Resource Menu
- Important Numbers (Medical, Pet Loss, etc)
- Wildlife Rescue Information
- Vet Bill Financial Assistance
- Spaying and Neutering
- Giving Up Your Pet
- Rabies Tag Information
- Miscellaneous Animal Information
- Short-term Accommodations in an Emergency
- Pet owner resources from Chicago Animal Care and Control
- Other General Pet Help (foreclosure, renting, Pet pantry, etc)
Medical Help
Here's a list of organizations that provide emergency medical and other services Blue Pearl Pet Hospital Skokie
Emergency: Sun-Thu: 10 am-10 pm Please call ahead before visiting Urgent Care: Sun-Tue: 10 am-9 pm (847) 673-9110 Blue Pearl Northbrook Emergency: 24 hours/day Please call ahead before visiting Specialty: By appointment (847) 564-5775 Veterinary Specialty Center Buffalo Grove & Bannockburn locations 24 hours/day (847) 459-7535 MedVet Chicago - Emergency Services 24 hours/day 3305 N California Ave (773) 281-7110 Chicago - Premier Veterinary Group 24 hours/day 3927 W Belmont Ave (773) 516-5800 Lisle - Emergency Veterinary Services M-F 6pm-8am, S-S 24 hours, Holidays 24 hours (630) 960-2900 POISON CONTROL ASPCA-Animal Poison Control Center 24 hours/day (888) 426-4435 Kansas State Veterinary Poison Control 24 hours/day (785) 532-5679 |
Pet Loss & Grief Resources
C.A.R.E. Pet Loss Helpline (877) 394-CARE CVMA Pet Loss Support Helpline (630) 603-3994 CVMA Support Group (630) 325-1231 Companion Animal Memorial Fund (217) 333-2762 Forever Pets Pet Loss Grief Support In Memory of Pets Chicagoland Area Home Pet Euthanasia & Cremation Resources
Dog Fighting Contacts: Chicago’s Animal Abuse Control Team (312) 746-7141 CPD Animal Crimes Unit (312) 746-7141 To report an eyewitness account of animal abuse in progress: 911 Non-Emergency City Services: 311 Safe Humane Chicago SafeHumaneChicago.org |
Wildlife Rescue Info
Online Resources |
Local Wildlife Resources
|
Financial Assistance with Vet Bills
Here is a list of organizations that provide financial assistance. Click on each name to see if you qualify for their assistance.
Brown Dog Foundation
Care Credit Paws 4 a Cure Shakespears Animal Fund The Magic Bullet Fund (for treating cancer) The Mosby Foundation The Pet Fund - for Non-basic, non-urgent care (cancer treatment, heart disease, etc.) |
Here are links to national animal organizations to see if they offer any financial assistance.
Alley Cat Allies American Humane Society ASPCA Best Friends Animal Society Humane Society Petco Love (formerly Petco Foundation) Petsmart Charities Pet Supplies Plus Cares |
Top 10 Reasons to Spay or Neuter Your Pet
Whether you’ve recently adopted a pet or you’re considering it, one of the most important health decisions you’ll make is to spay or neuter your cat or dog. Spaying—removing the ovaries and uterus of a female pet—is a veterinary procedure that requires minimal hospitalization and offers lifelong health benefits. Neutering—removing the testicles of your male dog or cat—will vastly improve your pet’s behavior and keep him close to home.
Not convinced yet? Check out our handy—and persuasive—list of the top 10 reasons to spay or neuter your pet!
1. Your female pet will live a longer, healthier life.
Spaying helps prevent uterine infections and breast cancer, which is fatal in about 50 percent of dogs and 90 percent of cats. Spaying your pet before her first heat offers the best protection from these diseases.
2. Neutering provides major health benefits for your male.
Besides preventing unwanted litters, neutering your male companion prevents testicular cancer, if done before six months of age.
3. Your spayed female won't go into heat.
While cycles can vary, female felines usually go into heat four to five days every three weeks during breeding season. In an effort to advertise for mates, they'll yowl and urinate more frequently—sometimes all over the house!
4. Your male dog won't want to roam away from home.
An intact male will do just about anything to find a mate! That includes digging his way under the fence and making like Houdini to escape from the house. And once he's free to roam, he risks injury in traffic and fights with other males.
5. Your neutered male will be much better behaved.
Neutered cats and dogs focus their attention on their human families. On the other hand, unneutered dogs and cats may mark their territory by spraying strong-smelling urine all over the house. Many aggression problems can be avoided by early neutering.
6. Spaying or neutering will NOT make your pet fat.
Don’t use that old excuse! Lack of exercise and overfeeding will cause your pet to pack on the extra pounds—not neutering. Your pet will remain fit and trim as long as you continue to provide exercise and monitor food intake.
7. It is highly cost-effective.
The cost of your pet's spay/neuter surgery is a lot less than the cost of having and caring for a litter. It also beats the cost of treatment when your unneutered tom escapes and gets into fights with the neighborhood stray!
8. Spaying and neutering your pet is good for the community.
Stray animals pose a real problem in many parts of the country. They can prey on wildlife, cause car accidents, damage the local fauna and frighten children. Spaying and neutering packs a powerful punch in reducing the number of animals on the streets.
9. Your pet doesn't need to have a litter for your children to learn about the miracle of birth.
Letting your pet produce offspring you have no intention of keeping is not a good lesson for your children—especially when so many unwanted animals end up in shelters. There are tons of books and videos available to teach your children about birth in a more responsible way.
10. Spaying and neutering helps fight pet overpopulation.
Every year, millions of cats and dogs of all ages and breeds are euthanized or suffer as strays. These high numbers are the result of unplanned litters that could have been prevented by spaying or neutering.
Not convinced yet? Check out our handy—and persuasive—list of the top 10 reasons to spay or neuter your pet!
1. Your female pet will live a longer, healthier life.
Spaying helps prevent uterine infections and breast cancer, which is fatal in about 50 percent of dogs and 90 percent of cats. Spaying your pet before her first heat offers the best protection from these diseases.
2. Neutering provides major health benefits for your male.
Besides preventing unwanted litters, neutering your male companion prevents testicular cancer, if done before six months of age.
3. Your spayed female won't go into heat.
While cycles can vary, female felines usually go into heat four to five days every three weeks during breeding season. In an effort to advertise for mates, they'll yowl and urinate more frequently—sometimes all over the house!
4. Your male dog won't want to roam away from home.
An intact male will do just about anything to find a mate! That includes digging his way under the fence and making like Houdini to escape from the house. And once he's free to roam, he risks injury in traffic and fights with other males.
5. Your neutered male will be much better behaved.
Neutered cats and dogs focus their attention on their human families. On the other hand, unneutered dogs and cats may mark their territory by spraying strong-smelling urine all over the house. Many aggression problems can be avoided by early neutering.
6. Spaying or neutering will NOT make your pet fat.
Don’t use that old excuse! Lack of exercise and overfeeding will cause your pet to pack on the extra pounds—not neutering. Your pet will remain fit and trim as long as you continue to provide exercise and monitor food intake.
7. It is highly cost-effective.
The cost of your pet's spay/neuter surgery is a lot less than the cost of having and caring for a litter. It also beats the cost of treatment when your unneutered tom escapes and gets into fights with the neighborhood stray!
8. Spaying and neutering your pet is good for the community.
Stray animals pose a real problem in many parts of the country. They can prey on wildlife, cause car accidents, damage the local fauna and frighten children. Spaying and neutering packs a powerful punch in reducing the number of animals on the streets.
9. Your pet doesn't need to have a litter for your children to learn about the miracle of birth.
Letting your pet produce offspring you have no intention of keeping is not a good lesson for your children—especially when so many unwanted animals end up in shelters. There are tons of books and videos available to teach your children about birth in a more responsible way.
10. Spaying and neutering helps fight pet overpopulation.
Every year, millions of cats and dogs of all ages and breeds are euthanized or suffer as strays. These high numbers are the result of unplanned litters that could have been prevented by spaying or neutering.
Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Options - Chicago and Suburban Spay/Neuter Clinics
Chicago
Anti-Cruelty Society ...................................... (312) 644-8338 PAWS Chicago L.F.Clinic............................... (773) 521-7729 Tree House Humane Society....................... (773) 262-4000 For those in financial need: DuPage County Animal Care and Control provides assistance ......................................... (630) 407-6500 Lake County IL Animal Care and Control provides assistance ......................................... (847) 377-4700 Morton Grove Wright Way Rescue Clinic (Low Cost, if eligible based on financial need)................................. (847) 728-5435 Friends of Animals 800-321-7387 203-656-1522 Friends of Animals will send you an order form and a directory of participating veterinarians nationwide. You pay Friends of Animals for a certificate which you then take to the vet. Call or order online by clicking link above. Spay/USA North Shore Animal League Intl. 800-248-SPAY 516-883-7575 Call Spay/USA or search their website by zip code to get the names, phone numbers, and prices of services that have agreed to provide lower cost spay/neutering for cats and dogs in your local area. Private veterinarians, community programs, and special clinics participate nationwide. |
Chicago Heights
South Suburban Humane Society...............(708) 755-1110 DeKalb TailsHumaneSociety ....................................... (815) 758-2457 Joliet SNIP Society ...................................................... (815) 630-4411 Lisle SPAY Illinois ....................................................... (630) 961-8000 Oak Park Animal Care League........................................ (708) 848-8155 West Chicago Giller Animal Hospital..................................... (630) 293-1575 North Aurora Fox Valley Animal Welfare League ............ (630) 800-2254 Tinley Park Area P.A.W.S. of Tinley Park (Certificate Program in local area).............. (815) 464-7298 Wonder Lake / Lake Villa AHA (Alliance for Humane Action) Clinic Referral Network ................................. (847) 960-8689 |
Do you need help finding a home for your pet?
Find your pet a loving/forever home the safe, no-cost way to rehome your pet. We believe that re-homing pets should be easy and stress free both for you and your pet.
Go to Giving Up Your Pet
Go to Giving Up Your Pet
No-Kill Shelters
Rabies Tag Replacement
In Cook County, for current replacement tag prices, call 708-974-6140.
Send your request and copy of your current certificate to:
Cook County Animal Control
10220 S. 76th Ave.
Bridgeview, IL 60455
https://www.cookcountyil.gov/service/rabies-vaccination-tags
Send your request and copy of your current certificate to:
Cook County Animal Control
10220 S. 76th Ave.
Bridgeview, IL 60455
https://www.cookcountyil.gov/service/rabies-vaccination-tags
In Lake County, IL:
https://www.lakecountyil.gov/2488/Rabies-Tags-Registration-Fees
https://www.lakecountyil.gov/2488/Rabies-Tags-Registration-Fees
In McHenry County:
https://www.mchenrycountyil.gov/county-government/departments-a-i/health-department/veterinary-division-animal-control/rabies-tag-request
https://www.mchenrycountyil.gov/county-government/departments-a-i/health-department/veterinary-division-animal-control/rabies-tag-request
Miscellaneous Information Links:
DOG
House Training
Crate and Potty Training info
Crate Training
Separation Anxiety
Common Dog Behavior Issues
Destructive Behavior
Healthy Diet
Body Language
More on Body Language
Dr Sophia Yin - Posters, Tips, Checklists (free to download)
Animal Behavior Tidbits
Likes/Dislikes
CAT
Integrating a new cat into you home
General Cat Care
Declawing
How to Trim Claws
Destructive Scratching
Healthy Diet
Body Language
More about Body Language
Things Cats Love
House Training
Crate and Potty Training info
Crate Training
Separation Anxiety
Common Dog Behavior Issues
Destructive Behavior
Healthy Diet
Body Language
More on Body Language
Dr Sophia Yin - Posters, Tips, Checklists (free to download)
Animal Behavior Tidbits
Likes/Dislikes
CAT
Integrating a new cat into you home
General Cat Care
Declawing
How to Trim Claws
Destructive Scratching
Healthy Diet
Body Language
More about Body Language
Things Cats Love
Short-term Accommodations for Pets in an Emergency
Anti-Cruelty Society - Chicago
Whether because of a house fire, natural disaster, medical condition, or domestic violence, people from all walks of life can find themselves temporarily displaced from their home.
Address: 510 N. LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL
Phone: (312) 644-8338
Email: [email protected]
https://anticruelty.org/safe
The Anti-Cruelty Society will provide daily food, water, socialization, exercise, and basic preventive medical care for pets in the program.Pets admitted into the program will also receive vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, and a microchip, free of charge, if needed.Confidentiality is of utmost importance. Only the referring agency and The Anti-Cruelty Society’s program coordinators will have any client identifying information.Animals who are admitted into the program are either housed on-site or are placed in one of our licensed foster homes.Owners whose pets remain on-site are encouraged to visit weekly.
The SAFE Program is for one-time use.
Applicants who have utilized the service in the past will not be eligible to enroll again.
Whether because of a house fire, natural disaster, medical condition, or domestic violence, people from all walks of life can find themselves temporarily displaced from their home.
Address: 510 N. LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL
Phone: (312) 644-8338
Email: [email protected]
https://anticruelty.org/safe
The Anti-Cruelty Society will provide daily food, water, socialization, exercise, and basic preventive medical care for pets in the program.Pets admitted into the program will also receive vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, and a microchip, free of charge, if needed.Confidentiality is of utmost importance. Only the referring agency and The Anti-Cruelty Society’s program coordinators will have any client identifying information.Animals who are admitted into the program are either housed on-site or are placed in one of our licensed foster homes.Owners whose pets remain on-site are encouraged to visit weekly.
The SAFE Program is for one-time use.
Applicants who have utilized the service in the past will not be eligible to enroll again.
PAWS Chicago
PAWS CHICAGO ADOPTION CENTERS
Pippen Fasseas Adoption Center
1997 N. Clybourn Ave. – Map it
Chicago, IL 60614
Telephone: 773-935-PAWS
Fax: 773-549-5760
Glenn L. Felner North Shore Adoption Center
1616 Deerfield Road – Map it
Highland Park, IL 60035
Telephone: 224-707-1190
Englewood Outreach Program
Offers programs and resources for neighborhood pet owners. Pet owners in Englewood and Back of the Yards may call for more information.
Telephone: 773-217-9113
Crisis Foster Care
https://www.pawschicago.org/our-work/crisis-support/crisis-foster-care
PAWS CHICAGO ADOPTION CENTERS
Pippen Fasseas Adoption Center
1997 N. Clybourn Ave. – Map it
Chicago, IL 60614
Telephone: 773-935-PAWS
Fax: 773-549-5760
Glenn L. Felner North Shore Adoption Center
1616 Deerfield Road – Map it
Highland Park, IL 60035
Telephone: 224-707-1190
Englewood Outreach Program
Offers programs and resources for neighborhood pet owners. Pet owners in Englewood and Back of the Yards may call for more information.
Telephone: 773-217-9113
Crisis Foster Care
https://www.pawschicago.org/our-work/crisis-support/crisis-foster-care
Naperville Humane Society - Naperville
The Safe Pets Program at Naperville Area Humane Society provides shelter for pets whose owners are facing homelessness or escaping domestic violence. Animals may be boarded at the shelter without cost in crisis situations.
We are limited on the number of Safe Pets we can help at one time. If you have questions about the program or if you need Safe Pet assistance, please call Michelle Lenz, Animal Care Director.
Phone: (630) 420-8989 x1005: Michelle Lenz, Animal Care Director
Address: 1620 W Diehl Rd, Naperville, IL 60563
The Safe Pets Program at Naperville Area Humane Society provides shelter for pets whose owners are facing homelessness or escaping domestic violence. Animals may be boarded at the shelter without cost in crisis situations.
We are limited on the number of Safe Pets we can help at one time. If you have questions about the program or if you need Safe Pet assistance, please call Michelle Lenz, Animal Care Director.
Phone: (630) 420-8989 x1005: Michelle Lenz, Animal Care Director
Address: 1620 W Diehl Rd, Naperville, IL 60563
Blessed Bonds - Naperville
For owners who are temporarily unable to care for their pet and are facing illness, hospitalization, rehab, domestic violence, homelessness, and other personal crises.
Address: A.D.O.P.T. - 420 Industrial Drive, Naperville, IL 60563
Phone: 630-355-2299
Email: [email protected]
https://www.adoptpetshelter.org/clinic/crisis-assistance/
Services Offered: Problem-solving counseling and education to explore options that might be available for the person in crisis within their own support system of family and friends.
Temporary foster care when space is available.Information & referral services for other organizations, including pet food banks, low-cost spay/neuter and vaccine clinics, and other temporary foster programs.
For owners who are temporarily unable to care for their pet and are facing illness, hospitalization, rehab, domestic violence, homelessness, and other personal crises.
Address: A.D.O.P.T. - 420 Industrial Drive, Naperville, IL 60563
Phone: 630-355-2299
Email: [email protected]
https://www.adoptpetshelter.org/clinic/crisis-assistance/
Services Offered: Problem-solving counseling and education to explore options that might be available for the person in crisis within their own support system of family and friends.
Temporary foster care when space is available.Information & referral services for other organizations, including pet food banks, low-cost spay/neuter and vaccine clinics, and other temporary foster programs.
Tails Humane Society - DeKalb, IL
The Safe Pets Program was formed to provide temporary care for vulnerable animals whose owners are facing enormous challenges as victims of domestic violence or homelessness. We work with Hope Haven to provide temporary shelter for the pets of the clients they are assisting who are on the road to settling in to pet friendly accommodations.
For more information,
Phone: (815) 758-2457 ext 102 (leave a voicemail)
Email: [email protected]
Address: 2250 Barber Greene Road, DeKalb, 60115
If you’d like more information about this program, please leave a voicemail at 815-758-2457 ext. 102 or email.
Website: http://www.tailshumanesociety.org/programs/safe-pets/
The Safe Pets Program was formed to provide temporary care for vulnerable animals whose owners are facing enormous challenges as victims of domestic violence or homelessness. We work with Hope Haven to provide temporary shelter for the pets of the clients they are assisting who are on the road to settling in to pet friendly accommodations.
For more information,
Phone: (815) 758-2457 ext 102 (leave a voicemail)
Email: [email protected]
Address: 2250 Barber Greene Road, DeKalb, 60115
If you’d like more information about this program, please leave a voicemail at 815-758-2457 ext. 102 or email.
Website: http://www.tailshumanesociety.org/programs/safe-pets/
Dove, Inc. - Decatur, IL
217-428-6616
[email protected]
https://www.doveinc.org/programs/domestic-violence-program/
A program for victims of domestic abuse in Decatur, Illinois
Can help find foster care for pets belonging to victims of domestic violence.
217-428-6616
[email protected]
https://www.doveinc.org/programs/domestic-violence-program/
A program for victims of domestic abuse in Decatur, Illinois
Can help find foster care for pets belonging to victims of domestic violence.
The Safe Haven Network
The Safe Haven Network provides dedicated housing options for domestic violence victims and their pets by placing the pets in shelters and foster homes while the victims stay in domestic violence shelter. It is a foster care service designed to enable domestic violence victims to keep their pets. The program is based in Chicago and is striving to grow into a national program.
If you are seeking a safe, temporary shelter for your pet, please visit
https://safehavensforpets.org, a project of RedRover.
Other resources include
the National Link Coalition, and
Sheltering Animals & Families Together (SAF-T).
If you are seeking a safe haven for your own pet, and you live in Illinois, call the Domestic Violence Helpline for assistance:
1-877-TO END DV or 1-877-863-6338 (Voice) 1-877-863-6339 (TTY)
If you are seeking a safe haven for your own pet, and you live outside of Illinois, click here.
The Safe Haven Network provides dedicated housing options for domestic violence victims and their pets by placing the pets in shelters and foster homes while the victims stay in domestic violence shelter. It is a foster care service designed to enable domestic violence victims to keep their pets. The program is based in Chicago and is striving to grow into a national program.
If you are seeking a safe, temporary shelter for your pet, please visit
https://safehavensforpets.org, a project of RedRover.
Other resources include
the National Link Coalition, and
Sheltering Animals & Families Together (SAF-T).
If you are seeking a safe haven for your own pet, and you live in Illinois, call the Domestic Violence Helpline for assistance:
1-877-TO END DV or 1-877-863-6338 (Voice) 1-877-863-6339 (TTY)
If you are seeking a safe haven for your own pet, and you live outside of Illinois, click here.
PACT FOR ANIMALS - Nationwide
No one knows when an unexpected medical crisis will happen, and when it does, PACTs team leaps into action.
Provides pet foster care for those suffering from a medical condition. They also have a special foster program just for military members on deployment. This is a national program.
https://pactforanimals.org/
FAQ's about the program
Request for Foster - Application
No one knows when an unexpected medical crisis will happen, and when it does, PACTs team leaps into action.
Provides pet foster care for those suffering from a medical condition. They also have a special foster program just for military members on deployment. This is a national program.
https://pactforanimals.org/
FAQ's about the program
Request for Foster - Application
Pet owner resources from Chicago Animal Care and Control
General Pet help
Pets & Foreclosure
Tips for Pet Owners Facing Foreclosure:
Learn helpful tips on relocating with pets, pet-friendly housing or finding your animals a safe place to stay.
Learn helpful tips on relocating with pets, pet-friendly housing or finding your animals a safe place to stay.
Renting with Pets
If you need to find a rental place that allows pets, try these helpful sites:
People with Pets
Zumper
People with Pets
Zumper
Pet Food Pantry
Helping the Community : The Pet Food Pantry Helps, Low-Income Families Stay Together
Pet Food Pantries are funded solely by food donations. They accept any brand of dog or cat food and treats.
Chicago pantry locations and information:
https://friendshipcenterchicago.org/pet-pantry/
https://careforreal.org/get-help/pet-pantry/
https://irvingparkfoodpantry.com/additional-items-and-services/
Pet Food Pantries are funded solely by food donations. They accept any brand of dog or cat food and treats.
Chicago pantry locations and information:
https://friendshipcenterchicago.org/pet-pantry/
https://careforreal.org/get-help/pet-pantry/
https://irvingparkfoodpantry.com/additional-items-and-services/
Learn About Your Pet's Health
VeterinaryPartner.com is here to support your veterinarian and you in the care of your companion animals by providing reliable, up-to-date animal health information from the veterinarians and experts of the Veterinary Information Network (VIN), the world's first and largest online veterinary database and community.