Helpful Links

Resources for Pet Owners in Need

If you are facing an emergency (e.g., financial, health, natural disaster, etc.) and find yourself in a position of being unable to care for your pet, there are many charities and organizations that have been created to help pet owners keep their pets. Please contact the organizations below if they fit your current situation.

Emergency Short Term Pet Care

Blessed Bonds Program

A.D.O.P.T. Naperville

The Blessed Bonds Program offers temporary assistance to those who want to keep their animal companions but are having difficulties that prevent them from meeting their pets’ daily needs. Assistance Provided  Problem-solving counseling and education.  Foster care, for up to two months, when space is available.  Food and other pet care essentials.  Information & referral services for other organizations, such as pet food banks, lowcost spay/neuter and vaccine clinics, and other temporary foster programs Pets should be up to date on vaccinations and spayed/neutered prior to entering the program with supporting vet records. If you need help getting your pet up-to-date or spayed/neutered, please indicate this when submitting your application; their on-site spay/neuter clinic is typically able to help. You can complete an application on their web site.

Website: https://adoptpetshelter.org/clinic/crisis-assistance

Telephone: 630-355-2299

Crisis Foster Care

PAWS Chicago

PAWS Chicago’s loving foster families are ready to help you care for your pets during an unexpected crisis. Whether you’re recovering from an illness, or experiencing financial hardship, PAWS offers temporary foster homes for cats or dogs. Complete a form on their website. They will make every effort to find a qualified, temporary foster family in the area to care for and protect your pet.

Website: https://www.pawschicago.org/our-work/crisis-support/crisis-foster-care/

Telephone: 773-521-7729

S.A.F.E.

Anti-Cruelty Society - Chicago

The Anti-Cruelty Society has established the SAFE program which provides 30 days of free care to approved applicants, this invaluable service keeps pets safe while their owners seek out new housing. The Anti-Cruelty Society will provide daily food, water, socialization, exercise, and basic preventive medical care for pets in the program. Pets admitted into the program will also receive vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, and a microchip, free of charge, if needed. Confidentiality is of utmost importance. Animals who are admitted into the program are either housed on-site or are placed in one of our licensed foster homes. Owners whose pets remain on-site are encouraged to visit weekly. Pets who are housed in foster care are not available for visitation. The SAFE Program is for one-time use. Applicants who have utilized the service in the past will not be eligible to enroll again. SAFE clients are required to communicate their housing status weekly. Pets who are entering the program must be in good health and behaviorally sound. Program space is limited. Clients are served on a firstcome, first-serve basis.

Website: https://www.anticruelty.org/safe

Telephone: 312-287-6289

Safe Pets Program

Naperville Humane Society - Naperville

The Safe Pets program assists families in crisis, such as domestic violence or homelessness, by offering space in their shelter to care for the family cats or dogs on a temporary basis. Through our Safe Pets program, pets are granted a temporary safe haven and families can begin putting the pieces of their lives back together. They are limited on the number of Safe Pets they can help at one time. Call if you need Safe Pet assistance.

Website: https://www.naperhumane.org/resources

Telephone: 630-420-8989 x1005

Pet Food Pantries

Bruno’s Pro-Bone-O Pet Pantry - Hanover Park

Bruno’s is often referred to as a food bank, but a very different food bank, as Bruno’s is only for pets. Pet owners facing financial hardship can turn to Bruno’s Pantry to help feed their best buddies until they are in a position once again to be able to care for their pets. They strive to support military veterans, especially those suffering PTSD with service animals, the disabled, the working poor and the elderly in parts of Kane, DuPage and Cook counties. In addition to food, when available, they also provide, dog and cat treats, flea and tick collars, doggie diapers, toys for the holidays, sweaters and other protective gear, leashes, collars, grooming products, waste pick up bags, and kitty litter. Directions to register for pet food and pet supplies are found on their web site.

Website: http://www.brunospantry.com

Telephone: 630-926-3610

DuPage Senior Citizens Council - Lombard

The DuPage Senior Citizens Council provides veterinary care and pet food assistance for DuPage and Kane County seniors who sometimes find it difficult to take care of themselves and their pet. They have volunteers who can stop by senior’s homes to deliver pet food so they don’t have to worry about how they can get pet food for their pets. Contact the Council for more information.

Website: https://www.dupageseniorcouncil.org

Telephone: 630-620-0804

Humanitarian Services Project - Carol Stream

Groceries are delivered directly to the elderly in DuPage and Kane counties to alleviate the suffering and hardships that poverty brings. Seniors are referred by DuPage County Senior Services, Catholic Charities, area townships, and other social service agencies to identify low-income seniors who are struggling and would benefit from support. Once a senior is enrolled into the project, they are in the program for the rest of their life unless they move into assisted living or out of our service area. Requirements are that each senior lives in HSP's service area and has an income at, or below, 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. The waiting list for the program can be quite lengthy. Case workers can assist seniors in filling out and submitting the form at the end of this paragraph. A senior without a case worker may submit an application on their web site.

Website: https://hsp.agency

Telephone: 630-221-8340

Kendall County Community Food Pantry - Yorkville

Kendall, DeKalb, or LaSalle County residents can register for pet food and then choose from various free dog and cat food and kitty litter. Pet food clients are served once per month, on the 1st or 2nd Thursday, from 2 to 6 PM. Pet food is donated, and not all brands are available each month. Directions to register for the pet food is found on their web site.

Website: https://kccfoodpantry.org/pet-care

Telephone: 630-553-0473

Wet Nose Food Pantry - Lemont

Pet food assistance is available once a month. Food pick up is available by appointment only (and after the application has been completed) and will be in downtown Lemont. Contact them for more information and to get an application.

Website: https://wetnosepetfoodpantry.webstarts.com/

Telephone: 708-480-2548

Other Chicago Area Pet Food Pantries:

Care for Real Pet Pantry: Chicago North Side 773-769-6182
C.A.R.E. Pet Food Pantry: Skokie 847-705-2653
Evanston Animal Shelter Pet Food Assistance: 847-866-5082
Friendship Pet Food Pantry: Chicago Lincoln Square 773-907-6388. Must be a Chicago resident.
Irving Park Community Food Pantry Pet Food Corner: 773-283-6296. Must live in ZIP codes 60641 or 60618.
Red Door Animal Shelter Café Program: Chicago Northwest Side 773-764-2242. Must show proof of low-income or fixed-income status.

DuPage County People Food Pantries:

Some people food pantries in DuPage County will occasionally have pet food, depending on what is donated at the time. Call the pantry ahead of time to check availability.
Glen Ellyn Food Pantry: 630-469-8668. For qualified residents in Glen Ellyn, Lombard, Carol Stream, Wheaton, Lisle, Glendale Heights, Bloomingdale or Addison.
Downers Grove Area FISH: 630-964-7776. For qualified residents in Lisle, Downers Grove or Westmont.
People’s Resource Center: 630-682-5402. All residents of DuPage County are eligible to become a People’s Resource Center client.
West Suburban Community Pantry: 630-512-9921. For residents of DuPage County, Romeoville, and Bolingbrook who meet the federal income guidelines.
Loaves and Fishes in Naperville: Call 630-355-3663. Eligibility is based on the IL Emergency Food Program income guidelines. They serve all of Naperville, Aurora, DuPage County, and parts of Will County.

Dog Trainers

Places to take your dog for behavioral, obedience, agility and even dance training!

Bark Avenue

Bartlett, IL.

Bark Avenue Day Camp provides both obedience and behavioral training. As a dog owner, you will work with the trainer to learn the skills necessary to bring out the best in your pet and to ensure that they are always well behaved. You will learn the importance of providing leadership to your dog and you will build a relationship based on trust and respect. Combining leadership with love and affection creates an unbreakable bond between you and your pet.

Training offerings include Puppy Pre-School, Puppy 101, Basic, Intermediate and Advanced Obedience, Agility, Fun Nose Work, Tricks & Brain Games, and a 3 – 6 Week Board and Train Program

Website: http://www.barkavenuedaycamp.com/
Telephone:630-289-8470

Doggie Depot

Downers Grove, IL.

Doggie Depot offers no-force positive reinforcement training (such as marker/clicker training) n in a safe and stress free environment. Training then becomes a fun game which produces a happy well-behaved dog. All classes are held in their Downers Grove location.

Classes include Puppy Kindergarten, Adolescent Puppy Manners, Family Dog Obedience, Rally Obedience, Canine Good Citizen, Loose Leash Walking, Trick Dog Night, Nose Work, and Freestyle Dance with Your Dog

Website: http://doggiedepot.com/
Telephone: 630-969-7529

Enjoy Your Dog

Downers Grove and Oak Brook Terrace, IL.

Enjoy Your Dog offers dog training limited to only 4 dogs per class. They also offer in-home dog training sessions and are available to answer questions between sessions by phone, text, or email. Enjoy Your Dog, often offers classes for WSHS adopters. They donate a portion of the proceeds from those classes back to the shelter!

Training includes Puppy Classes, Dog Obedience Classes, Reactive Dog Classes, Therapy Dog Prep, Agility for Fun, Urban Agility, Nose Work, Game Night, Loose Leash Walking, Get Set for the Vet, Canine Good Citizen, and Fun and Games.

Website: www.enjoyyourdogtraining.com
Telephone: 630-203-7016

Narnia Pet Behavior & Training

Plainfield and Lisle, IL.

Narnia’s training approach uses truly gentle, non-aggressive techniques and positive reinforcement that covers real-life situations and environments. Classroom training sessions have a limit of nine dogs per class with two instructors to ensure individual attention. Private training sessions and In-home training sessions are available. All classes are 55 minutes. Adopted dogs receive a $10 discount!

Sessions include Puppy Kindergarten, Adolescent Training & Manners, Beginning Obedience, Rally Obedience, K9 Nose Work, Manners and Self-Control, and Novice Tricks.

Website: http://www.narniapets.com/
Telephone: 630-904-0895

Pet Harmony

Naperville, IL

Pet Harmony animal behavior and training provides behavior consulting services for dogs, cats, and other species. They work with you and your pet to live happily and harmoniously together. Their methodology is based in behavior science, addressing underlying causes of undesirable behaviors, and teaching what behaviors we want our animals to perform instead of suppressing unwanted behaviors. Pet Harmony strives to learn about you and your pet to create a training plan unique to your situation. You can rest easy knowing your pet is receiving the most up-to-date training methods which are found to be the most effective, efficient, and empowering for your animal. In addition to helping you and your pet live harmoniously, they also focus on enhancing your pet’s mental and emotional well-being.

Behavior training includes In-Home Consultations, Remote Consultations, Intensive Behavior Packages, and Group Immersive Courses.

Website: https://petharmonytraining.com

A Sound Beginning Program

Winfield, IL.

The Sound Beginning Training Program was created specifically for the newly adopted dog and focuses on life skills that center on socialization and self-control while teaching the foundation of problem solving by prevention, management, and training. The main goal the program is to reduce and eliminate the stress that normally is part of the transition period from shelter/rescue to living in a home.

The training staff walk, talk and speak the language of dog with credentialed knowledge in dog behavior. The A Sound Beginning team includes a DVM with a specialty in veterinary behavior and trainers with Masters and Bachelor’s Degrees in animal behavior and numerous other certifications in the world of dog training. Training is available at various locations in the Chicagoland area.

Website: http://asoundbeginningprogram.com/
Telephone:630-776-8197

Suburban K9

Chicago, IL.

Suburban K9 offers dog training services tailored to the specific client and dog. Training is done where it makes the most sense for the dog, inside of the home. Training your dog in its natural environment allows one to see issues that do not normally present themselves inside of a training facility or kennel.

Suburban K9 also offers a 2 to 3 week Board and Train Boot Camp. Your dog will stay in a trainer's home during the training and be treated like a member of their family. They also provide pick-up, drop-off, and follow-up lessons in the comfort of your own home.

Training includes teaching your dog to heel, sit, down, stay, come around various distractions, potty training, and front door manners.

Website: http://www.suburban-k9.com
Telephone: 847-232-1269

Doggie Daycare/Boarding

Places to take your dog for day care and/or boarding.

Bark Avenue Daycamp

Bartlett, IL.

Doggie day camp at Bark Avenue is a fun place for your dog(s) to participate in activities, interact with other dogs and be cared for by highly skilled professionals. Doggie daycare is for dogs four months (or as soon as they have all their vaccines) and older of any breed or size. The highly trained staff will use their training techniques to maintain order and control to ensure a safe and stress free environment for all the daycare attendees.

Many daycare clients bring their dogs to get them the exercise they otherwise might not get. Most dogs need more than a walk or two a day to fully expend all of their energy and day camp is a way for them to do that while having a great time. Also, many clients have full time jobs, family, and other demands on their time so it’s a relief to know they can bring their dog(s) and the dogs will be taken good care of during the day. By the time they pick their dogs up at the end of the day, everyone is ready for a relaxing evening at home.

"At Bark Avenue Daycamp, we make dogs feel right at home!"

Website: https://www.barkavenuedaycamp.com/

Telephone: 630-289-8470

Doggie Depot

Downers Grove, IL.

Doggie Depot offers fully supervised day care for your four-legged family member while you are busy during the day. What does your dog do all day? Play, play, play!! Your dog is entertained all day with ball throwing, outdoor activities, treats and lots of love. Doggie Depot separates dogs based on their size, temperament, age, health conditions and play style with separate play areas. Dogs play all day except for nap time (11:30 – 2:00). Why naptime? The dogs need a break too! Due to the amount of activity received at daycare, a break in the middle of the day is very important for their health!

Website: https://doggiedepot.com/

Telephone: 630-969-7529

Dogtopia

Downers Grove, IL.

When you send your dog to day care at Dogtopia of Downers Grove, they will have fun! Dogs enjoy all day play with regular potty breaks. Dodtopia does not have kennel runs. dogs enjoy full use of open playrooms.

Your dog will enjoy five hours of play in the morning followed by five more hours of play in the afternoon/evening. When you pick up your pup, your pup will be tired but happy. And best of all, they will have made new furry BFFs!

Dogtopia‘s dog care professionals will take every step to ensure that your dog is happy, healthy and comfortable during their stay. Your dog may not be the only one who has separation anxiety; that’s why they offer webcam access so you can check in on your dog at any time during the day using a desktop or mobile device. Watch them make friends and have fun in one of our playrooms.

Dogtopia’s mission is to provide dogs with a safe and fun environment. They ask that you bring your dog to their location before starting day care services to determine if your dog is the right fit for our open play environment. Call Dogtopia to schedule an appointment. They require that any dogs have up to date vaccinations and be free of fleas, ticks and any contagious diseases.

Website: https://www.dogtopia.com/downers-grove/

Telephone: 630-795-0099

Paws in Paradise

Downers Grove, IL.

Paws in Paradise is a premier doggy daycare facility that is staffed by animal-loving professionals who take great care to ensure that your pet enjoys every moment with them.

Your pet will always feel cared for and looked after. They are a family of pet-owners themselves, and thy understand what an owner looks for in a quality daycare facility. Rest assured, everything your pup could ever need is made available at Paws in Paradise. With their real-time webcam access in the play areas and sleeping areas, you can check in on your pets when you can.

They play music all day and allow your dog to watch favorite television programs on the plasma TV in the play area. From large indoor and outdoor play areas, to charming sleeping quarters, a day at Paws in Paradise is one of true paradise.

Website: https://www.pawsinparadiseonline.com/

Telephone: 630-719-1840

Dog Groomers

Places to take dogs when they need to look their very best!

Bark Avenue

Bartlett, IL.

Bark Avenue’s goal is to make grooming a pleasant experience for both you and your dog. When your dog is groomed by their experienced groomers, your dog will enjoy one on one attention the entire time. There is no long waiting for their turn to get bathed, no cage drying, no long waiting to be picked up, in fact, there is no long waiting for anything. Each dog is bathed individually and then hand-blown dry. They take special precautions to keep the noise and air of the dryer out of your dog’s ears because they have yet to find a dog that likes it! They tailor their grooming to fit your dog’s needs and are experienced with grooming dogs of all sizes.

Website: https://www.barkavenuedaycamp.com/
Telephone: 630-289-8470

Doggie Depot

Downers Grove, IL.

Dogs in Doggie Depot daycare and boarding can get a ride around the corner to Tails in a Tub for all their grooming needs. If you would like to have your dog bathed or groomed while they are in day care or boarding, they will arrange an appointment and transport your dog to Tails in a Tub and back by the time you return. For grooming availability and pricing, please call Doggie Depot.

Website: https://www.doggiedepot.com/
Telephone: 630-969-7529

Artistic Dog Grooming

Downers Grove, IL.

Steve Randa, Owner

Steve has been affiliated with West Suburban Humane Society for over 27 years. Artistic Dog Grooming offers a full range of dog grooming services. According to Steve, “Big and small, we love them all!”

Telephone: 630-971-0143

Eric Frantz Grooming

Glen Ellyn, IL.

Eric Frantz, Owner

Eric has been grooming from his home on the north side of Glen Ellyn since 2008. He believes in a low stress grooming experience for every dog and adheres to a grooming straight thru approach where the dog spends as little time in the salon or a crate as possible. Reasonable prices with many different shampoos to choose from for all skin types.

Telephone: 630-947-6213

Gigi's Pet Salon

Downers Grove, IL.

Gigi’s is a full-service pet grooming salon offering unique grooming, bath, spa, and dental services for all breeds, sizes, and styles! Certified professional dog groomers combined with the highest quality all-natural products create a superior look and feel. Visit their salon to see for a gentle, understanding, and personalized grooming experience for all dogs. please call ahead for nail trims and grooming appointments.

Telephone: 630-964-0028

Dogtopia

Downers Grove, IL.

If you want your dog to look and smell their best, bring them to Dogtopia of Downers Grove’s fully equipped spa. Whether your dog just needs a bath, a nail clipping or a more intense treatment, their highly trained team is ready to pamper your pup. Their spa is a relaxing environment where they use only high-quality products that are safe for your pup’s skin and coat-type.

Here are the services they offer:

Shampoo and conditioner
Bath time massage
Precision hair cuts
Fluff dry and brush out
Nail trim
Ear cleaning
Teeth brushing
De-shedding treatments

Website: https://www.dogtopia.com/downers-grove/
Telephone: 630-795-0099

Paws in Paradise

Downers Grove, IL.

Paws in Paradise is staffed by animal-loving professionals who take great care to ensure that your pet enjoys every moment with them. With over 15 years of experience, your pet can take a "Spa Day Trip" on any day that works for you and your pet. Their Spa Service includes a “Bath Brush & Tidy” that includes a Complete Bath, Brush Out, Nail Trim, and Ear Cleaning, a

“De-Shed Treatment” that includes a De-Shed formula shampoo, full brush out removing the heavy undercoat resulting in 90% less shedding, and a “Complete Grooming” that includes a Complete Bath, Blow-Dry, Hair Cut, Nail Trim, and Ear Cleaning.

Website: https://www.pawsinparadiseonline.com/
Telephone: 630-719-1840