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Animal Care and Control
Categories: Pets Animal Shelters Pets Veterinarians Local Services Community Service/Non-Profit Animal Shelters, Veterinarians, Community Service/Non-Profit [Edit]
2741 S Western Ave(between 31st St & 28th St)
Chicago, IL 60608
Neighborhood: Pilsen
(312) 747-1406
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 7 am - 11 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
Kate R. said: "A huge thank you to everyone at Heal for all of their help with Bugsy last week. I called Animal Ark on Thursday morning as my bulldog was having all sorts of eye/throat problems. While they weren't able to get us in til the evening,…" read more »
56 reviews for Animal Care and Control
56 reviews in English
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Review from Rebecca W.
Chicago, IL
3/25/2012
We went in looking for a short-haired, preferably orange, male kitten and came home with a long-hair, white, three-year-old female named Millie. She just looked at us with her head upside down and we knew she was ours.
I thought the shelter facility itself was very nice. The cages were bigger than the ones they have at places like PetSmart where they do adoptions, and while we were there one of the workers came in to clean the litter boxes. The food was good quality stuff, too. They were a little stricter than other shelters about letting people hold or touch the cats, but since they have to take *any* cat, it's understandable they are concerned with the spread of illness.
The woman who helped with the paperwork for the adoption was very nice, reassuring us on all points about adopting a mature cat and what kind of behaviors we might have to look out for. She seemed to know Millie's personality pretty well and all the information she gave was very helpful.
While we were leaving, a family came in to look for their lost dog - and they found him! All the workers at the shelter were thrilled to see the reunion. It's clear these are people who care very much about the animals they have rescued and care for. -
Review from Reena S.
Chicago, IL
2/16/2012
I adopted my wonderful, amazing, hilarious dog Rambo from the ACC in August. Every day I am dumbfounded as to why he was up for adoption for SEVEN MONTHS. However I am also grateful that the ACC kept him around as long as they did, and that I am the lucky person who got to take him home.
The adoption process was really easy. Maybe a little too easy? Despite feeling completely qualified to take home Rambo, I was a little surprised it only took about an hour. The vet that came to talk to me was a bit... Grumpy. I feel that moments like sending a dog that has been in your facility for 7 months would be one of those happy moments that you hold on to, but hey, maybe I'm not cynical yet.
The volunteers here do a great job. They do what they can with what they have. I have actually gotten further communication from one of the volunteers who seems to really love my dog - she sent me a gift certificate to PetCo, which was really sweet, as well as another holiday card. I am actually trying to find the time to volunteer here myself, because they really need it.
Basically if you are looking for a dog, try ACC first. These are the dogs who are the most desperate. I know when I am ready for pup number 2 (oh yes, my little pitty LOVES other dogs), it will be the first place I go. -
Review from Taryn W.
Flossmoor, IL
9/27/2011 1 photo
My sister was a volunteer here back in 2003 and she somehow convinced me to get a dog. I lived in a condo and wasn't too thrilled with the idea, but it kills me to admit that in this case, my sister was right.
She lead me into the adoption area and I was overwhelmed immediately. There were hundreds of cages of poor barking homeless dogs. The selection was overwhelming and I had no idea what I breed I even wanted.
My sister, being my sister, had some strong ideas. She lead me to a geriatric Rottweiler who was old enough to be near death. Then she found a Great Dane who was so hyper that all four of his feet left the ground when he jumped up to greet us. Since I lived in an 800 square foot place, he didn't seem like a good fit.
Finally, I saw one dog who wasn't barking. He was a weird looking little Labrador mutt and I knew from the second I saw him that he was my dog. Animal Care and Control kept him overnight to neuter him and then he was mine.
That little dog has brought so much to my life and I am grateful to this place for introducing us. He's definitely my buddy, and the best $60 I ever spent. I can't imagine getting a dog from anywhere else. -
Review from Chris D.
2/1/2012
My second adopted dog was a stray brought to CACC and then taken by PAWS Chicago. Cherie Travis and her staff are doing a wonderful job of trying to find more homes for these animals as well as making conditions easier on them, with the addition of the Kurunda beds. I sometimes come to visit to pick up foster dogs, and it always shocks me to see the number of idiot humans relinquishing their pets. Rescues partnering with Animal Care and Control will indeed make Chicago a no-kill city someday. I actually have been persuaded several times to foster by a photo of a dog on the CACC friends' page on Facebook. Adopt or foster one until there are none!
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Review from NARDO Q.
Chicago, IL
1/11/2012
They make it very simple for people who want to adopt a pet.
I just adopted a 9 month old DSH cat from here today, for 65 dollars is great - both for dogs (puppies and adults) and cats (kittens and adults).
They had roughly 10 cats to choose from ranging from 4 months to 4 years.
The amount of dogs they have is ridiculous which makes it hard to enjoy and bond with any particular dog in room B and C.
The reason I rated it a 4 and not a 5 is because they do make it pretty easy to adopt it might be dangerous for the animals. Along with that, as previously mentioned they do have a large amount which makes it hard to get that one on one BUT you can ask to see one outside.
The staff was alright, they did take roughly 30 minutes to attend me and get the adoption process started. Once it got started though it took like 10 minutes to fill out, put the cat in the box, pay and be out of the door.
Good place, I recommend everyone goes and gets a friend from here, they have beautiful dogs and cats.
GO NOW! -
Review from Brittany L.
Chicago, IL
3/8/2011
This place needs help and so do the animals. However, they do a great job with what they have. I have adopted both of my dogs from here, and I have had 2 great experiences! I feel as though I can't walk out of here without a new dog : )
My jaw hit the floor when the volunteer told me it was $65 which INCLUDED: up-to-date vaccinations, spay/nudering, and a microchip. This is better then most shelters who ask for $250+.
What's sad and overwhelming is walking into a room full of animals who were unwanted and abused. Keep in mind this is a kill shelter and the clock is ticking. These animals NEED homes and a great family. -
Review from Katarina X.
Chicago, IL
3/6/2008 1 photo
Four Years ago (five in May), there was a flyer floating about the neighborhood for "Dogs on Damen" Adoption fair.
Coincidentally, I had been begging for a dog for about two years;
I was thinking of a smaller lap-dog such as a pug. My guy was thinking of a larger dog, more like a German Shepard. Compromise was reached only when we agreed 1. To select an older (not a puppy) dog if at all possible 2. To attend Dogs on Damen to look at the animals to see if any "chose" us.
I was shocked at the volume of animals looking for a home.
I was also surprised at the numbers of purebred pets: A litter of apricot pugs were present- yet none seemed interested in me (this was amazing... I had smuggled a pork-chop bone in my handbag for canine olfactory incentive!). Guy saw a prodigiously enormous German Shepard- indifferent to him and any pets he offered.
We had resigned to exit. As I reached the gate and turned around, Guy was no longer present?! Bewildered, I wandered the parking lot, wound 'round the tents... lo and behold: He is crouched on the ground, his arms wrapped around the skinny, scarred, shivering form of a dog. And not just any dog, but a substantially-framed Rottweiler.
I approach cautiously, a recently-docked tail (just a wee, oscillating stump) wags hesitantly, ears fold back. Two sets of big, pleading, watery eyes (One human, one canine) are staring up at me
"Do you want to- walk with her? Do You want to talk about her?"
You can't say no to such a desperate, loving image as this.
I am doomed. It was love.
And like any love, a heck of a lot of work:
The rep. told us she was 1 year old. We took her to our vet (the exceptional Dr. Milaknis) he confirmed what we already suspected (and had no objections to) that she was closer to four years old, and had been rescued from dogfighting by the look of her scars.
The fee was minimal. The research done on our application was phenomenal and thorough. The eager helpfulness of the shelter rep. welcome on all subjects: food, leashes, even introducing Princess to my elderly cat.
So a compromise it was: A big, fat Rottie who wears pink and likes Starbucks!
Princess is my baby and my best friend, and while this city service has it's faults- I can't really be too hard on them, highly recommending them if you are in search of a animal companion of your own!Listed in: Spoiled Puppy Princess!
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Review from Jacqueline H.
Chicago, IL
9/3/2011
Well my heart is breaking for a beagle who was hit this morning @Lawrence and Central The police were there trying to coach him into a crate he had a broken leg and was really scared. I Know he had tags, but I tried calling animal care and control as they indicated that's who was on the way to get him, but there was no answer, listen up people, you can't afford them emotionally, physically or financially dont get em, they are to sweet and precious and have so much love to give us let someone who can take just as good care of them as they do of us. Don't let em run out in the middle of the night especially in this town, coyotes and bad people, like the person who ran into him and didn't even stop whoever you are you are a JERK FOR NOT STOPPING
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Review from Jessica M.
Chicago, IL
1/15/2007 ROTD 4/13/2007
My boyfriend and I did one of those open house days here where you can volunteer to walk dogs and show them off to prospective families. There's a short orientation before you begin then you get to spend the rest of the day frolicking with cute dogs.
BEST DATE EVER, PEOPLE!!!
And nothing beats the feeling of helping a dog find a home.
One caveat: You will fall in love with at least one of these mutts. Not so good when you're not allowed to have dogs in your apartment but still TOTALLY worth it. -
Review from Candice C.
Chicago, IL
12/12/2007 ROTD 6/26/2008
CACC has none of the glitz and financial resources of other local shelters. This city-owned facility does what it does best... rescue animals.
I brought several bags stuffed with old towels, bathmats and dishrags to the center and was warmly thanked for the effort. The animals appreciate the extra cush in their cages from your old towel, so do yourself (and them) a favor and think of donating your old things.
I felt great about it. -
Review from Steve M.
5/22/2008
When we lost our dog, we spent 3 very depressing afternoons here, roaming the lost animal cages looking. And looking.
The staff, however, was amazing. One woman (her name escapes me) walked me through all of the rooms, and then walked me through making the most effective "missing" poster possible. She even photo copied it for me a bunch of times, and gave me a top spot on their in-house bulletin board. She was so encouraging and nice, it took the sting out of losing a pet (sort of).
The story ends happily though. We went back for the 5th time in 4 days, and found the lil guy. Phew! Thank you ACC for finding (and capturing) my dog! -
Review from Ari R.
Chicago, IL
1/3/2011
We found our pet (perfect golden prince) at Chicago Animal Care and Control, but that is not why they deserve a 5 star rating.
Underfunded, sorely understaffed, this organization serves at the front lines of the city's animal rescue initiative and effectively allocates what sparse resources they do have to keep running. They do not have a glamorous facility and the staff is indeed stretched to the max, but they competently field our questions, provide succinct direction and relentlessly continue the good fight even after witnessing the worst abuse and neglect.
In terms of an actual adoption, the battery of tests, spay/neuter, chip and registration are all included in the ridiculously low adoption fee. The staff processed our adoption seriously and efficiently. The dog rooms serve their purpose-- they hold animals for viewing -- but it can be emotionally overwhelming to walk through and see so many in need. The cat room is cramped, but the volunteers are enthusiastic and do as much as possible to keep the mood light.
When we are ready for our next pet, we will be adopting from CACC. Kudos for the continued commitment in the toughest conditions. -
Review from GossipGirl l.
Chicago, IL
1/2/2009
Dear Chicago Animal Care and Control,
Thank you for blessing me with my first dog ever, I picked her up when I was very little-we grew up together~and i'll always miss her, but I know she had a great 17 years with me!! And after her I thought I'd never be able to Love again. But this year more than ever my family and i have been seeing commercials, and hearing on the radio about how families can't afford their pets, and are giving them up...Well my family and i were driving by and decided to stop in for a look, lol the love bug bit me and shes was mine!! :) We simply lucked out, shes perfect-a well behaved, potty trained, affectionate big puppy dog~Thank you~Thank you~ thank YOu~
Love,
K
ps
I was sooo impressed by all the clean cages, and the friendly staff and volunteers KeEP Up THe GrEAt Job!!!! -
Review from Carolyn G.
Rogers Park, Chicago, IL
12/30/2007
We adopted Ella (the beautiful girl in my profile pic) at Animal Care and Control when we first moved to the city. It was heart breaking to see how many dogs were available for adoption, but we were ultimately very happy when we were able to take Ella home.
While we were waiting for Ella to be brought out to us, after her quick bath and check up, we watched the man at the front desk turn away a known dog-fighter who was trying to "adopt". We also watched him confront a woman who carried in a dog by the scruff of his neck because she didn't want him anymore. He lectured her on her poor treatment of the animal and quickly scooped the puppy up and took him away from her. I was very glad to see that he cared about the animals as much as we did!
If you're looking for a dog (or cat), please consider adopting here before ever buying from a pet store! The puppies go quickly, so if you're looking for puppies, it's best to get there right when they open.Listed in: Murphy and Ella's favorites!
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Review from Miss B.
Chicago, IL
10/26/2009
This review is only based on the experience I had with their low-cost spay/neuter clinic. So if you are trying to decide whether you should have your pet fixed at CACC please read.
After months of trying to get ahold of the front desk to register to get my dog spayed, I finally brought her in for surgery on Oct 15th. I dropped her off at 8am and picked her up at 2pm the same day. Needless to say she was very exhausted and in much pain after surgery. During pick up, I received no information on how to properly care for my dog post-surgery so I was left calling my regular vet for after-care information and also to get pain medication for my dog, something the clinic does not provide.
My dog was in terrible condition after surgery. Her breathing was very labored and with every breath she took she would tremble. She was like this for two days. Eventually she recovered and everything seemed to be all good.
After 10 days I took her to my regular vet to have her stitches removed and was relieved my dog never had to go through this kind of pain again. She is still coughing from the breathing tube put in her during surgery.
While at the vet, she informed me that my dog has an umbilical hernia that needs to be surgically fixed. The problem with this is the vet told me it is standard practice to have this hernia fixed while receving the spay surgery. Now my dog is going to have to endure the same surgery AGAIN execpt this time to have her hernia fixed.
I called the spay clinic to ask them why no one mentioned my dog's hernia before they operated on her. CACC's medical department told me that it is not their responsibility to fix hernias and I had already consented to the operation so there was nothing they could do.
No one in their right mind would have consented to have two separate surgeries for their dog when they could just have both done at the same time. Unfortunately, CACC did not give me the opportunity to make this decision on my own, and went ahead with the surgery well aware of my dog's hernia, and knowing that she would need to undergo the same surgery again anyway.
When I called around other spay-only clinics (like PAWS for example) they told me they fix hernias while giving spays to dogs. Apparently CACC is the only clinic that does not.
Any animal-related organization is supposed to care for their patients rather than have a "this isn't my problem" attitude. These vets clearly do not have their patient's best interest at heart and I would not reccommend anyone take their pet here for surgery. -
Review from Paris H.
Chicago, IL
7/7/2011
I came across a lost dog today getting off on the Addison exit on 94 and saw the scared dog trying to go up the exit ramp. We stopped and got him to turn around and we followed him for nearly 45 min trying to get him to come to us, but he would run every time we got near him. He looked tired, hot and needed water. At one point he was sitting in and drinking dirty sewer water. During this time we called 9-1-1 who said there was nothing they could do that cops wouldn't come out for something like this and they gave me Animal Control's number, we called and got nothing. We called 3-1-1 who also said they don't handle situations like these, and gave us the same animal control #, f we called Animal Control again and again and finally got through, we explained the dog may possibly try to run onto the highway again and that it wasn't just a stray it had tags but we couldn't get close enough to see, and that the dog looked tired and scared. They said since the dog wasn't being violent that it wasn't an emergency but they would get there when they could......we waited and followed the dog another 30 minutes, no one showed up and the dog ended up running to where we couldn't keep up with him. I doubt animal control ever showed let alone find him...
My heart is breaking for this poor dog,
and I hope he makes it home safely!
The dog is large about 80-90lb
long black fur, possibly a collie/lab mix.
He was in the Avondale area around lawndale and belmont -
Review from mike k.
9/30/2008
Ok, this isnt going to be good but it could change...hopefully. Currently i am dealing with a misplaced doggie. i'll explain...its 230am...and there's a lost scread puppy in my yard. i didnt know what the sound was until i investigated the yelping and the loud barking sound coming from nearby. the barking i could tell was away a bit...but the yelping was near..so i finally checked it out and there is said puppy, lost, scared, away from mama.
mama, however is in thenext yard - a junkyard of sorts next to my place. i can see the other dog that was barking...it can see me through a crack in the fence..looks just like the puppy. plus i can see other puppies near mama. ok, easy to figure out where this guy came from. no how do i get these two crazy kids back together? after looking for an opening in the fence and the other yard, i find its nearly impossible to get this scared little puppy back home safely through the fence. and picking and dropping the puppy into the next yard isnt an option, as i live on the 2nd floor. so i do some investigating and i reach these guys...Chicago Animal care and control.
its says 24 hour rescue..which is what i typed in and was looking for...just a little man power to help me out...but i was quickly dispatched to 311, who informed me that this wasnt a police job, and the doggie/kittie trucks wouldnt be out til 7am. not cool.
so here i am...stayiong awake...making sure no random stray kitties bother my lost little puppy outside. plus i gave it water and mama and puppy arent barking anymore...now its just a matter of waiting to see what happens.... -
Review from Mara S.
Chicago, IL
8/14/2007
Ok, so it's an animal shelter - it's really kind of sad, but the volunteers and staff are very friendly and helpful. Granted they would probably adopt a dog/cat to anyone who seems decent enough, but my experience with them was wonderful.
We adopted a dog there almost a year ago and I was pretty impressed with their professionalism during the process. The dog that we adopted hadn't been neutered, so of course, before releasing him to us, he had to have the procedure. Unfortunately, during the surgery, they found that he had a bad case of kennel cough. They offered to keep him and treat him for a couple of weeks until he was better at no cost or, I had to sign papers saying that I would take him to my own vet. I couldn't let the poor pup be sick in such an uncomfortable place, so I brought him home, but I was still glad that they were willing to care for him instead of just releasing him.
This is a kill shelter, so dogs that don't get adopted will eventually be put to sleep. There were so many cages of dogs, it was hard to leave with just one. Our dog is extremely loyal and loving - I wouldn't hesitate to adopt from here again. -
Review from Deborah W.
Chicago, IL
3/31/2008
I started volunteering here a few weeks ago, and I am so glad I do. True, it may not be as "posh" as some of the other shelters in town, but I don't think there is any other shelter in Chicago that needs as much help as CACC. With the volume of animals that come through their doors and the lack of financial resources, volunteers are absolutely necessary!
I cannot stress enough that if you are looking for a beautiful dog, cat or bunny - come here. The animals are the most loving little creatures that need a little TLC and a good home. The CACC will give all vaccinations, neuter/spay, and deworm all before adoption, all for a minimal fee of $65. Plus you get the satisfaction of knowing YOU made a HUGE difference in the life of a pet that may otherwise not have been given a chance!
BECOME A HERO TO A HOMELESS PET!! http://www.petfinder.c...
Edited to add: There are FREE obedience classes for anyone that adopts a dog at CACC! -
Review from Stacy C.
Chicago, IL
5/9/2008
I'm amused by some of the reviews on here talking about how CACC isn't as "attractive" or "comfortable" as other shelters. Of course it's not - it's an underfunded department run by the city. It doesn't have the luxury of having generous benefactors that some of the other shelters do.
The people who run the CACC do a good job with what resources they have. They face a huge task of being ground zero for tens of thousands of unwanted, stray, lost, pets in the city. CACC is open 365 days a year and doesn't reufuse intakes (unlike another "prettier" shelter I know). They don't get to pick and choose which dogs/cats they takes - they take them all.
CACC is understaffed - which is what makes the volunteers who give their time there so important. The volunteers are the animals life line - they exercise them, socialize them, show them to potential adopters. If there aren't volunteers on a given day the animals can't go outside, can't get exercise, can't get shown or adopted. How sad is that.
I've volunteered for some other shelters and there have been occassions where there were so many of us - we just stood around and stared at each other. That won't be the case here. If you're looking for a volunteer experience where you will be busy, involved & engaged - please consider CACC. You will make a huge difference in the lives of the animals in their care.
I adopted my dog from CACC 5 years ago. I'm so thankful to the one volunteer working in the dog area that day who was able to show him to me. It was a rainy, cold day but we hung out in the dog runs outside for a while and then she let us hang out on our own inside while she ran to help some other adopters. Had she not been volunteering her time, I may not have found my best friend in the world. -
Review from Bob D.
Chicago, IL
3/15/2010
This is a really well run and clean environment. The cats and dogs are kept separate, so I can't comment on anything but the cats.
The volunteers were very friendly, although one comment bordered on racist. This was our third stop on our tour of Chicago shelters.
The staff made us wash our hands between cats, they also encouraged us to look at adult cats. They were friendly and I can't say enough about their professionalism.
Unfortunately, we could not fall in love with the offerings here.
Our City is constantly getting flack as are the city workers, this is a great example of how well things can run. -
Review from Janet W.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 2/11/2010
NB: I stopped volunteering here spring 2010. Because of this, my info might not be 100% current anymore. I feel my reviews are probably still worth reading, so I'll keep it + the updates up. Just keep in mind it's not the most current info anymore.
CURRENT HOURS as of 2/10: OK so now they are open for stray and owned animal surrenders 7 days a week, and lost pet tours 7 days a week, but ADOPTIONS ONLY 5 DAYS a week Wed through Sunday. Adoption hours are 4-7 Wed-Fri BUT the -7 part is verrrrry misleading. Pls. read carefully. You must pick an animal and request an adoption application before they stop taking applications which is usually 6pm but sometimes earlier if they are very backed up. Sat and Sunday for adoptions it's 12-3pm and 4-7pm. If it's a special adoption event, or some other times they keep going between 3-4pm.
Lost pet tours: First one is at 12:15pm, 1:15pm, 2:15pm, (no 3:15pm) 4:15pm, 5:15pm, 6:15pm. Lost pet tours are for cats and dogs, and are 7 days a week. If you arrive too late for the last one you are out of luck, so arrive early. You must bring a photo ID (of you) to get into the building, and a form of payment to redeem your animal, as there will be fees. If he/she is current on rabies shots and/or city dog license, bring proof to lower your fees.
Now in order to volunteer there you need to fill out a volunteer app, sign a waiver, go and get fingerprinted, and even let them input your social security number into their confidential fingerprint program so they can do a complete background check. I hope the place still gets enough dedicated volunteers despite the requirements. This is the neediest animal place in the city, and the largest open admission shelter in the midwest. Feel free to message me if you have questions. So far I've been volunteering there for I think 3 1/2 yrs but I may have lost count.2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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7/12/2009
NOTE NEW HOURS effective 7/26/09. Go to shelter site then click on "new hours" … Read more »
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Review from Kristen W.
Chicago, IL
2/2/2007
No friggin way!
I had the COMPLETE opposite experience when I last dealt with Chicago Animal Care and Control.
I had picked up a stray dog with collar and tags but was unable to reach the owners. (Please REGISTER your pet- don't just buy the damn tag)
Called Animal Control, they never came. Finally drove all the way there (I live in Lincoln Square so it is a haul). When I walked in and explained the situation, the person working there said
"I'm not exactly sure what to do here"
WHAT? You're not exactly sure what to do?
Tell me that fall 2006 was not the very first time they've ever had a stray dog turned in!?
I think I'm going crazy. What is going on with city services?
After a while the guy decided that he would put the dog in a holding pen and then check to see if it was microchipped. I think I spent close to an hour waiting while the guy tried to decide what to do.
I am still boggled by this experience and am not sure I would pick up strays again. What a nightmare! -
Review from Jessica C.
Manhattan, NY
1/7/2007
Great place to find yourself a super cute dog and/or cat =)
I just adopted 2 kittens from here last week......I've been here a couple times and every time I just wanna bring home every single dog and cat there!!
It's seriously really sad to see them all without homes....Like someone else said, this is a kill-shelter, so if anyone is looking to adopt a dog or cat, try coming here!!! =) -
Review from Michelle M.
Chicago, IL
11/19/2009
Listen, I love my new kitty and I'm ecstatic to have adopted him from the Chicago Animal Center on Western. I've adopted animals before, I loooooooooove animals, and I know what to expect.
So... to the short, bald African American man in charge of adoption applications - why did you have to be such a DICK to me. I'm adopting an animal, willing to take on a life long companion, care and love it, watch after it, etc. I love animals - so whats your problem? You were so rude to my boyfriend and I. I take adoption very seriously! The volunteers were GREAT! But you were horrible. I have waited a year and a half to even think abut getting a new pet. This wasn't on a whim or anything... and I know you have to safeguard the pets for their own safety - you have to be strict and careful about rules ad regulations - I get that. You DO NOT have to talk to my boyfriend the way you did or talk to me like I knew nothing. Thanks for giving us our cat (honestly, sincerely) but you need to check your friggin' attitude at the door. -
Review from Maggie B.
Chicago, IL
5/30/2006
Clean, welcoming - not the average image of the "City Pound." I hadn't been there since I was a kid and believe me things have changed.
We got our cat there on Sunday, it is a painless process (application, brief interview with an ACC officer) and the adoption fee includes spay/neuter, shots, and microchip. $65 for cat or dog. We did not see the dogs but there were 30 volunteers there for the day to walk the dogs in the huge field behind the building, it was great to see!
It feels good to know you saved a stray, and I highly recommend ACC! Available cats & dogs are listed on http://petfinder.org with the other area shelters. -
Review from Alex K.
Chicago, IL
8/23/2007
I love this place. They are over-filled with animals but they take in anything anywhere. They have to make tough choices but they are awsome and take in all animals that people don't want.
I got my cat there. They were amazingly nice and awsome. They asked some questions and gave me a cat!
go there and support a great cause. They are not perfect but they are trying.
My cat had to be under quarantine, went through it and now I have it!
He's been an awsome cat. Still is. I was looking for a large cat and he was perfect. They have tons of kittens.. Tons of dogs. Any kind of dogs. All kinds of dogs.
Great volunteers work there and will help you out. -
Review from Nisha E.
Chicago, IL
10/23/2007
Not the friendliest place, and yes, understaffed. ALL THE REASON TO ADOPT HERE! I adopted Coach here when he was 1: He was filthy, nervous and afraid.....and I don't blame him!
You really do save these dogs when you adopt, and it's worth it!!!!!! I don't regret it one bit! Sure, shelter dogs come w/ some problems, but the unconditional trust & love is worth it :) -
Review from Carly R.
Chicago, IL
11/25/2008
I adopted the best kitty in the world from Animal Care and Control! The staff there is really nice and enthusiastic to place the animals into homes. My heart goes out to this facility because you can tell they're short on resources.
The only thing I had a problem with was that this shelter will not guarantee the health of an animal after you walk out the door. My cat got very very sick two days after I brought her home and I wound up spending almost a grand that week on emergency visits to the vet.
But, they do what they can, and like I said I got a great animal. I would recommend this place over any no-kill shelter because you are truly saving a life. -
Review from Nana h.
Chicago, IL
3/27/2007
This is the best place to get a new pet in the city. I've gotten 2 cats from this location, and would go back to get another pet. They've got dogs and cats- they all range in age and reason. The last time I was there, the guard said that new animals are ready for adoption everyday, so your choices could vary from day to day.
Cats are $65.00 (spayed or neutered already), and I believe dogs are little more. There are several several rooms with dogs in them and one room with cats. Each cat receives a new name, and is labeled in what condition and age they are. You are able to take the cat out of the cage and play with them in a special room before you adopt! -
Review from Kelly R.
Chicago, IL
6/24/2010 1 photo
I have to give ACC five stars because I love my dog SO much. We looked around at a lot of shelters and just didn't find the right dog until we stumbled upon our lovable little pup at the pound.
It was a very easy process to adopt her (almost TOO easy). It took maybe 20 minutes of waiting after filling out an application and then, basically, someone told us we were approved and minutes later we were out the door with her.
As happy as I was about that...I was also a little concerned. Shouldn't there have been more screening involved? But anyway, it all worked out in our case.
She did, however, have kennel cough and an ear infection. I think when we took her to the vet right after adopting her, the bill was somewhere around $250 for everything she needed. But, the adoption fee at ACC is only $65 (which includes spay/neuter, city dog license and shots) so it was really no big deal.
But I guess this place will always have a special place in my heart because it's where we found our dog, and I absolutely love the shit out of her! -
Review from Andy C.
3/21/2009
For being a city run department, this place actually operates with some sort of fluidity. The volunteer staff truly care about these animals, and it's a little sad to see them underfunded an understaffed. Clearly you wouldn't go to this place to get a puggle or other brand name designer dog, but on the occasions I've been there, the selection of animals available to adopt have been varied.
All staff on site were courteous, and animals had ample space in their kennels to walk around a little and it didn't look as if they were cramped or uncomfortable - albeit all of them were probably a little shy and stressed out about the situation.
In any close quarters boarding, there will always be issues about health and sanitation. The place does do their best to make sure that none of the animals are going to be ill - but the fact of the matter is that sometimes you're going to adopt an animal, and he or she will be sick. When I got my dog Yukon there in 2006, his little placard said, 'timid, shy, and in need of extra attention." I though, "This is going to be great...I have the time to spend with him, and I'm not going to try to scare him." ACTUALLY...he just had the kennel cough with a fever, and 48 hours after he was put on meds by my vets at Bridgeport Vet Services, his true colors came out. Not shy. Not timid. But still loves attention.
This is probably a rare case scenario, but his placard also said, "husky mix." I had always taken that to be true until this past winter when I got him the dog DNA testing kit (available at petsmart) and after waiting just 2 weeks or so, I found out that, gasp, he actually had NO HUSKY in him at all.
If you are looking for a new pet and understand the need for institutions such as CACC, then this is a great place to go. You should of course do all your requisite research to make sure that you are mentally, emotionally, and to an extent - financially ready to undertake a living investment that could very well last 15 - 20 years. -
Review from Frank Z.
Chicago, IL
12/7/2011
great place to rescue a dog!
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Review from Becky S.
Cleveland, OH
11/28/2009
This place is fantastic! I might be a little biased because I couldn't be happier with my dog, but oh well.
My guy and I went in looking around one day. We knew we wanted a German Shepherd Dog but were just beginning the looking process. As soon as we walked in, there he was, in the big cage. Our big (85lb) boy! The minute we saw him, it was love. The volunteers were so great. They let us out in the yard with him for the longest time, and even placed a hold tag on him for us so we could run and pick up our other pup to meet. They wouldn't let us take him without introducing them.
By the time we got back with out dog from up in Rogers Park, it was past adoption hours, but they let us come in with her and they even waited for us to fill out our paperwork for him. The staff was patient and kind and were as excited for him as we were.
The next day, when we came to get Bear (now named Col. Klink) everyone that was there came out to say goodbye to him. It made me happy to see staff that excited to see one of their dogs go home, and know him well enough to be happy for him to have found a forever home.
CACC was so wonderful with us that we will gladly adopt from them when the time may come again. -
Review from Natalie G.
Chicago, IL
6/16/2011
This was the first time I was adopting a pet, so I didn't really know what to expect.
I visited CAC&C 3 times in one week and I really thought the volunteers were going to get annoyed. On the contrary, they were so helpful and nice and answered any questions I had. I took out about 6 or 7 dogs and the volunteers did not seem the least bit annoyed when I kept asking to see a dog.
These dogs are not at all "bad" dogs just because they're in Chicago's shelter. If I could adopt more than one dog I would have.
On the third day, I finally decided on a dog (who by the way is the sweetest dog I've EVER met! So well behaved). The whole adoption process took a little under an hour (filling out applications, waiting, being interviewed, waiting, talking to a veterinarian). However, keep in mind this was on a Tuesday. I'm sure it's busier on a weekend.
All in all, a great experience with wonderful workers/volunteers!
Now excuse me as I take my dog on a well deserved walk in the park(: -
Review from david g.
Chicago, IL
6/14/2010
I am not happy with the people that work here.
I adopted a cat 10 days ago, and we are having issues with her eating dry food, (she will not eat it at all) My wife is a Vet tech, so she knows what she is talking about, We have taken her into to the vets, and the cat is fine from a medical point of view...,
I have called Animal care, to ask, what brand of dry food they feed her, I know they did feed the cats dry food, because I saw it in her cage..
They never answer the phone when I call, I have left 3 voice mails asking them to call me back. I did get through to someone one, who put me through to the front desk, the front desk hung up on me!!.
I will not adopt from here again... -
Review from Hope B.
Chicago, IL
12/11/2009
I had a really fantastic experience at Animal Care and Control. I found a stray cat in my neighborhood and had my friend come and pick it up for the night because I'm kind of allergic. Long story short, the bozo took it to the shelter on LaSalle who send the little guy to AC&C. I heard that it's a kill shelter and I didn't want anything to happen to him (the cat, not the bozo guy who took the cat to the shelter.
The staff walked me thought rooms to view what seemed like dozens of cats and kittens. It was sooo heartbreaking I wanted to bring them all home.
Luckily I found him -- he as six toes and other specific markings so it made it kind of easy. They were very helpful in filling out the paperwork and making sure he had the required shots.
I highly recommend going there if you are looking for a little buddy. Places like PAWAS are great, but they are no-kill so cats and dogs live there 'till they are adopted. Plus the adoption fees there are $250. The adoption fee at ACC is only $65.
I was surprised to see that people had a bad experience there. Maybe the staff was just having a bad day. It would be very hard to work there day in and day out. -
Review from Jen G.
Hometown, IL
5/1/2011
This was my first visit to CACC, as well as my first time adopting a pet. The ONLY reason for my 4 star rating and not 5 is because I was there for 3 and a half hours to adopt my cat. I spent most of that time waiting to be interviewed, waiting to sign my contract, and waiting for my cat to be given to me. However, the staff were extremely patient, helpful, and kind, and did apologize more than once for the long wait. It was a very busy Saturday, and they seemed to be short-handed.
Overall the adoption process was simple, and the volunteer who helped me (I think her name was Linda) was extremely helpful. It's a shame this place is as understaffed as it is...if I weren't a teacher and didn't cherish my weekends I would volunteer here in a heartbeat!
I can only speak about the cats & not the dogs, but I am very happy with my adoption process, and even happier I was able to give my 6 year old Maine Coon mix a good home! Thanks CACC & keep up the good work! -
Review from Jackie R.
IL
1/17/2007 ROTD 2/2/2007
No need to say how wonderful this place is.
Heres a little insiders look on this animal "shelter" and the system in general. ill try keep it brief as possible. I was a long time volunteer here, and was eventually elected to run a service and justice organization for homeless animals out of this center.
CACC is not a shelter like Paws, Anti-Cruelty, or anything else you know. This IS a place managed by the City of Chicago, via YOUR tax dollars, to keep humans safe from stray animals and curb the pet overpopulation problem due to irresponsible pet ownership (aka not neutering/spaying your pet). It is the city Pound.
Up until about 7 years ago it was run by an ex -cop who had a pretty bad rap from what i gather. There was NO adoption effort. That is not part of their job description. Then this wonderful woman replaced him, and now they have so many programs its unbelievable! They have adopt-a-thons where they bring 20 dogs to the Wolves hockey games to get adopted, free neuter/spay to all low income neighborhoods, a VAN where they can drive and do neuter/spay on site (local parks and whatnot) classes, programs programs programs. school visits, college groups involved... its really quite amazing.
100 dogs and cats are dropped off here EVERY DAY. Many relinquished by their owners, some found on the streets. That is around 30,000 dogs and cats moving through this shelter a year. Don't look at it as a "kill shelter" I don't think that is exactly fair. Pet euthanasia is a tragic result of OUR society today. Euthanasia is the only humane option for these pets right now- better than suffering abuse, getting hit by a car, freezing outside, or leaving them in a cage for the rest of their lives.
Theres a lot more to be said too, only about half of these animals make it to a new home. Which, considering how the shelter was run is years past, with none getting adopted, that's pretty awesome. But that still leaves the other half who don't make it. Such a staggering number. Anyways, purebred societies and local shelters come and take their pick of the "cute" or most adoptable animals, leaving behind the 1-5 y.o. mutts to sit here at CACC and wait. There are tons of litter drop offs too so dont worry, still go to CACC if your set on a puppy. Puppies get adopted really quickly here, its the older dogs with such amazing personalities that get stuck waiting in a cage for upwards of months for a home. I fall in love with one every time i go. There is also a plethora of 8-12 month old dogs. They grew out of the "cute" puppy phase and people didnt want them anymore =( And dont worry, once a dog or cat makes it to the adoption rooms, they stay there until they are adopted- no euthanasia.
And one last thing! I hear complaints all the time about how something at the shelter was "not to their liking". Noisy, scary, smelly, slow, understaffed, misinformation etc. Well, CACC is the most under-staffed, under-funded, under-volunteered, under-donated animal shelter in the city. Why? Your tax dollars for pets only go so far, AND no one wants to donate money here bc it is "supposedly" a kill shelter(thanks Anti-Cruelty). Most of the time there is no one to even show the pets to families. Your $65 adoption fee is somewhat of a joke...the cost of all the shots, the spay/neuter, the updated meds, microchip AND staffed animal hospital in the middle of the facility make it so your paying a fraction of the cost. Its like they're paying YOU to take the animal. This is not the GAP- you are not "buying" something. Remember, you are adopting a family member from a government run facility and helping cure a serious social issue. Be patient.
Ps- volunteering is a lot of fun. You get to take each dog out and play with them in the huge back yard! Or, take dogs out of the cage to show potential families walking around (1-2 a night would go home bc of you, there's no better feeling). Or, brush and wash a dog. If you're a jogger, no better companion than a shelter dog who only gets out of the cage for maybe 20 minutes a day, they have a lot of energy to burn! Well groomed, exercised, and socialized dogs are more adoptable. ***GUYS*** at any time there are a few huge dogs that hardly get out bc most volunteers are women, and just cannot hold these beasts! you are especially needed.
Cats cannot be taken out of the cages- a horrible respiratory infection spread once via peoples shirts when they were holding them. I believe some cats were lost. Its better to be safe than sorry.
All volunteers need to go through a short orientation- they hold them probably once a month. Call first to find out when this is before going all the way down there.
OK, now im done! I hope everyone who reads this adopts and/or volunteers at any local shelter, but especially CACC cause they need you the most! -
Review from Patty V.
12/6/2006 ROTD 7/8/2007
I got my beloved Bambi here. I was with my ex fiance on Labor Day 1992. He said,"let's go in and look." I came out with the skinniest,saddest looking puppy I ever saw. I kept her and ditched him! I had her through thick and thin times and she was the most loving,loyal dog I ever had. I had to euthanize her 3 weeks ago,it was one of the hardest things I had to do., but she was a loving companion for over 14 years and I did not want her to suffer any more than she had. I will miss her,but know she has gone over the Rainbow Bridge and is happy and healthy. Great place to get a dog or cat-so much better than paying $$$$ for a designer pet-and you are saving a life-this is a "kill-shelter".
Listed in: Going to the dogs, Best places to get a dog…
