About Our Shelter...

The Animal Welfare League was founded over 80 years ago. In 1935, a vision became reality when a group of compassionate humanitarians came together to relieve suffering among animals.

Seventy-five years later the AWL has grown to become the largest humane facility in the Chicagoland area, serving over 22,000 animals annually from more than 64 communities. Its multi-faceted mission: to prevent cruelty to animals, provide quality homes through its adoption program, promote respect and compassion for all creatures through education, provide shelter and care for homeless and unwanted animals, reduce pet overpopulation through low cost spay/neuter clinics, provide veterinary care for low-income pet owners and relieve the suffering of all animals - is carried out by a dedicated staff and volunteers.

Today, the Animal Welfare league operates two shelters in the Chicagoland area. Our founding shelter is located on Wabash Avenue in Chicago serving the impoverished area. Our main office, located in Chicago Ridge, is a full-service shelter open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The AWL operates a full service clinic that is open to the public Monday through Saturday. The Animal Welfare League prides itself on the fact that every animal that makes its way to our door is accepted: no animal is ever turned away.

Come Meet Our Pets...

The Animal Welfare League is open 7 days a week for adoptions! Adoption hours are Monday - Friday 12:00pm to 9:00PM Saturday 11:00AM to 7:00PM Sunday 11:00AM to 6:00PM.

The Animal Welfare League also allows people to view adoptable animals on the website at www.AnimalWelfareLeague.com.

Also, be sure to check the website for upcoming events, adoption specials and so much more!

Our Adoption Process...

Adoption Prices are as follows:

Puppies and Dogs $138Kittens and Cats $75Bunnies and Rabbits $31.50Birds and Small Animals: prices vary

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NOTE: Some shelters have physical locations you can visit; some of these shelters may only have pets for a limited time, so please do not wait for a reply—just go visit the shelter!
Other organizations are rescue groups run by busy volunteers who may take a while to reply. You can find information about the shelter or rescue group caring for this pet, and their adoption procedures,
on the pet's details page on Adopt-a-Pet.com.