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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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

Helping Paws Animal Shelter

Helping Paws Animal Shelter’s mission is to provide shelter, food, medical care, and comfort to abandoned, neglected, and abused animals until they are placed into loving, responsible homes. Our Story Helping Paws Animal Shelter (HP), legally known as the Fox Valley Helping Paws Animal Welfare Association, Inc., was established in 1969 with a foster program which rehomed orphaned animals into permanent, loving homes. In 1971, Helping Paws incorporated as the first no-kill, animal welfare association in McHenry County. Our first storefront location was on Route 14, across from Andy’s Restaurant at 465 Virginia Street. In 1995, we rented a facility in Ridgefield, IL, which was only able to house cats and then three years later purchased and remodeled the old Culligan Building at 257 King Street in Crystal Lake. The building was approximately 3,000 square feet and allowed us to house up to 60 cats and seven dogs. Then in 2006, Helping Paws moved into our current 10,000 square foot facility at 2500 Harding Lane, Woodstock, IL. This facility allows us to care for approximately 125 kittens/cats and to accommodate 45 puppies/dogs. Helping Paws is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Our small, committed staff of 11 employees and over 300 dedicated volunteers handle and care for more than 800 animals annually and serve more than 300,000 residents in McHenry County and surrounding communities. Each animal that comes into our shelter is treated with respect, kindness and compassion. We believe that for each of our animals…”Second Chances Start Here.”

A Heart for Animals

A Heart For Animals is a no-kill, non-profit 501(c)(3) animal rescue. We are foster based and believe that all animals deserve a chance to have a loving, forever home. Our organization is dedicated to helping our youth understand how to properly care for their pets and we offer service hours for high school students who volunteer to help our programs. Engaging teens to learn how to be responsible and care for pets pays it forward to future pet owners. Contact Us if you are interested in learning more about these programs. In addition, we are a volunteer-only organization and rely on the commitment and skills of our volunteers to carry out our mission. Please consider volunteering or fostering to help us save as many lives as possible.

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.

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.

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.

New Start Dog Rescue of Illinois

New Start Dog Rescue of Illinois is a 501(c)(3) foster-based dog rescue. We do not have a facility, all of our dogs are in individual foster homes. New Start Dog Rescue of Illinois was founded in May of 2014 by five local animal lovers who just knew they could make a difference.​ We are a 100% volunteer-based, not-for-profit charitable organization. Licensed by the Department of Agriculture, our dogs are all cared for in licensed foster homes. We are dedicated to rescuing stray and abandoned puppies and dogs of all breeds and situations. All donations are tax deductible and are 100% used to benefit the animals. There are no paid positions at New Start Dog Rescue of Illinois.

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.

Helping Out Pets Everywhere: H.O.P.E.

We are an all-breed dog and cat rescue dedicated to helping animals in need. All of our animals are cared for in foster homes with the intention of finding lifelong families for each animal.

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.

Kendall County Animal Control

Kendall County Animal Control is the County agency responsible for the enforcement of the state statutes governing rabies control in domestic companion animals. The State of Illinois requires that all dogs and cats be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian. Compliance with this law is monitored through the issuance of rabies tags for all dogs and cats residing in the County. All dogs and cats are required to wear their rabies tags when off of the owner’s property. If a pet is lost, rabies tags also provide an excellent means of identifying your pet. Kendall Co. Animal Control also enforces the County’s ordinance that prohibits dogs from running at large in unincorporated, residential areas.

New Leash on Life - Chicago

NLOL Chicago is an entirely volunteer run, nonprofit organization committed to finding loving homes for shelter dogs who might otherwise be euthanized. Through our adoption, foster, training and education programs, NLOL Chicago addresses the nationwide issue of pet overpopulation and the importance of spay/neuter. We also tackle local concerns, such as the threat of breed-specific legislation (BSL). The mission of NLOL Chicago is to provide consistent advocacy for those forgotten animals - to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.

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.

Grundy County Animal Control

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Aurora IL Animal Care and Control

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.