The Best Naperville, IL Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2026

Project Hope Animal Rescue

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

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.

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!

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.

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.

Rescued Rascals

Founded as a 501c3 not for profit organization Rescued Rascals was started by a small team of just two volunteers who had worked extensively in dog rescue and foster. They found a new niche for their work by running their own transports to and from a variety of locations, by connecting with their network of dogs rescuers across the Midwest.

Kane County Animal Control

Joliet township animal shelter

Every year hundreds of animals come into Joliet Township Animal Control and it is our goal to find them their forever home. Our Vet Techs meet with each potential adoptee and ensure that is the right match for the new owner as well as their new pet.

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.

On Angels' Wings - Pet Rescue & Resale Store

On Angels' Wings, Inc. (OAW) is a 501(c)(3) public nonprofit whose mission is to rescue, provide veterinary care for, and find forever homes for abused, abandoned, and neglected pets (dogs, cats, and small animals) in Northern Illinois and beyond. At OAW, we believe the human and animal bond is a mutually beneficial relationship, improving life for both the rescued pet as well as the members of the adopting family. OAW founders Jeannette Hager and her daughter Emily hoped to encourage future generations to embrace this way of thinking, which is why we also educate the community about animal welfare, particularly within the local school system.

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.

It's All About The Paws

Dog Rescue R Us - North

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.

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.

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

Fur Angels Animal Sanctuary

Fur Angels Animal Sanctuary is an all volunteer foster based animal rescue network based in Illinois and Northwest Indiana. A core group of volunteers live in the Chicago Suburbs and surrounding Chicagoland area. As a small non-profit, Fur Angels works tirelessly to giving all animals a second chance at finding a forever home. Without having an actual shelter, we have many volunteers who have opened their homes to not just dogs and cats, but also exotic domestic animals. This rescue is unique because we foster many animals deemed “unadoptable” like bonded pairs, special needs, and seniors. What we rescue: • Dogs and Cats • Birds (Large and Small) • Rabbits and Guinea Pigs • Reptiles and Amphibians • Turtles and Tortoises • Hedgehogs and Sugar Gliders • Ferrets and Rodents • Fish and more!

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.

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.

Forever Home Dog Rescue IL

We are a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit dog rescue. Our all-volunteer team saves dogs and puppies that are in danger of being euthanized. These dogs and puppies come from areas in Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, and Louisiana. Once transported back here to the Fox Valley area they are placed in loving foster homes - where they receive veterinary care and start their basic training. We give these loving animals a second chance in life.

A Journey Home Dog Rescue

A Journey Home Dog Rescue is a 501(C)3 all-volunteer dog rescue based in Oswego, Illinois. We rescue, provide care and find homes for dogs from overcrowded shelters. We do not have a physical shelter; our rescues get the unique opportunity of being placed directly in the homes of foster volunteers.

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.

South Suburban Humane Society

The South Suburban Humane Society (SSHS) incorporated in 1970 as a small group of volunteers who brought homeless pets into their homes and worked to find them permanent homes. From those humble origins, we grew to a 501c3 nonprofit organization operating a 19,000 square foot animal resource campus in Matteson, IL that takes in more than 4,000 pets annually, a Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic, a Low-Cost Veterinary Services Clinic, and a variety of far-reaching community services. The SSHS annually impacts 20,000 pets and the people who love them through these programs.

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.

Traveling Tails Dog Rescue

We rescue animals that need help. Whether it is domestic U.S. or overseas, we focus on helping the animals that have no voice of their own. We have worked with a lot of wonderful people in the USA as well as in a large array of countries in the Middle East. Many of those countries do not have animal rescue and our team stepped in to help. As times have changed, due to the pandemic and the CDC ban on the importation of dogs from 113 countries, the TTDR team is still fighting for the voiceless animals that need our help. At this time we are focusing on finding loving homes for abused, abandoned, and neglected dogs here in the USA. We are not losing hope that the CDC ban will still be lifted.

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.

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.

Grundy County Animal Control