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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

DuPage County Animal Services

DuPage County Animal Services (DCAS) is the county's sole public animal shelter and control agency. The mission of DCAS is to protect the health, safety and welfare of people and pets throughout DuPage County. DCAS cares for the community's lost, homeless, stray, injured, sick, neglected and abandoned animals.

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.

The Labrador Connection

TLC- The Labrador Connection has been rescuing and placing unwanted Labrador Retrievers into loving forever homes since February, 2006. Since then, we have saved and adopted out over 500 Labs. TLC is an all volunteer based organization. We rely on volunteers to help foster, transport, complete home visits and help with fundraising and events. All of our rescue Labs are placed in foster homes in the areas of Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois to be evaluated for temperament, level of training, and vetting needed prior to adoption TLC is a 501(c)3 organization which means that donations are tax deductable, and greatly appreciated. The funds that we raise from donations, adoption fees, and participation in fundraising events are used to pay for the veterinary care of our rescue Labs.

FIERCE Animal Rescue

FIERCE Animal Rescue is located along the Illinois/Wisconsin border. We are a small but mighty group of animal advocates. We welcome all people to help us in our battle against pet overpopulation. You will see us out and about in the community, assisting local Trap, Neuter, Return initiatives led by county TNR groups. We have a special place in our hearts for educational outreach. We love to speak with local community groups, nursing homes, and schools about what we can all do to help this cause! We realize that in the fight against suffering, there can never be enough hands on deck. We partner with other local rescues and provide “backup.” We are stronger together!

Animal House Shelter

We are a non-profit, 501(c)3, no kill shelter for all breeds of dogs and cats. Founded in June 2002, we rescue and care for homeless animals. Most of the dogs and cats that we take in are from high kill facilities that are euthanizing due to lack of space. Many have been abused, neglected or abandoned . Once rehabilitated and ready, they are carefully matched with prospective adopters and placed in loving homes. We do take in some owner relinquishments as well and there are a variety of reasons people give up their dog or cat to us. The most common reasons are lack of time due to a change in work schedule, moving, allergies, new baby etc. Like people, animals have distinct personalities that make them unique. At Animal House we are proud to say that these animals are treated like our own. We care enough to be certain they go to the right loving, forever home.

A&S Rescue

A&S Rescue was founded in 2001 by Alise Carrico and Silvia Simmons. We knew a lot of dogs—especially bullies—needed more before being adopted. These dogs have been through a lot. They needed to be prepared for their forever homes. We prioritize structure through carefully selected foster homes and training, so our rescues can feel safe to be themselves again. We also focus on nutrition and high quality food, follow our dogs for their lifetime, and will help adopters after adoption. Our rescues are at the core of everything we do, which is why we go great lengths to help them to succeed. To date, we have placed over 3,000 dogs with only two returns. That’s unheard of in other organizations!

A.R.F.-Animal Rescue Foundation

A.R.F.-Animal Rescue Foundation is a no-kill, all-volunteer, foster-based organization dedicated to rescuing and rehoming homeless dogs and cats into loving forever homes, including animals that other rescue groups often cannot accept due to advanced age or exceptional medical needs of the animals, and to enhancing the lives of animals by promoting affordable, responsible pet ownership and public awareness of animal welfare. Our History The ARFmobile, which you will see parked outside cat and dog adoption events. It all started with “two chicks and a van.” In 1985, a small group of dedicated volunteers started rescuing cats and dogs from shelters in downstate Illinois and bringing them up north to be adopted. From humble beginnings, the organization began to grow. Over time, more and more volunteers joined, rescuing more and more animals. A.R.F. was granted 501(c)(3) non-profit status. In 2008 we started working with PetSmart to manage the Adoption Centers in Wheaton and Darien which house feline residents available for adoption. We then began to collaborate with Wheaton Animal Hospital to ensure all animals are healthy and spayed/neutered before being adopted, except where medically contraindicated. In 2019, Fox Valley Animal Welfare League joined us as a veterinary supporter as well. In 2023, A.R.F. rescued over 1,200 dogs and cats through the work of more than 150 volunteers. We look forward to increasing these numbers every year, providing animals with their forever homes and people with their pet companions.

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.

Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary

THE SANCTUARY WAS FOUNDED AND INCORPORATED BY A SMALL GROUP OF RESIDENTS FROM ROCKFORD, IL ON APRIL 30, 1978. THEIR PRIMARY CONCERN WAS HUMANE CARE AND POPULATION CONTROL. THERE HAVE BEEN OVER 30,000 ANIMALS THAT HAVE BEEN ABOARD THE ARK. EACH YEAR OVER ONE THOUSAND ANIMALS COME TO NOAH'S ARK IN NEED OF A WARM BED, GOOD MEAL, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY A FOREVER HOME. OUR DEDICATED STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS WORK HARD TO ENSURE EACH ANIMAL RECEIVES THE BEST CARE POSSIBLE DURING HIS/HER STAY. WE RECEIVE NO GOVERNMENT FUNDING AND RELY ON THE SUPPORT AND KINDNESS FROM OUR COMMUNITY, PRIVATE DONATIONS, BEQUESTS, FUND RAISING EVENTS, GRANTS, AND VOLUNTEER HELP TO COMPLETE OUR MISSION. NOAH'S ARK DOES NOT EUTHANIZE ANIMALS TO MAKE SPACE TO HOUSE OTHERS. WE ARE A NO KILL SHELTER AND WORK TO PRESERVE LIFE WHENEVER POSSIBLE. OUR VISION IS TO SECURE A SAFE ENVIRONMENT FOR ALL COMPANION ANIMALS. WE ENVISION A WORLD WHERE ALL PEOPLE AND THEIR PETS LIVE HEALTHY, HAPPY, AND LONG LIVES TOGETHER.

Naperville Area Humane Society

History In 1979, a group of caring citizens dedicated themselves to helping homeless companion animals in their community. They created the Naperville Humane Society and fostered animals in their homes until permanent homes could be found. Wishing to serve more people and animals, this group solicited the financial support of the community and built a 3,550-square-foot shelter in 1988. After 43 years and more than 20,000 animals served, the Board of Directors changed the organization's name to more accurately reflect the population we serve. In January of 2005, the name was officially changed to Naperville Area Humane Society. This new name more accurately reflects the areas we serve. In 2021, we completed our shelter expansion project, which increased our square footage to 8,150. The Naperville Area Humane Society is a 501(c)3 organization. Our tax-exempt number is 363040480. Care At the Naperville Area Humane Society, each animal is tenderly cared for. Entering a shelter can be stressful or possibly even terrifying to some cats and dogs. Our dedicated and highly trained staff and volunteers offer compassionate care to each animal and work to address his or her individual needs. The staff diligently matches each pet's needs with a family eager to adopt a dog or cat. At the Naperville Area Humane Society, all animals receive basic vaccinations and medical care. All animals are neutered or spayed before being released to their new owners. In addition, dogs’ temperaments are thoroughly assessed before being made available for adoption. Unfortunately, far too many cats and dogs continue to need help in our society. Since we cannot solve this overwhelming problem ourselves, we have evolved our approach to the homeless animal crisis to include innovative community service initiatives, such as humane education and a behavior helpline, while we continue to rehome animals. No-Kill Statement There is no term in the animal sheltering field more divisive than no-kill; in fact, there is no clear definition. Generally speaking, a no-kill shelter is described as an organization that does not euthanize “adoptable” animals. A 90-percent save rate for animals entering a shelter is the common-sense benchmark for measuring lifesaving progress. Typically, the number of pets suffering from irreparable medical or behavioral issues that compromise their quality of life and prevent them from being rehomed is not more than 10 percent of all pets entering shelters.* While the 90-percent benchmark offers a meaningful, consistent way to gauge progress, it is neither a floor nor a ceiling. For many shelters, a true no-kill statistic may be closer to a 95-percent save rate or higher. For some shelters, particularly those offering unique care and services such as neonatal kitten programs or compassionate end-of-life services for residents with pets in under-resourced communities, the benchmark may be slightly below 90 percent.* The Naperville Area Humane Society meets the requirements of a no-kill animal shelter, but we choose not to use the term because of its ambiguity. We refer to our shelter as a limited-admission organization. We accept only those animals that we have space to house safely and properly, meeting the standards of the Association of Shelter Veterinarians. Rather than keeping our animals in overcrowded conditions, we have a waiting list for animals needing to come into the shelter. The Naperville Area Humane Society never euthanizes animals for space or time constraints. All animals are evaluated for health by local veterinarians and for behavior by trained shelter staff using standardized assessments. The decision to euthanize an animal is never an easy one, but we believe it is sometimes necessary. We will choose euthanasia when an animal is suffering from an incurable, debilitating medical condition or when an animal displays severe, unmanageable aggression. We believe it is irresponsible to place a dangerous animal in the community. When appropriate, however, we will transfer an animal to an approved rescue group with the resources to provide behavior modification training in a foster home to change outcomes.

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.

The Barn on Baseline Animal Shelter and Adoption Center

For over 40 years The Barn on Baseline has rescued the dogs and cats that no one else is willing to help. We got our start in 1975 and it's taken a lot of love, hard work, and dedication, but the animals continue to make every day a joy for us! It takes a lot to run and maintain an animal shelter, so please consider helping out in any way; volunteering your time, monetarily, or donating goods we need to keep our four-legged friends happy and healthy! Our staff works 365 days a year. That includes Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. It takes dedication to care for more than 120 animals every single day of the year. Beyond the rescue and adoption we offer additional services to the public. These services include training, boarding, grooming, and day care. To keep the health and safety of our animals and yours in mind, these services are held in the adjacent building from the shelter. While half of this building is dedicated to the long and short-term care of your pets and the other half provides full or half day day care, a grooming salon, and public boarding in upscale rooms for pets in our community. The income generated from these additional services allow both our shelter, and the Family Pet Care Center to operate.

Paws and Affect Animal Rescue

Paws and Affect Animal Rescue is a 501c3 all breed, all ages, all animal rescue. We are built on 18 years of rescue experience. Our team is dedicated to finding forever homes for the forgotten animals of IL and across the nation. We believe in transparency, honesty, and are passionate about doing what is right for the animals in our care. We hope that we can help you find your new family member.

All Those Left Behind Animal Rescue, Inc.

All Those Left Behind Animal Rescue, Inc. is a foster home based 501 c 3 not for profit animal rescue licensed by the State of Illinois Department of Agriculture. Our mission is to rescue animals left by their owners or at animal controls as we strive to prevent euthanasia of any animal regardless of breed, age or health concerns. Not only are we a rescue but we have sanctuary animals too which will live out the rest of their lives in our rescue because of them being considered unadoptable due to medical or behavioral concerns. All of our staff are volunteers, we do not have paid employees and we do NOT have a physical shelter, all of our animals are in foster homes.

Home Sweet Home Pet Rescue

Home Sweet Home’s mission is to create a no-kill community through the rescue, rehabilitate and re-homing of pets and the education of youth about animal related issues. HSH is committed to the following actions: Provide a home and veterinary care for animals in need, Provide a home for animals while in rescue, Find appropriate homes for every adoptable animal & Educate youth in the community through HSH’s Youth Council

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.

Pets and Vets USA

Pets and Vets USA began from a promise between a mother and a son. Peter Thomas Cangelosi and his mother, Carol Ann, pledged to make a difference by agreeing to donate time and resources to the local animal shelter. Unfortunately, Carol Ann became ill and passed in 2005. In 2013, Peter renewed his promise, by pledging funds on death row dogs in shelters across the United States. Then Peter saved his first dog, "Truth" a bull dog/pit bull mix. The dog was minutes from being euthanized in a region where hundreds of thousands of pit bull mixes die every year. After a long journey, he joined Peter in Illinois and was renamed Miracle. During this time, Peter learned more about the countless dogs euthanized and the homeless veterans who had put their life on the line. Peter decided to keep his promise to his mother and make a difference by helping homeless veterans so he founded Pets and Vets USA, a 501c3 nonprofit.

Grundy County Animal Control

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.