The Best Naperville, IL Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2025

Project Hope Animal Rescue

We're a foster based animal rescue with the overflow of animals kenneled in our facility.

River Valley Animal Rescue

River Valley Animal Rescue is a registered non-profit no-kill animal rescue and shelter located in Momence, Illinois. River Valley Animal Rescue has no paid employees and operates fully on proceeds from our resale shop and donations from the public. We offer a temporary home at our shelter to dogs, cats, birds and a variety of small animals until their "furever" home arrives. We are proud to say that we have placed hundreds of animals in permanent homes since 2012!

Orphans of the Storm

To take responsibility for each and every orphaned, abandoned, abused, or neglected dog and cat who reaches our doors; to take them in and shelter them; to provide the best medical and physical care possible for them; to nurture them back to health if need be; and finally to place them into warm, loving, adoptive homes where they can enjoy the lives they deserve.

K9s4U Dog Rescue

K9s4U Dog Rescue is a non-profit dog rescue organization founded by a group of friends committed to saving dogs from high-kill shelters and dire situations and placing them into their FUREVER homes. We are a foster-home based rescue and rely on donations and fosters to help us in our mission to save as many dogs as we can. Thanks to our wonderful fosters and the donations we've received, we have saved the lives of more than 5,700 dogs since we began.

MCP Rescue Pack

MCP Rescue is a Chicago based animal rescue that finds Forever Homes for the overlooked, abused, neglected, in need, at risk dogs (and cats). We believe every animal is an individual with their own idiosyncrasies, gifts, likes and dislikes, just like humans. MCP is the opposite of a revolving door type of Rescue model. We may not have the large numbers monthly but we have a return rate lower than 3% and we know where our dogs are and how they are. 85% of the dogs we bring into our Pack are considered true underdogs and harder to adopt, whether they be of Pitbull types dogs, XL breeds, bonded pairs, seniors, major medical, or hospice.

ALIVE Rescue

ALIVE Rescue is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that was founded in March 2008 as a rescue and safe haven for animals. From March 2008 through November of 2012, we ran operations solely through the use of our foster homes. In November of 2011, we signed a lease for a building (The Little Barn) in the Roscoe Village neighborhood of Chicago. For nearly one and a half years, we rehabbed and re-designed the original structure, preparing it to become our first adoption center. On May 5th, 2013, we opened The Little Barn, celebrating this accomplishment with dozens of our donors, volunteers, and the animals we rescued. In June of 2019 we closed The Little Barn and opened our new Adoption Center ("AC") in Chicago's West Loop. We remained at the AC through the pandemic and closed those doors in January of 2022. On October 5, 2020, we broke ground on The Big Barn, a new location that will help us save more homeless pets.

PET PROJECT INC.

Pet Project Inc was incorporated in October of 1993. We are a no kill shelter based in Marseilles. We are the oldest non-profit animal shelter in LaSalle County. We are registered with the State of Illinois Atty. General as a 501(c)3 charitable organization.

Free Spirit Siberian Rescue

The Free Spirit Siberian Rescue opened its doors in 1999 with the intention of rescuing and finding a home for every husky/husky mix in need of rescue. Fast forward twenty years later, and FSSR has saved over 3000 dogs by helping them find their forever homes! This accomplishment couldn't of been done without the passion and love of animals of our president, Karen Ferreri-Miller. Her desire to allow any animal the second chance of finding their happily ever after is what drives her and all of our volunteers. We are truly grateful to all of the love and support from our volunteers, adopters, and numerous supporters along the way.

Hoof Woof Meow Animal Rescue

We're a coalition of dedicated volunteers and professionals—rescuers, transporters, fosters, veterinarians, humane societies, investigators, and shelters—that advocate for and save homeless animals throughout the State of Illinois and across the country. Hoof Woof & Meow Animal Rescue is a registered non-profit 501(c)(3) no-kill animal rescue organization. Established in September 2012, we're on a mission to eliminate needless deaths and inhumane treatment of all animals. We're committed to finding forever homes for the animals in our care and educating the general public on the issues of mistreatment and overpopulation, as well as the need for comprehensive spay and neutering programs. Together, we're making a difference in the lives of countless animals.

Tails Humane Society

Tails Humane Society is a managed admission animal shelter providing a safe haven for over 2,500 animals each year. We are committed to providing each animal the time and medical care they need to have their best chance at adoption. Tails was established in 1999 by a group of local animal advocates dedicated to bringing a comprehensive animal shelter to DeKalb. We operated out of an old farmhouse until 2005 when we cut the ribbon on our Barber Greene facility. In 2009, we opened our affordable Spay/Neuter Clinic providing quality, affordable sterilization services to the public. We continue to grow and strengthen our programs and service as we continue to save lives.

Homes for Endangered & Lost Pets

H.E.L.P. obtains veterinary care, food and shelter for stray and abandoned cats and dogs until they are adopted into loving homes. H.E.L.P. does not have a facility. The animals live in our volunteers' homes. We feel that foster care benefits the animal and the potential adopter, as it allows us to work on health or behavioral issues while providing a safe, healthy, happy environment until a cat or dog is adopted. In addition, fostering enables us to get to know an animal so we can better match the cat or dog to their person or family. Homeless pets are referred by police departments, veterinarians, other shelters and people in the community. Each animal is thoroughly examined by a veterinarian, is vaccinated, dewormed, receives the necessary blood tests, and is eventually spayed or neutered. They are then taken to a foster home for recovery from surgery, if necessary, socialization and evaluation. H.E.L.P. is essentially a no-kill organization. We are proud to take in animals that other organizations would not otherwise help. We do not have time limits on the animals in our care and we do not euthanize animals with health issues or non-terminal illness. However, we will not prolong the suffering of an animal with a personality that would make living in a home with people a miserable experience. Furthermore, we do not keep animals in foster care whose temperament poses a danger to people or other animals. We are a 501(c)3 charity that relies on donations and volunteers from the community as well as fundraisers to support the organization. We receive no money from federal, state, or local government.

All Herding Breeds Dog Rescue

All Herding Breed Dog Rescue of Illinois is a state licensed, non for profit, 501c3, rescue group. We are an all-volunteer organization that operates solely on donations.

Save-A-Pet

Save-A-Pet offers rescued dogs and cats the greatest opportunity for a second chance. We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and one of the largest no-kill cat and dog rescues in Lake County that operates a full-time adoption center. We provide a safe haven for abused, neglected, injured, lost, or animals that have escaped euthanasia. We will never put a limit on the amount of care we will provide for an animal and we never give up on them. The Save-A-Pet Difference: Save-A-Pet is a true no-kill rescue. We do not temperament test our dogs and cats, nor do we discriminate against age, health, or any breeds. We operate under the mantra of “Help, Heal, Home.” We will do whatever it takes to provide an animal with a second chance and to help that cat or dog find its “home”. Our adoption center provides high-quality care for our rescued animals to help them heal physically and emotionally. Through our network of animal care providers including local veterinarians, orthopedic surgeons, veterinary specialists, animal massage therapists, behaviorists, and trainers, each cat or dog has the opportunity to heal based on their unique needs. In addition, we work very hard to ensure that each adoption is a successful and long-term placement for our animals. Every successful adoption represents the success of our mission and efforts in saving the lives of cats and dogs that otherwise wouldn’t have had a chance.

Anderson Humane

Bringing people and animals together for good. For more than fifty years, Anderson Humane has been the leading animal welfare organization in our community. We have been dedicated to creating positive connections between people and animals from day one because animals make us better! Today, we place more than 4,000 pets into loving homes each year. Our innovative programs make the healing presence of animals available to seniors, veterans, and those in crisis. We help pet owners provide the best care possible to their dogs, cats, rabbits, turtles, and other animals through free training and resources. Every year, Anderson Humane cares for more than 3,000 injured and orphaned wild animals. Our classes and programs help people appreciate and preserve these animals and their natural habitat.

Paws Up 4 Rescue

We are located in Joliet, Illinois. All our animals are located in foster homes. The best way for you to meet them is to attend one of our adoption events. See the calendar for dates and locations.

Second City Canine Rescue

Second City Canine Rescue (SCCR) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that is largely volunteer-operated. We are dedicated to serving the homeless dogs of Chicagoland, as well as branching out to other areas (such as Oklahoma, Indiana, Kentucky, Southern Illinois, Texas, & Michigan) ‚wherever homeless dogs & puppies need us.

A.D.O.P.T. Pet Shelter

Animals Deserving of Proper Treatment (A.D.O.P.T.) is a private, “no-kill”, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that has found homes for more than 30,000 pets. We provide a temporary, loving home for dogs and cats that no longer have a family of their own. The animals in our shelter have ended up here for a variety of reasons ranging from abandonment, to rescue from an abusive situation, to owner surrender because they no longer are able to take care of them. Our animals are loving, family pets who are desperately awaiting for their forever home. A.D.O.P.T. was founded in 1989 by a group of dedicated volunteers determined to find homes for animals in need. Over the years, our objective has remained the same: to place animals into permanent, caring homes and advance the humane treatment of animals through education. Our Facility Thanks to the generosity of numerous donors, A.D.O.P.T.’s state-of-the-art facility was completed in spring of 2003. Built to house approximately 40 dogs/puppies and 100 cats/kittens, we provide our animals a safe, comfortable environment while they’re waiting for their new home.

Illinois Doberman Rescue Plus

Illinois Doberman Rescue Plus operates as a not-for-profit organization based in Northern Illinois. The goal of IDR+ is to rescue animals in need, to place them into responsible homes, and to educate the public about the Doberman breed. Our rescue animals come from animal control organizations, humane societies, and owner give-up situations in Illinois and surrounding states. After entering the program, our animals are spayed or neutered, fully vaccinated, heartworm tested (and given monthly heartworm preventative), and microchipped (a computer microchip placed in the dog's lower neck for help with identification should the animal ever become lost). While awaiting adoption, most of our animals live in foster homes throughout Illinois where we attempt to evaluate their temperaments, learn their behavioral quirks, and work on basic manners and obedience. We endeavor to place each animal in a home best suited for that individual dog. Some factors we take into account include the animal's reaction to children, dogs, and cats. We carefully screen all applicants since we want to ensure that each adoption is a good match and provides a permanent home for the animal. We maintain contact with our adoptive families and encourage them to contact us in case of any questions or problems.

Gordon Setter Club of America

The Gordon Setter Club of America, Inc. is a not for profit organization dedicated to promoting and preserving the “Beauty, Brains & Bird Sense” in Gordon Setters. The club was organized in 1924 and currently has about 800 members. Most of our membership is concentrated in the United States, but we also have members from 15 to 20 countries worldwide. The GSCA’s certificate of incorporation was issued by the state of New York on January 14, 1965. Membership is open to anyone who is interested in Gordon Setters, and members receive a newsletter 8 times a year, Gordon Setter News. Our members subscribe to a Code of Ethics. The club serves as an umbrella organization for a number of regional groups (both independent clubs and area committees) who organize and put on events for Gordons, including specialty shows (conformation events), obedience trials, hunting tests, field trials and other special programs. There are more than 22 affiliated clubs and area committees in the United States. Fortunately, the relative rarity of Gordon Setters has not made an organized Rescue program a pressing need until recent years. Gordon Setter lovers rescued the occasional Gordon from a shelter on a private basis for many years, but, by the late 1980’s, it was clear that, additional active work was necessary. Thus, GSCA established a National Rescue program in 1991. Our first National Specialty was held in 1983 in Springfield, Ohio and has become a popular yearly event. It is held in different locations each year. This event generally attracts Gordons from all over the USA and foreign countries. We held our first National Field Trial in 1993 in Ohio, with an AKC approved Gordon Setter National Field Championship beginning in 1995. The event draws about 100 Gordons each year and is considered the premier field competition for our breed. Our Health & Genetics Committee gathers and disseminates information about Gordon Setter health issues, balancing a need for informing our membership and others interested in Gordons about potential health problems, and encouraging management for sound, healthy dogs. We offer a breeder referral service for individuals interested in finding a Gordon Setter puppy or adult dog. If you chose to e-mail our puppy referral service, be sure to include your snail-mail information in your communication.

Aurora IL Animal Care and Control

Glory Bound Rescue Ranch

Over two decades ago, Jennifer Finkelman, our founder, president, and lifelong animal advocate, envisioned Glory Bound as a peaceful haven for her horses, boarders, and riding lessons. However, the transformative encounter with a draft horse named Ripley marked a turning point. Ripley needed Jennifer just as much as she needed him, forever altering the trajectory of Glory Bound. What began as a horse stable has blossomed into a sanctuary for horses, dogs, and various farm animals. Fueled by a dedicated volunteer force, we embrace senior animals and those that may not fit elsewhere. The resilience displayed by our "residents" is nothing short of miraculous. Emerging from adversity, these animals overcome physical and mental anguish, learning to trust and accept human touch during their rehabilitation. Glory Bound stands as a no-kill animal sanctuary, rescuing creatures from abuse, neglect, imminent danger, and abandonment. Our daily commitment echoes our purpose: to be a voice for the voiceless. We're steadfast in our determination to RESCUE ON! As Winston Churchill aptly said, "There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man." At Glory Bound, we witness these profound connections daily, as many souls find solace, rehabilitation, and a second chance at a fulfilled life.

Animal Rescue Associates, Inc.

Animal Rescue Associates, Inc, is a licensed, No-Kill, No-Shelter rescue organization made up of rescuers throughout Illinois and surrounding communities…all dedicated and working collectively to save discarded, abandoned and displaced lives. Animal Rescue Associates strives to reduce the vast overpopulation of unwanted pets by: · Rescuing countless adoptable pets awaiting their avoidable fate of euthanasia in high-kill facilities. · Offering adoption of rescued, homeless pets. · Providing re-homing services for displaced pets. · Contributing education on the humane care and treatment of animals, as well as the importance of spaying and neutering in our communities. • Supporting and believing that high volume, community based sterilization campaigns are the humane, logical and sustainable strategy to combat the over population of cats and dogs. • Supporting the No-Kill, No-Shelter approach.

Making A Difference Rescue

Making A Difference Rescue is a 100% volunteer run, 501c3 non-profit organization, registered with the State of Illinois and licensed by the State of Illinois Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Animal Health and Welfare Because we are a 501c3 charitable organization, all donations are tax deductible. We do not have our own facility. We rely solely on a team of dedicated volunteers and screened foster homes to re-home, socialize, and care for our animals. With their help and yours, we are able to rescue animals from potential euthanasia and help lower overpopulation in area shelters. All donations are tax deductible. Who We Are Making A Difference Rescue is made up of a group of volunteers that are dedicated to placing abandoned and at-risk animals into approved, reference and screen checked homes. Making A Difference Rescue believes that these steps are crucial in order to ensure a safe and forever loving home for their animals. Financial support and/or supplies that can be donated are always greatly appreciated. We take pride in knowing that we had a part in changing their lives forever!

Safe Haven Dog Rescue

Safe Haven Dog Rescue, is a Tax-Exempt 501(c) 3 Organization, created by volunteers to rescue, rehabilitate, and find loving families for homeless dogs and puppies. Most of our dogs and puppies are rescued from rural southern pounds and shelters where they have little chance of a better life without being rescued. We are all foster based, meaning we do not have a shelter and we rely on the generosity of the community to open their homes and foster these deserving dogs and puppies.

It's All About The Paws

Bombshell Bullies Pit Bull Rescue, Inc.

At Bombshell Bullies Pit Bull Rescue, our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and re-home dogs identified primarily as American Pit Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers. Our goal is to place these adoptable dogs into their safe and loving forever home.

Border Tails Rescue

Border Tails Rescue is a licensed no-kill animal rescue and welfare organization dedicated to the rescue and adoption of stray dogs across the world, with a unique focus on Mexico. Border Tails Rescue has a physical shelter facility with dogs on site for viewing everyday. Border Tails Rescue primarily works with rural shelters across the country, including but not limited to TX, AR, AL, LA, KY, IN, and MI on a regular basis as well as CACC, Chicago's open intake shelter. BTR is Woman-founded by Harleigh Garcia, who was 20 years old at the time. The organization was founded in December of 2019 and Border Tails Rescue is registered with Illinois Secretary of State as a non profit organization. Border Tails Rescue operates entirely on donations and adoption fees.

Bark of an Angel Dog Rescue, Inc

Bark of an Angel Dog Rescue is 100% Volunteer Based Non-Profit Dog Rescue. Our Dog Loving Volunteers dedicate their time to helping Homeless Dogs and Puppies get a second chance in life and find a loving Forever Home. We are completely Foster Based with the BEST Foster Homes any Dog or Puppy could ask for! All of our Rescues are Treated like part of the Family because they ARE! Our History Bark of an Angel Dog Rescue was founded in 2018 by a Husband and Wife Team. Ray and Cathie started off as a Foster Home for a local rescue that is no longer in operation. Ray and Cathie saw a void in the local Area when the rescue they foster for closed down and knew they had to help. From their personal Foster experience they wanted to create an organization that put not only their Rescues first and foremost, but their Foster Homes as well. Through their experience raising their personal Great Dane Mix Scooby, they me a Handsome Rescue named Phoenix. Phoenix is the inspiration to the Paw Print, Halo, and Angel Wings. Phoenix was a well loved Dane Rescue who's story inspired Ray and Cathie that with love and patience you can heal the heart, soul, and body as well as the difference you can make in a Dog's life no matter how long or short their time was here on Earth.

Saving Animals In Need Rescue Inc

We are a 501c3 Not for Profit Animal Rescue Organization. We are a foster based rescue. We are a group of volunteers who are rescuers, transporters, and fosters. We work with professionals including veterinarians, humane societies, county animal services, etc. that advocate for and save homeless animals throughout the State of Illinois and our country. Founders Arita Sego and Lisa Pyle are two animal rescuers that found each other in 2009. Arita met Lisa and shared her volunteer work with the animals with her. They quickly connected over their love for animals and the desire to help animals in need. After 14 years of friendship and rescuing animals together, they decided to start a new animal rescue; there are not enough rescues to help all the homeless animals. That is how SAVING ANIMALS IN NEED RESCUE, AKA SAIN RESCUE was formed. ARITA SEGO has had animals throughout her life. She currently has two adopted senior dogs, Grandpa and Herbie. She has always loved animals. As an adult, Arita has adopted, fostered, and provided hospice care to over 200 dogs and cats. She has taken care of dogs with significant medical issues and nursed them back to health. She fostered one dog that was paralyzed from the waist down. This dog was able to be rehabilitated to the point that she could run after the squirrels, which she loved to do. Arita has fostered and nurtured dogs who were fearful of humans and helped rehabilitate them and find them their forever home. She has volunteered in Animal Rescue for almost 15 years prior to exploring and beginning this rescue. Animal Rescue is Arita’s passion. Her career has been spent helping people in need so it is not surprising that she decided to also help animals in need. Arita believes it takes a village, a team of volunteers with a heart for the animals in order to do the work of animal rescue. Without volunteers and donors, this Rescue wouldn’t exist. LISA PYLE has always had animals in her life, growing up and as an adult. She has always loved animals and currently has a few adopted dogs and cats. She has been fostering animals since 2009. Lisa has fostered and adopted around 150 dogs/puppies. She has been instrumental in giving them a second chance in life. Lisa adopted several dogs that had significant behavioral issues that made their possibility of adoption remote at best. Without Lisa choosing to adopt them, their future was bleak. Lisa spent her time, energy and resources nurturing these dogs to the point that they were able to either fully trust her or trust her enough to become part of her pack. Lisa has also been actively involved in TNR in her community. She has helped over 50 cats get spayed/neutered to help with the overpopulation of feral cats. Lisa continues to take care of a colony of cats that have all been altered.

Just Animals Shelter

Just Animals is a non-profit no-kill animal shelter. We have been serving Grundy and surrounding Counties since 1997. All of our funding comes from donations and fundraisers. Each year we take in hundreds of cats and dogs that come in as strays off the street, from animal controls and owners that surrender them. Many of these animals have been neglected, abused and abandoned. Our goal is to provide the best medical care to mend their broken bodies, patience and love to rebuild their spirits, and when they are ready, offer them for adoption to a permanent, safe, loving home. Financially, the last several years have been difficult for many people and many of them had to give up their animals because they were losing their homes, or just couldn’t afford to take proper care of them. Because of this, there were many more animals that needed our help. We are happy to say that we have continued to place many dogs, puppies, kittens and cats into loving forever homes through the hard work and dedication of the workers and volunteers that give so much of themselves to the animals here at Just Animals. This is an amazing number of precious lives saved working from our small office in Mazon and some wonderful foster homes. Thank you to the wonderful people that adopted a new family member from us and thank you to the wonderful people that so generously donate to us, we could not do this without you. Before going to their new homes, all pets are vet checked, spayed/neutered, micro-chipped, vaccinated, flea treated and dewormed. Cats are tested for feline leukemia/FIV, dogs are tested for heartworm and started on preventative. Many of the animals we take in can require extensive medical care. Without your donations, we would not be able to provide the care many of them need. Just Animals Shelter is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization. We receive no tax-payer dollars or government funding. All funding has been donated by caring community members or raised ourselves. All donations to Just Animals Shelter are tax-deductible.