
Second City Canine Rescue is dedicated to rescuing homeless animals and placing them into permanent, loving homes. We believe in Rescuing Responsibly, ensuring every dog receives the care and attention they need to thrive.
Since 2011, we have been serving the homeless dogs of Chicagoland and beyond. As a largely volunteer-operated 501(c)(3) non-profit, we are driven by our core values of empathetic care, honest stewardship, and inclusive kindness, working to build a community where every dog is valued.
Our organization relies on a robust network of foster homes, which serves as the backbone and heart of our rescue mission. In 2020, we expanded our operations by opening an innovative, home-like Adoption Center in Palatine, which allows us to house litters of puppies and facilitate matches seven days a week. By keeping most of our dogs in private homes rather than kennels, we learn their unique personalities before they ever meet their future families.
We see every dog as an individual and take the time to temperament test adult dogs so we can create thoughtful, purposeful pairings. Adoption is just the beginning of a lifelong journey, and we are committed to providing ongoing support, training resources, and a compassionate team to help you and your new companion succeed. We strive to be more than just a rescue; we are a partner in your new life together.
Are you ready to welcome a new family member? We invite you to explore our website to view our currently adoptable dogs or join us at one of our upcoming adoption events. Together, we can turn compassion into action and help a deserving dog find their forever home.