Top 5 Animal Shelters in Illinois

1000 S La Fox St, South Elgin, IL 60177, United States

“Well, friends... It didn't start well when looking for a dog at Anderson Animal Shelter in Elgin. A week before Christmas I decided I would adopt a dog and give him or her a better life. All I wanted was the dog that had been there the longest. When I went in at 11:30 am I was told by the girl at the front desk that they weren't open. I asked, "What time do you open"? I was told noon. I said thank you and left. I contemplated coming back due to having a 2 pm appointment at my Bridal Salon in East Dundee. I knew my store was 33 minutes from the front door of Andersons Shelter and the front door of my salon. I thought, "That gives me a solid hour to see the animals". When arriving back I was greeted by the same cold individual at the desk. She told me the dogs were through a door and not to put my fingers in the cages. When I went in back I was reading the dogs' names and breeds that were listed on the cage. All of a sudden a girl pops out of one of the cages named Lila. She was cleaning one of the cages. I asked Lila about two particular dogs. She knew their behaviors and dispositions. She explained what dog would be better in my environment. All of a sudden who comes through the door to scold me for talking to the workers???? You got it it was the girl at the desk. She couldn't have been more rude for just interrupting an amazing conversation just to scold both of us. Lila went back to work and I went to the front desk to just simplify my search. I asked her... please tell me the dog that's been here the longest. I want to bring home a new family member for the holidays. To give an animal a better life. She looked up and said... They're not all here. As she was saying that she was typing and looking at her screen. She looks up at me and says... can I help you with anything else? I thought she was typing: "Dog here the longest". Nope... I have no clue what she was typing... but why were you typing while you had a customer standing right in front of you? I said no thank you and left. Now friends I don't call places to talk to managers but in this case I had to. I would give Andersons a one-star for their phone system, but I was persistent. I just started pressing departments in hopes I would get someone other than the front desk. I explained my situation to who answered the call. She made apologies and then transferred me to Chris Bebee the Manager. I explained to Chris what had happened. She apologized but she used an example of something that happened to her, when at Andersen's. In her story, I could tell how passionate she was for the people who walk through the doors as well as the pets that are guests there. She acknowledged that there's balance in what's good for the guest as well as what's good for the adopter coming in to see a potential new family member. I decided to give Anderson's another try. I asked Chris to do some leg work and find me the dog that's been there the longest. She sent in minutes a list of dogs and the bios. In the list, I found the dog I wanted. As well as the dog that wanted me. Craig was the dog I had in mind but Koda was the dog that needed me. Craig is a tall lean dog who was in shelters for two years and Koda is a beagle who is two but looks 14. I thought... there isn't a family around that's looking for a young dog that looks old. So I adopted both. So for Christmas, I received two additions to my family thanks to Chris and Lila. Christmas Eve, eve I brought a gift for Lila as well as an amazing Holiday arrangement for her parents. Why her parents? Because they raised an amazing young woman that's going to make a difference in this world! Everything she does she does it for the love of doing it! Kind, compassionate, loving, caring, sensitive, and a positive role model. Her parents needed to be recognized for raising such an amazing girl. Now, Craig and Koda are in a new home with plenty of yard to enjoy every day for the rest of their lives. God bless and happy adopting!!!!”

421 45th St, Munster, IN 46321, United States

“I have used Humane Society everywhere I have lived in this country. This particular location literally made all the arrangements sound perfect and for two months kept giving me excuses or completely ignored calls/emails. At the end of the day I’ve fostered stray kittens, paid for veterinary attention ( their vet apparently is out sick every week) and now I was told she is u comfortable taking in the kittens and mother strays. I was given a list of other places who are also not accepting animals along with Animal Controls number! This place makes me me sad… if I thought stray animals deserved to be euthanized I would have spent two months of time waiting on “Munster Humane” to help!”

2250 Barber Greene Rd, DeKalb, IL 60115, United States

“Wonderful staff that is very welcoming and you can tell they love their animals. Beautiful people, beautiful animals.”

13005 Ernesti Rd, Huntley, IL 60142, United States

“We had a fabulous experience with Animal House Shelter. The application process was very quick, and we were able to schedule an appointment within a few days of our approval. The staff was very patient and brought us many dogs to meet. They were ready to answer any questions we had. When we met our new puppy, we knew right away that he was the one. They were as excited as we were to see us matched with the right puppy. I recommend AHS highly to anyone who is looking for a new furry family member!”

7340 W 191st St, Tinley Park, IL 60487, United States

“Whoever was closing last night was incredibly rude. We came in during right before closing and made a flying run through the shelves that took us quite literally two minutes. Checking out at 8:58 the cashier wouldn't acknowledge us, just turned the screen towards us while speaking on her cell phone about what was clearly a personal phone call She repeatedly tapped the screen to communicate with us instead of telling the person to hang on, and didn't even tell us our total or if we have any points. What a black mark on the usual friendly service we get here.”

4003 Kearns Dr, Champaign, IL 61822, United States

“The adoption process was very straightforward. Facility was organized and clean. The staff was very nice, they answered all the questions we had. We ended up taking "Eclipse" home. (5mo black domestic short-hair). My partner and I settled on the name "Mira." She seems to naturally respond well to her new name. Mira was a little shy at first, which is understandable. Already potty-trained, gentle with her claws, and doesn't bite. We have been giving her lots of love and the space she needs to develop and feel comfortable in her new home. Fast forward one week, and now she's a little cuddle monster. ❤️ We appreciate all the help. Thanks!”

6379 N Paulina St, Chicago, IL 60660, United States

“Felines & Canines has been amazing before, during, and after the adoption process!! The team did a great job getting a sense of what I was looking for so they could help me find the perfect pet. During my adoption appointment the staff was so friendly and willing to answer any and all questions. They give plenty of time to interact with their cats so you don't feel rushed at all. They also encourage all adopters to keep in touch and have even answered my questions since bringing my new pet home. If you're looking to adopt, I'd 100% recommend this shelter! :)”

1013 Garfield St, Oak Park, IL 60304, United States

“A no-kill shelter offering adoptions and low cost spay/neutering services. Great staff and wonderful volunteers in a newly remodeled space.”

7225 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60645, United States

“Best place to adopt a kitty! They’re kind and knowledgeable and really love cats. Robust foster program, cats at work program, community outreach, and even a low-cost clinic. The cat spaces themselves are very welcoming to both residents and adopters. I truly believe that this is the best example of a cat shelter, and I wish all shelters were like this.”

1301 S 11th St, Belleville, IL 62226, United States

“the staff was so helpful and knowledgeable about the cat I adopted! they even sent me home with a bag of food and treats! overall it was such a pleasant experience. my cat (peaches) is the best addition to our little family, i mean she fits right in!! she’s very energetic and loves to play with toys. i love this cat so much and it wouldn’t have been possible without this amazing staff!”

13016 W 151st St, Homer Glen, IL 60491, United States

“I like this place because they let you actually see and interact with the animals. Take the dogs out for a walk and be able to play with them. Also, they have a room for you to play and interact with the cats as well. Staff is super friendly and keep the place clean. Animals are well looked after.”

360 Wylie Dr suite 720, Normal, IL 61761, United States

“Had a fantastic experience adopting through PCH. I received a phone call days in advance of the adoption and had a great conversation about Lulu (who I adopted) and about dogs in general. The process was lights out. I was given a time to pick up, walked in and was greeted by 4 happy faces, got additional info on my pup and we were on our way. Can recommend PCH to anyone looking for a smooth and easy pet adoption!”

4001 78th Ave, Moline, IL 61265, United States

“I went to get my sweet girl yesterday, understanding and planning for their two month adjustment period. It’s been less than twenty four hours in her new home and my baby girl Noche has settled in like we’ve been roomies for decades. I chose to go to QC Paws because they were local and kept up to date on animal vaccines and medical needs, but when I got there I got so much more than I could have ever expected. The staff are amazing and so sweet, the animals are adorable and deserve all the most amazing homes. I’m so glad I chose to adopt from them because I met my most perfect friend.”

2705 N Arlington Heights Rd, Arlington Heights, IL 60004, United States

“Yes, you may get a wonderful pet. My family did. Then we realized all Kay’s care about is money, certainly not good homes. Other reputable shelters check references, do meet and greets, call your vet if you have one, and try to make the best match for you, or you and your family. First one to complete bogus paperwork and hand over $, gets the animal. Stories about background are bogus. We were told two totally different “facts” from two different employees about our puppy. Most of these pets seem to come from neighboring states known for awful, but legal, puppy mills. Please don’t support them. There are so many wonderful, legitimate dog and cat rescues in the area.”

7282 N Cherryvale Mall Dr, Rockford, IL 61112, United States

“I have been a volunteer at Paws for 3 years. The care at this facility that is given to the animals is awesome. They provide a safe zone for animals as they transition to go into a forever home. Paws goes above and beyond with a application process to assure that any animal that is adopted from there will have a safe long lasting environment. As a volunteer, I know what goes into the cleanliness of this facility. Two shifts of volunteers twice daily feed and clean and sanitize the enclosures. As I have read some of the reviews as of late. I see there has been some negativity. Some people believe that they know better than the shelter or seem to be very impatient. I can assure you that the staff at Paws is only in concern of the animals. And I myself is a volunteer have faith and 100% support for the tough decisions that the management has to make.”

120 N County Farm Rd, Wheaton, IL 60187, United States

“My fiancé and I adopted a rabbit named Ted from them in May and the process was quick, amazing, and easy! I recommend Amy as she was so helpful through the entire process and made it a breeze. Ted is the calmest, most sociable rabbit ever who just loves his pets. We’d also like to thank his foster dad as of how much work he clearly put in. The drive was far, but worth every penny.”