One Tail at a Time

One Tail at a Time helps homeless dogs and other companion animals through adoption, foster care, veterinary support and community programs across Chicago. The organization combines a large foster network with physical adoption centers where people can meet animals looking for homes.

Its Bucktown Adoption Center gives dogs a neighborhood setting outside Chicago’s municipal shelter system. Some dogs stay at the center while others live with foster families, allowing One Tail at a Time to support animals with different medical, behavioral and day-to-day needs.

One Tail at a Time is also a Chicago Animal Care and Control transfer partner. By moving dogs into its adoption and foster programs, the organization helps create space at the city shelter while giving each dog another path toward a permanent home.

Available Dogs from One Tail at a Time

The dogs shown below are listed by One Tail at a Time through Petfinder. Select a dog to view available photos, basic information and next steps. Dogs may be staying at the Bucktown Adoption Center, the South Loop adoption center or in foster homes.

Petfinder may not contain every animal currently in the organization’s program. One Tail at a Time’s official available-pets listings may include additional dogs and more specific information about where each animal is staying.

Visit the Bucktown Adoption Center

One Tail at a Time’s primary dog adoption center is located at 2144 N. Wood Street in Bucktown. Adoptable dogs are housed at the center from Wednesday through Sunday, and visitors do not ordinarily need an appointment to stop in.

Not every available dog will be at this location. Many One Tail at a Time dogs live in foster homes, and other animals may be staying at the organization’s Everyday Adoption Center inside PetSmart in the South Loop. Check an animal’s current listing before traveling to meet a particular dog.

Adopting a Dog from One Tail at a Time

Adopters can begin by viewing available animals, submitting an application or visiting one of the organization’s adoption centers. One Tail at a Time states that adoption applications remain on file for one year and may be used when considering more than one animal.

A dog’s current location matters when planning a meeting. Dogs at the Bucktown Adoption Center can ordinarily be visited during public hours, while meeting a dog in foster care may require coordination with the foster family and adoption team.

Appearance and breed labels provide only part of the picture. Reviewing the dog’s personality, energy level, household needs and foster observations can help determine whether the placement is likely to suit both the dog and adopter. One Tail at a Time explains the current steps in its official adoption guide.

Fostering Gives More Dogs a Place to Land

Foster homes expand the number of animals One Tail at a Time can help beyond the capacity of its physical adoption centers. They can also provide a quieter setting where dogs settle into household routines and volunteers learn what they may need in a permanent home. Our guide to fostering a dog through One Tail at a Time covers the program, application process and what prospective foster families should consider.

Volunteers Support Animals Across the Organization

One Tail at a Time relies on volunteers at its adoption centers, animal-care facilities, community programs and special events. Roles can include caring for animals, walking dogs, helping visitors, supporting events and transporting foster animals. People interested in becoming involved can review our guide to volunteering with One Tail at a Time for an overview of the organization’s opportunities and onboarding process.