Frequently Asked Questions

Since 1987, Community Animal Rescue Effort (C.A.R.E.) has been promoting adoptions and care for dogs and cats. The all-volunteer, not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) organization is located north of Chicago at 4927 Main Street in Skokie, IL and supports positive relationships between people and companion animals. C.A.R.E. places companion pets into forever homes, and serves as an educational and counseling resource.

Visit our donation page for more information on how to donate.

Check out our wishlist or shop for us through Chewy and Amazon and have food and supplies shipped directly to C.A.R.E.

Volunteers are the heart & soul of C.A.R.E. We have volunteer positions at our Adoption Center, including roles that directly involve animal care and those that don’t. There's something for everyone.

View current opportunities

C.A.R.E. strives to make successful adoptions that are ideal for both the pet and the adopter. Because animals in our care are constantly changing, the best way to find out about available animals is to work with an Adoption Counselor. An adoption counselor will work with you to find your perfect match.

Learn more about adoption and visit our adoptable cats and dogs.

Learn more about our adoption process, including adoption fees.

Adoption fees can be paid with cash, check or credit card.

C.A.R.E. primarily acquires its animals from Chicago Animal Care & Control and other area Animal Control departments. We sometimes accept animals from Hoopeston Animal Shelter in central Illinois. We also transfer animals from other parts of the United States. A small portion are owner relinquished pets. C.A.R.E. does not take in strays. Strays should go through municipal animal control so the owner has a better chance of finding lost pets. View pet owner resources for more information.

C.A.R.E. is not an animal control organization. Please contact the municipality where the stray was found so the pet can be logged by that municipality to give the owner the best chance of finding the pet. Most municipalities have animal control or a shelter for lost pets. View pet owner resources for more information.

Owner relinquished animals are taken in under certain circumstances by appointment and as space allows. We operate with a waitlist, so we are unable to take in animals immediately. We try to offer support to people who may need to rehome their pets by offering behavior advice or food in an effort to help the pets stay in their home. If we are unable to take in pets, we can suggest other rescues or advise on how best to find a new home on their own without having to bring their pet into a shelter. Consider your options before rehoming your pet.

If your pet was adopted from C.A.R.E.: We will always take back any animal we adopted out should the adopter no longer be able to care for them. Please fill out a cat or dog rehoming form and identify yourself as a past adopter so we can help you immediately.

C.A.R.E. operates under “no kill” principles. No kill shelters must have a live release rate of over 90%. C.A.R.E. maintains a live release rate of near 98%, even though we take in many vulnerable pets, including abandoned kittens that must be bottle fed and are at risk for failure to thrive. Additionally, C.A.R.E. never euthanizes to make space for incoming cats or dogs, or because the animal has been with us for a long time.

The annual operating budget for animal expenses (food, veterinary care) and building costs is in the $200,000 to $250,000 range. We rely on the community to help support our animals. Please consider donating today.

C.A.R.E. does not provide veterinary care for non-C.A.R.E. animals. However, there are great resources in the Chicago area for low cost and affordable Spay/Neuter and Vaccinations.

Additionally, there are charities and organizations that have been created to help pet owners when veterinary care becomes a financial burden or when they are unable to care for their pet.

C.A.R.E. does not have a license to work with wildlife, so we do not accept wild animals. Locate a licensed wildlife rehabilitator in your area.

Before picking up kittens, assess the scenario. Consider the condition, age, situation and abilities.

Here’s how to determine what to do.

C.A.R.E. is licensed by the State of Illinois Department of Agriculture (License 14383).

Still have questions? Contact Us.