The Anti-Cruelty Society
Founded in 1899, The Anti-Cruelty Society is one of the oldest animal welfare organizations in the United States and has served pets and people in Chicago for more than 125 years. Today, the organization provides shelter and adoption services, foster programs, veterinary resources, behavior support, and community assistance programs designed to help both animals and the people who care for them.
As an open-admission shelter, The Anti-Cruelty Society accepts animals regardless of age, health, or behavior. In addition to caring for homeless pets, the organization works to strengthen the bond between people and animals through education, support services, and resources that help families keep their pets whenever possible.
Adopting Through The Anti-Cruelty Society
The Anti-Cruelty Society places a wide variety of dogs into permanent homes, including puppies, adult dogs, senior pets, and animals transferred from partner organizations. Adoption counselors help prospective adopters learn more about individual dogs and identify pets that may be a good fit for their household, lifestyle, and experience level.
Whether you’re searching for an active young dog, a senior companion, or a pet with previous foster experience, ACS offers adoption opportunities for many different types of families and living situations.
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Fostering Through The Anti-Cruelty Society
Foster homes provide temporary care for animals while they prepare for adoption, recover from medical treatment, or simply benefit from time outside of the shelter environment. Foster volunteers play an important role in helping animals reduce stress, adjust to home life, and receive individualized attention.
Many foster families also help provide valuable insight into a dog’s personality, routines, and behavior, information that can help future adopters make informed decisions.
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Programs and Services
ACS offers a wide range of programs designed to support both pets and their owners, as well as specialized benefits for military veterans. From adoption and foster care to behavior support, veterinary resources, and community assistance programs, these services help strengthen the bond between people and their pets while providing support during challenging times.
Pets for Patriots
The Anti-Cruelty Society participates in the Pets for Patriots program, which helps military veterans adopt companion animals from participating shelters and rescue organizations. The program is designed to reduce barriers to adoption while creating new opportunities for shelter pets waiting for homes.
Behavior and Training Resources
ACS provides behavior support through their Behavior Helpline, offering guidance on common issues such as leash pulling, reactivity, fear, and house training. These services include phone consultations, email support and training articles and videos and are provided free to any dog owners regardless of where they acquired their furry friend.
Behavior Helpline: (312) 645-8253
Email: behavior@anticruelty.org
Friends Who Care Program
Provides free pet food, basic supplies, and limited financial assistance for veterinary care to qualifying
families. This program helps people keep their pets during difficult times.
Volunteering With The Anti-Cruelty Society
Volunteers support many aspects of The Anti-Cruelty Society’s work, including animal enrichment, dog walking, cat socialization, special events, and community programs. Their contributions help improve the daily lives of shelter animals while supporting the organization’s broader mission throughout Chicago.
Whether you have a few hours each month or are looking for a long-term commitment, volunteering can be a rewarding way to make a direct impact on the lives of homeless pets.
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Location & Contact Information
Address:
510 N. LaSalle St.
Chicago, IL 60654
Phone: (312) 644-8338
Website:
The Anti-Cruelty Society