11 Best Dog Rescues In Illinois (Updated 2023 Guide)

Mickey Mouse and Pluto’s friendship is just adorable.

Pluto has always been a good and loyal pet of Mickey.

But did you know?

The creator of these characters, Walt Disney was born in Illinois.

And it just so happens that there are Plutos in this area that need your help.

Let me tell you where to start…

Keep reading to discover:

11 best dog rescues in Illinois.
Places where you can volunteer.
Accurate contact information of rescues.
And much, much, more.

Table of contents

11 best dog rescues in Illinois

11 best dog rescues in Illinois

#1: PAWS Chicago

They started small.

The rescue was launched in 1998 with a pet adoption event held on the streets.

That was when the public slowly realized the real situation of homeless pets.

And that these animals need help and protection.

Since then, the pet killing rate in Chicago decreased by more than 91%.

And it can still go down with your help.

Adopt in their rescue, and you can save two lives.

You gave the pooch you adopted a home.

And you also free up a space for the shelter to admit another animal.

So what are you waiting for?

Website	https://www.pawschicago.org/
Address	1997 N. Clybourn Ave., Chicago, IL 60614
Phone	773-935-7297
Office Hours	Monday, Wednesday – Thursday: 12 PM – 7 PM Friday: 12 PM – 8 PM Saturday – Sunday:11 AM – 5 PM Tuesday – Closed
Social Media Accounts:	Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

#2: Animal House Shelter

Animal House Shelter’s goal is to find loving homes for the animal under their care.

Over the years, they were able to help more than 60,000 pets find their forever homes.

But this is just the beginning.

There are still a lot of animals from high-kill facilities that need saving.

Many abused, neglected, and abandoned pets still need rescuing.

For AHS to continue their work, they need your support.

Other Services:

Pet Surrendering.
Volunteer Programs.

Website	http://www.animalhouseshelter.com/
Address	13005 Ernesti Road, Huntley, IL 60142
Phone	847-961-5541
Office Hours	Mon – Friday, Sunday: 11 AM – 7 PM Saturday: 9 AM – 7 PM
Social Media Accounts:	Youtube, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram

#3: National Animal Welfare Society of the U.S. (NAWS)

The story of NAWS can all be traced back to a beagle named Bailey Anne.

Upon meeting her and learning about her story, founder, Stacey Gaskins was touched.

From then on, she devoted her time to learning about animal welfare.

And eventually, NAWS was formed.

Before adoption pets at NAWS are already:

Vaccinated.
Microchipped.
Examined by Vets.
Spayed/Neutered.

What’s even better is all their adopted pets become Alumni members.

This makes them eligible for discounts on the other services offered by NAWS.

This is such a sweet deal. You can’t let it pass.

Check out their adoptable pets here.

Other Services:

Medical Services.
Doggy Day Camp.
Overnight Boarding in Club Suites.

Website	http://www.nawsus.org/
Address	9981 W. 190th St., Unit A, Mokena, IL 60448
Phone	(708) 478-5102
Office Hours	Monday – Friday: 7 AM – 7 PM Saturday: 8 AM – 4 PM Sunday: 10 AM – 2 PM
Social Media Accounts:	Twitter, Facebook

#4: Anderson Humane

A positive interaction between animals and humans could create a better community.

Anderson Humane believes in this.

That’s why aside from rescuing and rehoming pets…

They also focus their efforts on creating meaningful engagements that build human-animal connections.

Other services:

Healing Paws.
Military veterans.
Low-cost vet care.
Animal Relinquishing.
Behavior and training.

Website	https://ahconnects.org/
Address	1000 S La Fox Street, South Elgin, IL 60177
Phone	(847) 697-2880
Office Hours	Monday – Friday: Noon – 6 PM Saturday: 11 AM – 6 PM Sunday: 11 AM – 5 PM
Social Media Accounts:	Twitter, Youtube, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram

#5: Orphans of the Storm Animal Shelter

The idea behind the foundation of this shelter is simple.

The founder, Irene Castle wanted to take in the unwanted mongrels.

Bathe, cure, and take care of them until someone they’re suited for adoption.

And that’s exactly what they’re continuing to do today.

If you’re interested to adopt, there are a few things that you need to bring along:

Current driver’s license (with photo)
Family members (including pets)

The second requirement is needed to make sure that the pet you’ll adopt is well suited for the whole family.

You can also apply online.

If you’re not yet ready to adopt, you can always consider fostering.

Website	https://orphansofthestorm.org/
Address	2200 Riverwoods Road, Riverwoods (Deerfield), IL 60015
Phone	847-945-0235
Office Hours	Monday – Friday: 8 AM – 6 PM Saturday: 8 AM – 1 PM
Social Media Accounts:	Facebook, Instagram

#6: Chicago Canine Rescue

Millions of homeless dogs roam around the US.

Some of them are abandoned, passed over, or simply forgotten.

Chicago Canine Rescue gives a second chance to these unfortunate pups.

Their efforts resulted in more than 7,000 pooches being saved.

You too can save a doggo’s life by becoming their forever home.

If you can’t adopt, you can donate, foster , or volunteer instead.

Reading Tip: 13 Mistakes When Adopting A Rescue Dog (Guide)

Website	http://www.chicagocaninerescue.org/
Address	5272 N. Elston Ave., Chicago, IL 60630
Phone	(773) 697-8848
Office Hours	N/A
Social Media Accounts:	Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

#7: Heartland Animal Shelter

Heartland Animal Shelter advocates better treatment for homeless pets.

They are proud to have a 91% save rate in 2021.

To date, they have saved over 11,000 cats and dogs.

And they have no plan of stopping.

Until no more homeless pets are euthanized, HAS will continue.

Website	https://www.heartlandanimalshelter.org/
Address	586 Palwaukee Dr, Wheeling, IL 60090
Phone	+1 847 296 6400
Office Hours	Thursday – Friday: 4 PM – 7 PM Saturday: 12 PM – 6 PM Sunday: 12 PM – 6 PM
Social Media Accounts:	Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

#8: Felines & Canines

This rescue originally helped homeless cats in need.

But in 2012, they had extended their operation to include homeless pooches.

Felines & Canines stands out by being a cageless, no-kill cat and dog shelter.

They embrace and promote the concept of “Forever Family”.

So even if animals under their care are adopted.

They’re still ready to help them and their adoptive family in any way they can.

Website	https://www.felinescanines.org/
Address	6379 N. Paulina St., Chicago, IL 60660
Phone	773-465-4132
Office Hours	Everyday: 12 PM – 6 PM
Social Media Accounts:	Facebook

#9: Wright-Way Rescue

Wright-Way Rescue focuses on rural communities.

Because this is where aid for the homeless animals is not that many.

Their team would walk hundreds of miles every day to reach all these animals.

And bring them to their shelter where they can have more chances of being adopted.

They also developed programs that benefit both animals and people in the community.

Open your home to one of the animals in their care through fostering or adopting.

You can also volunteer or donate to the shelter.

Your support helps them reach out to more homeless pets in the peripheries.

Website	https://wright-wayrescue.org/
Address	5915 Lincoln Avenue, Morton Grove, IL 60053
Phone	(847) 440-7971
Office Hours	Thursday – Friday: 2 PM – 8 PM Saturday – Sunday: 11 AM – 4 PM
Social Media Accounts:	Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

#10: Helping Paws Animal Shelter

The shelter has helped the homeless cats and dogs of McHenry County find their forever homes.

They have cared for abandoned, homeless, and injured pets for over 50 years.

And will continue to do so as long as there are animals that need their service.

Happy endings and second chances are within reach for the animals at the center.

And you can give it to them.

Other services:

Animal Relinquishing.
Senior for Senior Program.

Editor’s Pick: 17 Critical Tips To Take Care Of A Rescue Dog (Guide)

Website	https://helpingpaws.net/
Address	2500 Harding Lane, Woodstock, IL 60098
Phone	815-338-4400
Office Hours	Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday: 12 PM – 4 PM
Social Media Accounts:	Twitter, Youtube, Instagram

#11: The Buddy Foundation

The Buddy Foundation works hard to end animal homelessness.

They are a safe haven for strays that are looking for shelter.

Rescued animals are immediately cared for and medically examined in their facility.

Become a forever buddy to one of their pooches, view their profiles here.

Website	https://www.thebuddyfoundation.org/
Address	65 W. Seegers Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60005
Phone	847-290-5806
Office Hours	N/A
Social Media Accounts:	Facebook, Youtube, Instagram