PAWS Chicago

Building a No Kill Future

PAWS Chicago is dedicated to building No Kill communities—starting right here in Chicago—that respect and value the life of every cat and dog. We are transforming animal welfare by setting higher standards for how animals are treated and by creating a sustainable, solutions-based model.

Our Story

Our journey began when a high school student and her mother, Paula Fasseas, recognized that the status quo for homeless animals wasn't enough. They founded PAWS Chicago with a clear, compassionate vision to stop the killing of homeless pets. Today, our mission remains the heart of everything we do, guided by values of respect, innovation, and transparency.

Our Approach to Care

We are committed to every animal in our care for their entire lives, ensuring each pet receives the medical and behavioral support they need to thrive. Our work is supported by a robust network of volunteers, foster families, and a state-of-the-art medical center capable of treating sicker or injured animals that might otherwise be overlooked. Through targeted spay/neuter services, we also address the root causes of overpopulation to prevent homelessness before it starts.

Finding Your Perfect Match

Adoption is a joyful partnership, and we are here to help you find the companion that best fits your lifestyle and household. We encourage you to start with our ComPETibility Quiz, which helps personalize your search and ensures a lifelong bond between you and your new pet. Our team is dedicated to providing you with the resources and ongoing support you need to feel confident as a new pet parent.

Join Our Mission

Are you ready to meet your new best friend? We invite you to view our adoptable pets online or visit us at the Pippen Fasseas Adoption Center to see the lives we are saving together. Whether you choose to adopt, volunteer, or support us in other ways, you are a vital part of the solution.

Trust Assessment
GoldRated Sep 29, 2026
NonprofitVerifiedPhysical FacilityOperating 20+ years
Finances
Online Review Highlights
  • Clean and inviting facility
  • Staff dedication to animal welfare
  • Rigid and inconsistent adoption policies
Vetted byASPCABISSELL Pet FoundationBanfield FoundationPedigree Foundation
How we assess
Coverage We Reviewed
Improves Trust

8/25 - Bocce's and NFL Players Association Continue Partnership with New Limited-Edition Dog Treat Collection

/PRNewswire/ -- Just in time for football season, Bocce's, the beloved limited-ingredient pet treat brand, and the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) through its...

AOL.com

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 […]

Fort Wayne Business Weekly
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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

Secret Chicago
Improves Trust

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.

Chicago Tribune
Improves Trust

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.

Southwest Regional Publishing

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 […]

EIN Presswire
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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

Secret Chicago
Improves Trust

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.

Improves Trust

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.

The Beverly Review
Improves Trust

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.

Visit Us At

1997 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

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