2020’s been a ruff year for everybody, including our pets. If you’re looking for organizations to support with end-of-the-year contributions, or if you and pup need a lending paw, check out these Chicago pet resources.
Chicago Veterinary Care Resources
PAWS Chicago
PAWS is working to make Chicago a no-kill city, and they’ve got the resources to back it up. Their Lurie Clinic provides low-cost vaccinations and low-cost to free spay and neuter surgeries.
Live Like Roo
Having a dog means never doing anything alone, and that includes fighting your dog’s battle with cancer. For pet parents with dogs who are currently going through the big sick, Live Like Roo offers financial assistance to help pay for cancer-related veterinary care. The Booker Fund, an arm of LLR, pays for a hotel stay for parents and hospice dogs to forget about cancer for a night.
C.R.I.S.P.
The Chicagoland Rescue Intervention Support Program is an innovative partnership between several Chicagoland rescues that aims to keep pets with their loving owners. They provide financial assistance with routine and emergency veterinary care. While some of their in-person programs have been suspended due to COVID, their Landlord Hotline is still active. If you’re having disputes with your landlord over your pet, contact C.R.I.S.P.’s hotline for advice on housing rights and next steps.
Chicago Pet Food Pantries
Care for Real
Based in Edgewater, Care For Real partners with Bark Bark Club to host a pet pantry the first Thursday of every month from 3-5 p.m. at Care for Real’s office. Care for Real and Bark Bark accept donations during normal operating hours or by appointment.
Friendship Pet Food Pantry
The Friendship Pet Food Pantry meets in Lincoln Square the third Saturday of every month from 9-11 a.m. They provide pet parents with pet food, as well as cat litter, toys, and leashes (depending on availability). While there are no income eligibility requirements, clients must be Chicago residents and show proof that their pets are spayed or neutered to receive services. If necessary, the Friendship Pet Food Pantry will provide vouchers for low-cost spay/neuter services at a Chicago-area clinic. Learn how you can support this organization.
Irving Park Community Food Pantry
Located in Irving Park, this food pantry distributes every Wednesday from 9 a.m.-noon and on the second Tuesday of every month from 6-7 p.m. The pantry supplies human clients with at least 3 days worth of food in all food groups, as well as kibble for their pets. You must be a resident of the 60641 and 60618 ZIP codes to use their services.
Red Door Animal Shelter – CAFÉ
Red Door’s CAFÉ program aims to provide 7-10 days worth of pet food per month to help clients keep their pets. Clients must provide proof of their low-income/fixed-income status and verification that their pets are spayed or neutered. If eligible, they distribute on the last Friday of the month starting at 1 p.m. at the Howard Area Community Center. You can also drop off donations during that time.
Chicago Pet Behavioral Assistance
The Anti-Cruelty Society
Got a naughty dog that’s giving you a run for your money? Check out The Anti-Cruelty Society’s Behavior Helpline, a free service that connects pet owners experiencing behavior issues with behavior specialists who can answer questions, provide training tips, or at least be a sympathetic ear for when Spot chewed up your favorite shoes, again.
Do you know of any Chicago pet resources we missed? Please let us know in the comments and share this article far and wide to help somepawdy in need.
Featured photo: Free-Photos
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