Art From The Heart: Young Artist Contest

Calling all young artists between the ages of 7–18, we are hosting a city-wide art competition. Review the details below for important dates, regulations, and more. We hope to see you (and your art) soon!

AREA ANIMAL SHELTERS ADDRESS PET NEEDS DURING COVID-19 VIRUS

The Chicagoland Lifesaving Coalition, a consortium of Chicago area animal welfare organizations, has distributed a joint statement from its members regarding pet-centric concerns and needs during emergencies.  The Coalition recommends that guardians of companion pets make plans for their care in…

April Is National Heartworm Awareness Month

Heartworm is a serious and potentially fatal disease that is transmitted from animal to animal by mosquitoes. To protect your dogs, they should get a monthly dose of a heartworm prevention pill. This is prescribed by your veterinarian and often comes in tasty flavors to help make it more appealing…

Anti-Cruelty's Special Edition 125th Anniversary Magazine

Anti-Cruelty may have just celebrated 125 years of BEST Care, but we’re showing no signs of slowing down! We are more committed than ever to continuing to build a more humane Chicago for pets and people.

Anti-Cruelty's 2023 Fall Magazine

Explore Anti-Cruelty's 2023 Fall Magazine—a journey through heartwarming stories of the animals who have found refuge, love, and care within our walls.

Anti-Cruelty's 2023 Annual Report

As we reflect on the accomplishments and challenges of the past fiscal year, we are honored to share with you the profound impact that your support has had on Chicago’s oldest, largest, and most comprehensive animal shelter and the countless pets, people, and communities Anti-Cruelty supports.

Anti-Cruelty's 2022 Fall Magazine

Explore this issue of Anti-Cruelty's 2022 Fall Magazine, which focuses on BEST Care with the belief that animals should be treated humanely, compassionately, and with unconditional love and support because they deserve a full circle of care and a life worth living.

Anti-Cruelty's 2022 Annual Report

It is with great pleasure that we share with you our remarkable accomplishments of the past year. Joining your compassionate generosity with the passion and skill of every member of our team, we have saved and enhanced the lives of many, many animals and their families.

Anti-Cruelty's 2021 Fall Magazine

Explore Anti-Cruelty's 2021 Fall Magazine to learn how we are dedicated to finding community and a common purpose. Explore our compassionate commitment to pets and people through the eyes of our staff and volunteers. 

Anti-Cruelty's 2021 Annual Report

This Annual Report shares some of the stories that show how ingrained our values are in our culture. Read about Snowball, Lynette, and Winston and our commitment to inclusion and passion. You will find stories about our pop-up pet food pantries and wellness fairs that provide access to care in the…

Anti-Cruelty 125th Anniversary

Building a healthy and happy community where pets and people thrive for 125 years.   On March 7, 2024, Anti-Cruelty marks its 125th anniversary as Chicago's oldest and most comprehensive animal welfare organization. Throughout this momentous celebratory year, we are thrilled to share our rich…

Animal Safety and Bite Prevention

Education and responsible pet ownership are the keys to preventing animal bites. To reduce the chance of you or your child being bitten by an animal, make sure that you both know the basics of canine body language and how to behave appropriately around animals.  Recognizing Signs of Aggression,…

Animal Licensing

Rabies In Cook County, it is the law to have your pet vaccinated for Rabies. Cook County Rabies Control offers a low cost rabies vaccination clinic. Learn More About Vaccinating   Licenses In the city of Chicago, dogs are required to be registered in order to show that they have been properly…

Alternatives to Declawing

When a cat is declawed, the nail and part of the cat’s toes are amputated. This surgical process can be very painful for your cat and could permanently alter your cat’s behavior. Declawing your cat is not a necessary procedure and there are ways to live harmoniously with your cat and her claws. …

All About Pet Safety

Printable Pet Safety Worksheets Welcome! On this page, you will find a number of printable worksheets about pet safety, as well as the basics of cat and dog body language. At the very end, you can take our bite prevention pledge!   Safety Around Animals It’s always a good idea to keep your wits…

All About Pet Care

Key to Pet Care Success Welcome! This page is your key to pet care success. Here, you will learn what it takes to take care of your furry friend, as well as some interesting facts about cats and dogs. After you’ve read each worksheet, test your knowledge with our Pet Care Puzzles…

Aggression in Rabbits

Biting is a rabbit's way of communicating a variety of messages including fear, bossiness, irritation, curiosity and even lust. Rabbits frequently tell each other to get out of the way with a nip. Hands near a rabbit's face can be seen as a threat or intrusion. Do not greet a rabbit by offering…

Aggression After a Vet Visit

There is a phenomenon in the cat world that seems to be foreign to humans: nonrecognition aggression. This occurs when a cat leaves the home – usually, but not always, for a veterinary appointment – and is the recipient of aggressive behavior from the cat who remained at home after returning. This…

After School Crafting Club

Close your notebooks and put on your comfy pants, then join us to make DIY Donations for Anti-Cruelty’s cats, dogs, and small animals using upcycled household items. Hang out with other animal lovers and be on the lookout for pet cameos! During this event, we will teach you how to craft toys and…

Advanced Volunteer Programs

Advanced-Level Volunteer Program Anti-Cruelty offers our volunteers the unique opportunity to grow their skills as they donate time to the organization. With options to cross-train into advanced care and clinic programs, volunteers can tailor their experience to meet their personal developmental…

Adult Volunteers

Thank you for your interest in joining one of our on-site adult programs!   Our core volunteer programs equip you to provide direct assistance and care to the pets and people we serve at our River North and South Loop locations. These programs have been designed to put your compassion to action by…

Adult Programs

So Many Ways to Get Involved!  There are many ways for individuals and groups 18 years and older to get involved with Anti-Cruelty.   Opportunities for Involvement   Volunteer Volunteer with the animals on-site, assist with an event or give back from the comfort of your home. Adult…

Adoption Support Package

Congratulations on adopting a new companion from Anti-Cruelty! This step-by-step guide will set you and your new pet up for success while ensuring you take advantage of all your adoption benefits.   Review Adoption Materials We have provided you with a special handout that will help you…

Adoption a Shelter Dogs: 3 Days, 3 Weeks, 3 Months

Each dog adopted from Anti-Cruelty is unique and will adjust to their new environment differently. It is important to be patient and give your new dog space and grace. This will allow them to settle in at their own pace, letting their true personality blossom. The 3•3•3 rule is a general guideline…

Adoption Process

Adoption Requirements & Fees Adopting a pet is a very important decision that leads to an even…