Adopting a puppy in Chicago is a heartwarming opportunity to provide a forever home to a special fur baby and begin your next chapter as a puppy parent. There are various puppy rescues in Chicago, such as PAWS Chicago and Anti-Cruelty Society, working tirelessly to rehabilitate and rehome puppies in need. By adopting, you help reduce overpopulation and support life-saving efforts.
Ready to take the next step to finding your special pup? This Sploot Vets guide goes through various puppy rescues in Chicago, while also covering some must-know information when adopting a puppy.
How to Adopt a Puppy in Chicago
1. Know the Requirements
In Chicago, you need to be at least 18 years old to adopt a puppy; however, some shelters have the minimum age set to 21 years old or above. Other requirements may include a government-issued ID, sufficient financial stability, suitable living conditions, and, If renting, a written permission from your landlord.
2. Find a Nearby Puppy Rescue
The next step is to find nearby puppy rescues in Chicago, where you may just find the perfect furry companion for you. You can visit the puppy shelter or peruse their website to learn more about their adoptable puppies. In a later section, we’ll talk about some of the best puppy rescues in Chicago to check out.
3. Application & Meeting the Puppy
After finding a potential puppy, it’s time to fill out an application form. This is typically done online or through email correspondence.
Once your application is accepted, you will get to have a meet-and-greet with your potential new puppy. This can either be in the puppy shelter itself or another designated place for meeting the foster (if the rescue is totally or partially foster-based).
4. Adoption Day
For the final step, you may need to fill out some final paperwork to finalize the adoption contract and settle the adoption fee. In addition, if the puppy isn’t spayed/neutered yet, the adoption contract may include a requirement to spay/neuter the puppy by a specified age.
5 Amazing Puppy Rescues in Chicago
1. PAWS Chicago
- Highlights: No-kill shelter; dog and puppy rescue; cats are also available; shelter-based with foster support; online application available after completing their ComPETibility Quiz
- Location: 1997 N. Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL
PAWS Chicago focuses on creating a no-kill city through innovative puppy adoption programs, spay/neuter initiatives, and community outreach. Their Pippen Fasseas Adoption Center in Lincoln Park provides a spacious, welcoming space for prospective pet parents to meet and adopt puppies. They are known as one of the largest no-kill shelters in Chicago.
They have numerous puppies and dogs up for adoption; you can view their details online or take the ComPETibility Quiz to find the best pet for you.
2. Anti-Cruelty Society
- Highlights: Open-door shelter; dog and puppy rescue; cats and other species are also available; shelter-based with foster support; online application available after completing their ComPETibility Quiz
- Location: 510 N La Salle Dr, Chicago, IL
Founded in 1899, the Anti-Cruelty Society is one of Chicago’s oldest and most respected animal welfare organizations. They provide comprehensive services, including puppy rescue, puppy adoption, medical care, and behavior support, helping thousands of animals find loving homes every year.
To learn more about their adoptable puppies and other pets, explore their website, where they provide detailed information about each pet’s breed, personality, and history.
Note: Another convenient way to meet Anti-Cruelty Society’s adoptable puppies, dogs, and other pets is to visit them at PetSmart, where they regularly go to engage the community and help potential adopters meet adoptable pets more easily.
3. One Tail at a Time
- Highlights: No-kill shelter, dog and puppy rescue; cats and rabbits also available; foster-based with a physical adoption center; online application available
- Location: 2144 N Wood St., Chicago, IL
One Tail at a Time is a foster-based rescue dedicated to saving homeless puppies and dogs. They prioritize at-risk animals from overcrowded shelters, ensuring each puppy receives loving foster care before finding their forever home through thoughtful puppy adoption processes.
To learn more about their adoptable puppies and other pets, visit their website; they provide detailed information about each pet, including personality traits!
Note: Another convenient way to meet puppies, dogs, and other pets from One Tail at a Time is to visit their ‘Everyday Adoption Center’ in PetSmart.
4. Chicago Canine Rescue
- Highlights: No-kill shelter; dog and puppy rescue; shelter-based with foster support; online application available
- Address: 5272 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL
Chicago Canine Rescue specializes in saving vulnerable puppies and dogs that are slated for euthanasia because they are too young, too old, or have medical conditions. Through dedicated foster networks and community support, they provide individualized care and give dogs and puppies a second chance to find loving homes.
If you’re interested in adopting, you can view their adoptable dogs and puppies on their website.
5. Famous Fido Rescue
- Highlights: No-kill shelter; dog and puppy rescue; cats are also available; foster-based but with a physical location; online application available
- Location: 3124 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL
Famous Fido Rescue is committed to supporting homeless dogs and puppies, focusing on crisis support to help prevent surrender, puppy adoption services, and lifelong care for pets that are not eligible for adoption. They ensure that each puppy receives the love, care, and second chance they deserve.
To learn more about their adoptable puppies and dogs, visit their website for more information about each pet’s details, history, and personality.
Final Thoughts: What’s Next After Puppy Adoption
Bringing your new puppy home is just the beginning of a rewarding journey. Schedule a puppy wellness exam promptly to ensure a healthy start. Establish a strong preventive care foundation with vaccinations, parasite prevention, and regular checkups. If your puppy hasn’t been altered yet, prioritize scheduling their spay/neuter procedure, especially if it’s part of your adoption contract.
Sploot Veterinary Care: Your All-in-One Chicago Vet
Sploot Veterinary Care is a trusted Chicago vet clinic for primary care for puppies and dogs of all ages. We also provide urgent care and emergency vet services!
We offer daily appointment availability (including holidays) and extended vet clinic hours, so that we can be here for you at every step of your journey.
We have multiple convenient locations in Chicago, offering top-tier care and a Fear Free certified experience that your new puppy will love!
Feel free to book an appointment online or through the Sploot Vets app.
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