shelters
- Famous Fido Celebration of Life Gala
- Pawfest at Deicke Park in Huntley
- PAWS Chicago 5K Walk/Run for Their Lives
- PAWS Chicago Fur Ball
- C.A.R.E. Strut for Strays
- One Tail at a Time Tiny Dog 500