PAWS Chicago
Our Mission
At PAWS Chicago, we are dedicated to building a No Kill community that respects and values the life of every cat and dog. We work to end the overpopulation of homeless animals through innovative solutions, compassionate care, and public education.
Our Story
PAWS Chicago was founded by a mother and daughter who believed the status quo for homeless pets simply wasn't good enough. Today, we continue to lead the No Kill revolution by transforming animal welfare and setting higher standards for how pets are treated in our community.
A Different Kind of Shelter
We believe every homeless pet deserves to feel safe, loved, and cared for. Our Pippen Fasseas Adoption Center is purposefully designed to replace the stress of traditional shelters with bright, welcoming, and accessible temporary homes. Beyond our facility, our robust foster program and specialized medical teams ensure that every animal receives the individualized attention they need before finding a forever home.
Your Partnership in Adoption
Adoption is a joyful commitment, and we are here to ensure you and your new companion are a perfect match. By using our unique ComPETibility resources, we help you find an animal whose personality and needs align with your lifestyle. We are also committed to being your lifelong partner, offering a safety net of support and advice long after you take your pet home.
Join Our Community
We invite you to experience the difference firsthand by meeting our adoptable cats and dogs at our Lincoln Park Adoption Center. Whether you are ready to adopt, volunteer, or support our mission, you are helping us save lives every day. Visit our website to schedule your appointment and meet your new best friend today.
- Clean and well-maintained facilities
- Dedicated and professional staff
- Poor communication accessibility
7/25 - PAWS Chicago Pet of the Week: Jill - AOL
CHICAGO — Saturday’s PAWS Pet of the Week is Jill, an 11-month-old female pup who is looking for a new home. Jill is a sweet and playful pup who would do well in a home where she can play and relax. Jill is still a puppy, so she has some learning to do and would […]
7/22 - July 22: Rohrman Automotive Group donates to Humane Fort Wayne
WEST LAFAYETTE — Rohrman Automotive Group, one of the largest family-owned auto groups in the United States, announces an $89,100 donation to four different organizations supporting animal welfare in areas
7/20 - A huge pet adoption event in Chicago is happening this weekend
The Chicago Humane Coalition and PetSmart are teaming up for the Super Saturday Adoption event on July 25. Here are all the details.
7/17 - PAWS Chicago breaks ground for Rescue Ranch in Hawthorn Woods: ‘Nature is so healing’
PAWS Chicago Rescue Ranch is a vision of the nonprofit founded 28 years ago with an unwavering commitment to a no-kill policy for homeless dogs and cats.
6/23 - Rhine VFW Hosts Annual Dog and Cat Adoption Event - Southwest Regional Publishing
Regarding Rainey Foundation launches “Hot Fun In The Summertime” with 10 rescues, vendors, and law enforcement K9 demonstrations The Rhine VFW Post 2729 filled with potential adopters, supply vendors, and rescue animals Friday as the Regarding Rainey Non-Profit Dog Foundation held its first “Hot Fun In The Summertime” Dog and Cat Adoption Event. The free […]
5/26 - Comptroller Mendoza launches the Dog Days of Summer social media campaign
Comptroller Susana Mendoza’s Dog Days of Summer campaign kicks off today and will run each Tuesday through Labor Day. The effort, in its third year, features
5/22 - A massive pet adoption event is coming to Chicago’s Gold Coast with 30+ participating storefronts—here’s what to know
Your favorite Gold Coast shops are opening their storefronts to adoptable pets — here is how to meet them at the Angels with Tails event.
5/1 - 25 beagles from controversial Wisconsin research breeder coming to PAWS Chicago
After a Wisconsin breeding and animal research facility that housed thousands of beagles agreed to sell most of their animals, some of the dogs will be headed to the Chicago area.
4/21 - CHSAS students to host puppy adoptions
Ten puppies will be seeking new homes on Saturday, May 2, as the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences (CHSAS) opens its campus for an adoption site.
4/15 - How Music Therapy Is Helping Stressed Out Dogs, Cats And Staff At City Animal Shelter
The volunteer performers are part of Sound Sessions at Chicago's Animal Care and Control. They'll be at the shelter Saturday when adoption fees will be waived.
4/2 - Help for rising pet care costs like food, vet bills is available in the Chicago area
Rising consumer costs are not just effecting humans, but our furry family members too. The costs for caring for a pet – from food to vet bills and more – have force more owners to surrender animals they find they can no longer afford.
3/23 - Chicago animal shelter to help overcrowded LA agencies after rescue operation
Los Angeles County animal shelters received some out-of-state assistance Monday as they face a space crisis following last week’s large-scale animal rescue operation in Lake Hughes. Thirty-two dogs are scheduled to be transferred from LA shelters to PAWS Chicago Tuesday, providing some relief to the sudden overcrowding following the animal seizure. Hundreds of animals were rescued last Friday after authorities…
3/23 - The cost of owning a pet has skyrocketed. Here are some tips to trim rising expenses
Pet ownership costs over the past year have increased by up to 10%, according to Rover.
3/23 - Pawsome ways to celebrate National Puppy Day in Chicago
Find local ways to celebrate National Puppy Day in Chicagoland on March 23 with adoption events, shelter volunteer opportunities and dog-friendly activities across the city.
3/5 - Pet Rescue Groups Defend Animal Control's Acting Director Ahead Of Confirmation Vote
Mayor Brandon Johnson's appointment of acting Animal Control director Susan Cappello to be the agency's permanent leader has garnered criticism from some volunteers and alderpeople. Other groups say she's the best person for the job.
3/5 - PAWS Chicago has been named Best Pet Adoption/ Animal Shelter
PAWS Chicago has been named Best Pet Adoption/ Animal Shelter in the Chicago Reader’s Best of Chicago 2025 poll.
3/4 - Best of Chicago 2025: Buy Local poll winners - Chicago Reader
The readers voted, and the results are here! Read who won best in Buy Local.
3/3 - City Council committee gets tough on cruelty to animals
Ald. Ray Lopez (15th), the Council’s resident dog lover and animal rights advocate, said the level of cruelty against dogs and other pets goes far beyond an occasional oversight.
