Chicago Animal Care and Control Partners
This directory is a curated list of dog rescues, shelters, and foster-based organizations that partner with Chicago Animal Care and Control (CACC). It’s meant as a simple way to see the network of some of the more impactful groups that help move dogs out of the shelter and into foster or adoptive homes.
Chicago’s cornerstone animal welfare organization since 1899.
Address 1: 157 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60654
Address 2: 510 N LaSalle Dr, Chicago, IL 60654
Chicago’s largest No-Kill humane organization focused on adoption and spay/neuter programs.
Email: adoptions@pawschicago.org
Address: 1997 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
Full-service shelter providing adoption services in the south suburbs.
Address: 21850 S Cicero Ave, Matteson, IL 60443
Reducing euthanasia by rescuing animals from rural shelters.
Email: admissions@wright-wayrescue.org
Address: 5915 W Lincoln Ave, Morton Grove, IL 60053
Providing adoption services for homeless and surrendered pets since 1953.
Address: 21 Salt Creek Ln, Hinsdale, IL 60521
Foster-based rescue focused on ending pet homelessness.
View RescueA no-kill shelter dedicated to finding permanent, loving homes for dogs and cats.
Email: info@heartlandanimalshelter.org
Address: 586 Palwaukee Dr, Wheeling, IL 60090
Shelter catering to dogs and cats, with opportunities to help the animals via foster care.
View RescueDedicated to rescuing homeless dogs and finding them permanent homes.
View RescueRescues dogs from border regions and local shelters.
Email: adopt@bordertailsrescue.org
Address: 2975 Milwaukee Ave, Northbrook, IL 60062
A community-based organization dedicated to rehoming companion animals and serving the community since 1987.
View RescueHelping animals in need through sheltering, medical care, and adoption.
Address: 1011 Garfield St, Oak Park, IL 60304
One of the largest animal shelters in the Chicago area.
Address: 2200 Riverwoods Rd, Riverwoods, IL 60015
A full-service animal shelter providing humane care and adoption services for companion animals in northern IL.
Email: info@tailshumanesociety.org
Address: 2250 Barber Greene Rd, DeKalb, IL 60115
Rescuing dogs that are often overlooked by other shelters.
Email: info@chicagocaninerescue.org
Address: 5272 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60630
Foster-based rescue specializing in medical and special-needs dogs.
Email: info@aliverescue.org
A community-based rescue focused on reuniting strays and rehoming pets.
Email: garridostrayrescue@gmail.com
Address: 5310 N Harlem Ave, Chicago, IL 60656
Committed to rescuing animals from local high-kill shelters.
Email: info@chicagorescueauthority.org
Specializing in behavior rehabilitation for shelter dogs.
Email: info@darkhorsedogs.org
Focuses on bully breed rescue and advocacy.
Email: info@cbbr.org
Rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming bully breeds in Chicago.
Email: info@chitownpitties.org
Athletes and advocates coming together to save pitbull-type dogs.
Email: info@playersforpits.com
Rescuing pitbulls and promoting responsible ownership.
Email: info@rescueapittie.org
A foster-based rescue focused on rehoming companion animals through placement programs.
Address: 2233 S Wolf Rd, Hillside, IL 60162
Understanding CACC Rescue Partners
Chicago Animal Care and Control (CACC) is Chicago’s municipal animal shelter and operates as an open-intake facility, meaning it accepts stray, surrendered, and emergency animals every day. Because intake is constant and shelter space is limited, CACC depends heavily on rescue organizations, foster networks, and adoption partners to help move dogs into safer long-term placements.
What Does “Pulling” a Dog Mean?
A “pull” happens when a rescue organization or shelter partner takes responsibility for a dog from CACC and transfers them into foster care, transport, rehabilitation, medical treatment, or their own adoption program. Every successful pull helps create kennel space for the next incoming animal in need and plays an important role in keeping the system moving during high-intake periods.
Different Organizations Play Different Roles
The organizations listed in this directory all contribute in different ways. Some regularly pull dogs directly from CACC, while others focus on foster placement, behavioral rehabilitation, medical and special-needs cases, owner surrenders, breed-specific advocacy, transport coordination, or long-term adoption support. Together, they form a broader regional network helping reduce overcrowding and improve outcomes for dogs across Chicago and nearby communities.
About This Directory
This page is intended to serve as an informational resource designed to make Chicago’s rescue and shelter network easier to understand and navigate. It is not a ranking or endorsement of any organization listed. Adopt a Dog Chicago is independently operated and is not affiliated with or officially connected to Chicago Animal Care and Control (CACC) or any rescue, shelter, or organization referenced on this site.