Special Adoption Programs

Home Trial is a program which allows ALL adoptable dogs and cats to be available for both adoption and foster at once. This special program gives prospective adopters a chance to see if a dog or cat is a good fit for their family by inviting them to take part in a one-week foster trial. At the end of the week, people can decide to adopt, become an Adoption Ambassador Foster, or return the animal to the shelter so we can continue to work to recruit them a forever family. Home Trial participants are provided with all of the same perks as a traditional foster parent, including pet food supplies, medical support, and behavior assistance. Interested participants must meet regular adoption criteria.

To learn more, each out to us at adoption@anticruelty.org or call 312-644-8338.

Looking to rehome your pet without having to take them to a shelter like Anti-Cruelty? Consider using Rehome by Adopt-A-Pet – a service helping members of the community rehome their companion animals without having them enter a shelter. Through our partnership with Rehome, pet owners can list a pet directly on a trusted, national adoption platform where thousands of potential adopters are actively looking to welcome a new pet into their home. 

Click here to learn more.

We proudly partner with the Pets for Patriots program to help match cats and dogs with military service members that are looking to adopt a forever companion.

The adoption fees for animals that meet the program requirements will be waived by Anti-Cruelty. This program is only valid for the main adoption center in Chicago's River North at 510 N. LaSalle Street. 

To learn more about the program, and to find out if you are eligible to participate, please visit the Pets for Patriots website at petsforpatriots.org/how-it-works.

Guidelines for Pets for Patriots

Main Guidelines of the Pets for Patriots Program

• The adopter must be part of the U.S. military, which includes the National Guard.
• The adopter can be in any stage of his or her military career (i.e., active, reserve, or retired).
• The adopter must present a letter from the Pets for Patriots program at the time of adoption.
• Visit petsforpatriots.org to fill out the necessary documentation

Dogs eligible for Pets for Patriots adoption must meet one of the following requirements that include the following: 

• are 2+ years of age
• weigh 40+ pounds
• are disabled or otherwise limited in its physical abilities due to injury, prior abuse or neglect – as well as dogs that have a birth defect or a medical condition requiring ongoing vigilance, medication, or special treatment, regardless of age

Cats eligible for Pets for Patriots adoption must meet one of the following requirements that include the following: 

• are 2+ years of age
• are disabled or otherwise limited in its physical abilities due to injury, prior abuse or neglect – as well as cats that have a birth defect or a medical condition requiring ongoing vigilance, medication, or special treatment, regardless of age.
   

At Anti-Cruelty, we honor our veterans by offering exclusive pet adoption discounts. As a token of our gratitude for your service, all veterans receive one fee-waived pet adoption. Find your new best friend and enjoy the companionship and unconditional love of a pet. Visit us today and let us help you bring home a loyal companion. Call ahead to learn more about the program. Thank you for your service!