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.

In order to alleviate the need to bring an animal into the shelter environment, Anti-Cruelty offers a new Home-to-Home Shelter Bypass service to help people find new accommodations for their pets privately.

The Home-to-Home service offers courtesy listings for pet owners who can no longer keep their companions but want to take responsibility for re-homing the animals themselves. If you are interested in utilizing this service for you and your pet, please contact akulla@anticruelty.org to learn more about the requirements and how to get your pet listed on the Home-to Home Adoption page and on social media.

All of the animals listed as Home-to-Home are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and current on all vaccinations. Please note that these pets are not available at Anti-Cruelty's shelter location. You will need to contact the owner directly (contact information can be found in the listing).

Please do NOT click the Adopt Me button and instead reach out to the current owner directly via the email provided in the profile. As this is a Home-to-Home animal you are not required to fill out an Anti-Cruelty adoption application form.

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!