I'll start by saying I did NOT want to get a cat the day I went to F&C. My partner was like.. hey lets just go look. I was wary because I knew he's been wanting a cat and I've been reluctant for the usual reasons, travelling, work schedules and such. Anyways, I gave in and we went to Felines and Canines. I liked their setup, a large open room for the cats to wander around with smaller private rooms for the cats that aren't overly social. So we played with some of the cats, there were a couple I thought were really cute but was trying to be captian hardass and kept saying I didn't think it was the right time, so on and so forth. Well then this cat just appears out of a little cubby hole. She's maybe shy of a year old, has like a tortioise shell appearance (calico I think they called it) but when they said her name I was sold, they spelled it Lilu, but we call her LeeLoo being we are huge fans of The Fifth Element. Needless to say I was still nervous about the whole process and the lady we spoke with was like, question, question, question about our application. Granted in the end she was supportive of us adopting as all the questions weren't about what we wanted, but more about how would the cat be treated, what would her living situation be like, what does her future hold and so on. Definitely her concern was that the cat wouldn't end back up in the shelter and I totally respected that. It made the decision to adopt easier because they care about the animals they shelter. Worries about costs, vacations and so one went out the window, although my concern then was that LeeLoo wasn't very social. She seemed disinterested in us and I was like... oh God what if we get her home and she hates us. Well that wasn't the case. The first day she hid under the bed for most of the day. By day two she was checking things out but now hiding inside her clamshell bed we bought her. It has been a little over a month and she's completely adapted, dare I say taken over our apartment. My partner works overnight and I work in the day so she's probably alone all of two hours through the day unless we go out. She does well when we're both gone but when one of us is there she loves being cuddled (to a point, she is a cat still), she loves getting pets and I just love (sarcasm) the four AM foot/hand attacks because that's her self designated play time, alright so I'm OK with them because she's a super cool cat to have around and already part of the family. read more

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Stopped in to take a peek at the animals. Only made it as far as the front door. The lady who greeted us acted like she was guarding a fortress or something. As soon as we stepped in, "Why are you here?" "Uhh. We wanted to look at some animals...." "Are you going to adopt today???" "I have no idea. Can we look at the animals?" "So why did you come then if you aren't going to adopt?" "Jesus, nevermind. We'll just leave." Maybe let people take a look at your animals and THEN we'll decide if we want to bring any of them home. I have two rescues from Anti Cruelty. Go there instead, they are nice people and they actually want you to interact with their animals before just saying "yup I'll take one". read more

Long-time dog lover, first time adopter, I feel almost unworthy of our experience through them. We visited multiple places (PAWS, Chicago Canine Rescue etc.) first and, as no shelter is perfect, they each had their positives and areas of opportunity. Some were crowded, had a cold staff, grueling adoption process, others had adorable pups but they just happened to not be for us and so on. However at F&C, we simply felt comfortable. This place is CLEAN, their staff was so kind, we learned their animals are on a healthy schedule of up/down time/walks, had toys, and seemed as happy as they could be considering they were waiting on forever homes-those things matter and make a huge difference when transitioning a new pet to a new home. Our reason for writing has much to do with their staff - specifically Carol. She is a saint. We had raced their two weeks ago hoping to catch them before close. Unfortunately, the dogs were already settled in for the night. But instead of simply and understandably turning us away, Carol chatted with us for probably 20 minutes and got to know us . She asked about our expectations, invited us to be honest about the type of dog we sought, and cared about finding us a good match. Based on all that, she thought of "Kiki" (who is now Iris). We ended up bringing her home the next day and our lives are better for it. But again, Carol answered our questions, was open about all she knew about the dogs history, she gave us tips, and when we introduce our fur baby to anyone, we always talk about her and her professionalism. What to expect: They allow you to meet them, play with them, and walk them. Their process includes getting to know you, filling out a questionnaire. They do same-day adoptions. (My advice though is to still be logical. Seeing adorable animals can be great, and emotional, so do your homework about the breed, it's level of training of lack there of and so on. Still, that option is great considering we also learned that the dogs are usually adopted extremely quickly, which is not to say that they pressure you to adopt because they actually encourage people to think it through and find the right fit.) On the morning we picked her up, they had given her a bath, had her fed and walked, gave us heart worm medicine to get us through the month, a bag of goodies including dry and wet food (which is what they're given while there) , and a folder of all the medical info. They even let us pick out a complimentary leash and harness. The dogs are spayed/neutered/ chipped. Cats are $100, adult dogs $275, young ones are $325. I cannot think of a single negative or warning. Our family is whole because of this place. Thank you! read more

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I just adopted my cat here recently. The process was easy but thorough- I filled out an online application and was asked some additional questions in order to match me to the right cats. Once I got there my adoption counselor was so kind and introduced me to the cats she thought would be the right fit, and then let me take as much time as I needed to get to know them and decide who was perfect for me! I've been in contact with a couple of questions since bringing him home and they have been extremely helpful. I would definitely come back! read more

Felines & Canines - Animal Shelters Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Though Felines and Canines does do a lot of great work saving animals, the staff is incredibly uncooperative and unprofessional. At first they were so helpful, but I was in awe at the horrible way they handled my situation. I adopted an FIV+ cat from the shelter and they told me if he had any sort of problems to bring him back for help/medicine. Unfortunately, he was vomiting during the first week as a reaction to his food. I let the shelter know, and they started him on a grain free diet. His health drastically improved and he was back to being the cute, cuddly kitty I had adopted. A few days later, on a 90 degree day, he began overheating and breathing rapidly. I let them know, once again, and they told me to bring him in so they could make sure it was nothing medical. After I had dropped him off, I called SEVEN times over the course of two days to check in and find out when to pick him up. They sent me to voicemail each time, but when my boyfriend called after two days of not hearing anything, they picked up on the first ring. Incredibly unprofessional, and I was worried sick about my cat for 2 days. I then received an email saying they were not going to be giving me my cat back because he was "allergic to something in my apartment", though he had shown no symptoms of an allergic reaction to anything after his diet change. I made every attempt to accommodate, even bought an AC for my apartment, but they would not allow me to take him home. When I went in person to plead for my cat, I was laughed at and called selfish by the manager. I even had friends offering to take him in so he had a new home, but she continually refused and wanted nothing to do with me. I miss my cat deeply, and am sad that my experience with Felines and Canines was so horrible. Had I known they would not give me my cat back, I would have never asked for help from them. Again, this is just the experience I had. I don't discourage anyone from adopting a pet from here because that only hurts the animals. My only warning is that once you adopt a pet and you love them, DO NOT bring them back if you don't want to lose them. read more

Excellent, knowledgeable staff and volunteers. Natalie patiently answered all of my partner's and my questions during our recent adoption visit, and since bringing home our two kittens a few weeks ago, Samantha has replied promptly to all our health-related and other concerns. Highly recommend to anyone and especially first-time pet owners! read more

Felines and Canines is incredible! Upon entering the shelter, Abby met us and asked what we were looking for in a pet. We had a very specific list: large breed dog, good off leash, low key, perfect with kids, potty trained, etc etc... . She said that there weren't any dogs at the shelter that fit our description right now, but she knew of one coming into the shelter in a week or two. She then sent us a video of the perfect pup who was currently in a foster home, a sweetheart Great Pyrenees pup named Shiloh. We were over the moon! Two weeks later, we got our girl. Shiloh (now Summer) was truly perfect for our family and is our first born child. If you're not really interested in adopting and are looking to window shop, this isn't the spot for you. But if you're serious about finding the perfect dog or cat for your family, F&C is the place!! read more

Felines & Canines - Animal Shelters Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

It hasn't even been a week with our new pup and we're in love. My boyfriend and I had chosen Felines & Canines once we were ready to adopt due to the high ratings and close proximity to our apartment. I'm a first-time adopter and haven't visited any shelters in the past. My boyfriend is a different story. So when he told me that our experience at F&C was the best he's had, that says something! We visited a few times over several weeks as we met, walked and played with multiple pups before finding our Phoebe (formerly Nellie). I have to say, the staff at F&C were phenomenal. Special shout-out to Molly who helped us from start to finish!! Not only is the staff super attentive to the cleanliness and comfort of the dogs, but they were also very knowledgeable, patient and friendly - taking the time to learn about us to help find the right fit. Prior to adopting Phoebe, there were a few visits where we left without a dog and not once did we leave feeling like we let the staff down or that we wasted their time. All of the above (plus the wonderful variety of good doggos) kept us coming back week after week. Whether you're at the beginning of your search or have been looking for awhile, please give Felines & Canines a try! read more

Felines & Canines - Animal Shelters Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I am a brand new dog dad. I adopted Roxie (nee Betty) less than a week ago, and I could not be more happy with Felines & Canines! I had heard good things about Abby and Kelly (and their entire team), and now I know why. They took the time to carefully review my application and to match me with the absolute perfect dog. Having never had a dog of my own, I was a bit nervous about the whole process at first. But it's clear that they know what they're doing, and they probably even had a better idea of what I was looking for from my first four-legged companion than I originally did. Thank you so much! read more

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First we have to say thank you to Kelly and Abby for being patient, understanding and just all around awesome!!!! They were prepared and knowledgeable about our building limitations. Since my boyfriend was a first time pet owner he had a million questions (some asked at least 3x), yet these two were there to answer, and re-answer all the questions. We had a difficult time deciding between 2 pups, and they gave us so many different solutions, and helped us weigh our wants and needs between the two. Ultimately, we ended up with Atom(Jace) a fast learning, running buddy, cuddle bug... our perfect match!!! See more of him on ig @atomicbear_ I just want to say that I have browsed other shelters and by far this one exceeds them all. They are always clean, kind, and knowledgeable. P.S. their fb page is amazing. These women rock and I am so proud to have them in my community!!!! read more

Felines & Canines - Animal Shelters Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We adopted our dog Louis (formerly Tyler) here almost a month ago and we couldn't be happier! We happened to arrive on an incredibly busy day - we got there about 10 minutes after opening, and had to wait almost an hour to speak to someone. Despite having a huge line and tons of people waiting, Marie Clare spent almost 2 hours with us to make sure we were comfortable and had spent plenty of time with our dog. The adoption process was very in depth, and my boyfriend, who has never owned a dog before, left feeling well informed and super happy with our decision. They even helped with some pushy potential adopters who were interested in Louis and making us really uncomfortable - we really felt like our time and experiences were being respected. When we visited, Luis had just been diagnosed with kennel cough, and was soooo sick and lethargic, that they ended up keeping him two extra nights before letting him go home with us to keep an eye on him. After a few days of rest he was a totally new dog! All of his medication was given to us with very clear instructions making it super easy to make sure he was on the road to recovery. He's had a few skin issues as well, but again, Felines and Canines have provided all of the necessary medication and treatments as long as we get him there once a week. I can't say enough good things about Felines and Canines - the staff is so friendly, caring, and helpful. We've been in close contact in the weeks following our adoption and they always ask how Louis is adjusting and tell us how much they love him. It's so clear they put so much effort and energy into this shelter, and they have happy wonderful animals as a result! Louis is already such a wonderful addition to our lives :) read more

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We had the opportunity to find a new family member thanks to Felines & Canines. Samantha and her team are very helpful. Their adoption process is easy. I really liked the fact they knew in advance that we have a cat at home and once we got there, they introduced us to some of the cats that would get along with other cats. They also gave us the opportunity to meet all of the cats available at the shelter. Thank you guys and thank you for the amazing work you do rescuing animals in need. read more

I am beyond excited to write a review for Felines and Canines! After spending the summer researching and visiting several shelters for a dog to adopt (more than 5 shelters including Felines and Canines on a different occasion), I almost gave up hope on finding a dog before I went back to school to teach. I have always wanted a dog and I also knew that I wanted to adopt. I was a bit bummed by the idea that I would have to wait until next year to get a dog. I decided to try one last time to find a dog so I visited Paws for their clear the shelter day event. While many of the dogs were so cute, I knew I wasn't the best match. I almost went to another shelter, when a little voice told me to check Felines and Canines website one more time. I am so glad I did! When I looked online I saw that my pup was available. When I met him, I instantly fell in love. He was so calm and very sweet. It was apparent me to that he'd been train and loved by someone before because he knew to sit when one of the staff put on his harness. Also, our walk was great! The story gets better. After returning from our walk, I met with the Director of Pet Adoption who was incredibly nice. When it was time to complete the adoption process, I met with Abby Smith, the Executive Director. I just want to spend a moment to emphasize how special it was to meet with the Executive Director of a shelter. I've been to many so shelters and I've never met the ED of the organization. I knew the organization was special because I had a chance to meet with her . Abby is incredibly kind. She is knowledgeable about dogs and it is clear that she really cares. Even when I returned home with Biscuit (who was sick), Abby answered all my questions and concerns. The staff at Felines and Canines are also incredible. Everyone I met was helpful and took my concerns very seriously. This is probably the longest review I've written because that's how great Felines and Canines is. ..................................................................................................................... I did say the story gets better. A couple of days after taking Biscuit home, I had to return to get medicine for Biscuit. While there, I met with one of the staff who told me how special Biscuit really is. When Felines and Canines received Biscuit, he had a strangulated hernia. According to the vet and staff at Felines and Canines they were shocked he was still alive. Apparently, he healed himself to survive. She called him a miracle pup. That he is indeed. I am incredibly grateful to Felines and Canines for helping me find my miracle pup who has brought so much joy in my life. Please consider adopting from here. The shelter is well maintained, the staff are amazing, and the animals are worth it. Even if you don't find your match the first time, keep going back as I am sure you will find a pet you will love and who love you back. read more

Went on a Saturday to look at the dogs. Were told if we wanted any of the ones we were looking at to come back the next day which we did. We got to meet 2 dogs that we loved but in the end went with Sassy (now Lola) and she couldn't be sweeter. We have 2 cats that she doesn't bother at all. She loves going on walks and she loved her first snow. On day 2 she already started to feel at home. Laying down in different rooms where ever we happened to be. And she in general just enjoys being near us and following us wherever we go. The rescue itself was great. You can tell they care about the animals. They explained everything to us very clearly and even cat tested Lola for us so we knew she'd be ok for our cats. They are very friendly and happy to help with whatever questions you have. read more

Felines & Canines - Our new Lola! (Ms. Sassy) - Animal Shelters Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I highly suggest adopting through Felines & Canines! Felines & Canines is such an incredible animal shelter and while adopting through this pandemic they have made this adoption process so easy! I adopted my beautiful cat Lilah (shelter name Brooke) last Tuesday. I have been looking to adopt and sent an email to Sam to setup an appointment on Monday night. Sam emailed me right away Tuesday morning and we set up an appointment for that afternoon. When I arrived I was greeted by Clark who was so kind, welcoming and supportive through the entire process! Sam and Clark had animals suggested to meet when I got there based on what I was looking for. Clark thoroughly explained each animal and allowed me time to get to know them as well as get to know the others. Lilah (Brooke) was the second cat that I was shown and I knew right away that she was the one! Clark was the most incredible counselor and helped me find my new best friend! Felines and canines were incredibly communicative, their information was easy to find, their flexibility for appointments was outstanding and their matching process was spot on. Thank you Sam, Clark and everyone else at Felines & Canines for helping me find my favorite little lady! read more

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I went there twice. I had been dealing win a few different rescues and the process was slow and sometimes the dog you would get your hopes up for would be gone the same day you were interested. Half the time I was told because I lived in the city that they didn't have any good options for me since I wanted a large breed. This went on for three months. My experience with felines and canines which is down the street from me proved to be the best place. I worked with Carol both times. She was honest and I felt like she understood my interest in larger breeds and didn't make me feel like it was the wrong choice because I was in the city. First visit they had Bolen a lab with a bit too much energy for me. So I decided to wait till the following week. I called the day prior spoke to Carol and she confirmed what dogs were still there and that she felt they had some good choices for me. Sunday rolls around. I get there first thing and Abby greets me and she is sweet and wonderful and immediately knows that I had been working with Carol - even when Abby and I hadn't even met! Carol greets me warmly. We find the right pup for me and he's been a gem. I adopted Buddy (formerly Sharky/Shep). Thank you felines and canines for existing. For expanding your business model and making city folk and first time dog owners feel welcomed and apart of the family! read more

Felines & Canines - Animal Shelters Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We adopted our best buddy Ziggy (formerly Sydney) from Felines and Canines in December 2018 and I can say without a doubt it was the best decision we ever made. We went back to Felines and Canines twice before finding our perfect match, and the team was so helpful making sure we were the right fit for each other. There were no surprises when we brought Ziggy home because he was lucky enough to have stayed at a Foster home for the weeks leading up to his adoption (and we had a good idea of how he interacted in a home). I would choose Felines and Canines over any shelter in the city due to the level of care and attention they give their animals to make sure they find their perfect forever home. read more

Felines & Canines - Animal Shelters Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I adopted my BFF cat, Squish about a month ago and the process to adopt at F&C was so simple, clear, and friendly. They were very knowledgeable about the personalities of all the different cats and which ones would be a good fit in my home. They answered all my questions and encouraged me to stay connected to the F&C community, they run a very solid and ethical shelter and I highly recommend adopting here! read more

Felines & Canines - Animal Shelters Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Late update, we did adopt her! After we chose to adopt her, Abby just asked for the crate and other items that she loaned us back, which I happily just took and send her back new replacements through Amazon. Mila/Xeon has been a great addition to our household. The only thing is that Felines & Canine's age was WAYYY off for her. They said she was probably around 3-4 years old and she was probably more like 1 year old, if that. read more

Out of all the rescues in Chicago, I'm so glad we chose Felines & Canines. The entire staff was kind and helpful throughout the entire process, making it a smooth and pleasant experience. They are also very responsive to email and social media. We had our eye on a particular pup that they posted on their FB page - I highly recommend following them to get updates on all the lovely dogs and cats available. We got there 15 mins before opening and there were a few people already waiting in line. Thankfully, we were able to meet the pup of our dreams first. They let us walk her around the block, and then we got to be in a private room so we could get to know her better before making a decision. They checked in on us the perfect amount of times before we made the decision to apply and adopt. We filled out the application there - it wasn't lengthy or complicated - very straightforward. Abby, who was facilitating our adoption, provided all the paperwork and necessary information before we were on our way. Abby (also the director) was so pleasant and very helpful! We ended up having to bring our dog back the next week so she could be spayed without charge (since she literally arrived to the adoption center the day before). They made that process easy for us as well. If you're considering a dog or cat, I HIGHLY recommend F&C! They do amazing things in the community and care a lot about their animals. We got the most amazing dog from them :) read more

I walked in only because I wanted to pet some cats. The volunteers asked what kind of cats I like and I told them that I like highly affectionate but not too bright cats and they immediately said you need to meet Hutch. You can tell that all of the volunteers take the time to learn each cat's personality because they were spot on with the matchmaking. I wasn't expecting to get a cat that day, but meeting Hutch melted my heart and I filled out the paperwork then and there. I knew I had to have him. Thank you guys for introducing me to my new best friend. read more

Felines & Canines - Here's Hutch lounging on top of me less than two hours after adoption. - Animal Shelters Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We adopted the zanny and speedy Obi from Abby at Felines and Canines. Never had a dog who loved a cuddle like this little dude. Lovely puppers who has made his dog friend (Hoover) exercise more and has even convinced cat (Max) that cuddles are awesome. Thanks Abby for saying "the dog you looked at online got adopted but....we have another dog that meets some of your parameters" read more

Felines & Canines - Dogs - Animal Shelters Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I'm always sad since I'm the only one in my house. That's when Gerald, a good buddy, suggested that I get a pet. As a cat-lover, I felt the idea was an excellent one. Here in Felines and Canines, I decided to join in. In the beginning, I had second thoughts about becoming a fur parent because I'm not sure whether I'm mentally stable enough to do it. As a result, the staff members I've spoken to have advised me that it's the ideal time to get a pet. So, I agreed and her the documents were readily set up, and fortunately, their service was pleasant fast , and I had no negative experiences here. My Yoshi is already a month old and living with me. Abby and her crew have earned my trust, and I visit their facilities on a regular basis. They treat my cat so well, and he has grown into a healthy and gorgeous young kitten. All in all, I definitely recommend them to any pet owner out there. read more

Shout out to felines and canines! My boyfriend and I adopted Louie, formally Tiger, from felines and canines 1 week ago today and our hearts are full. We went to look at a different dog, but quickly fell in love with Tiger (a one-year-old plott hound boxer mix rescued from rural Kentucky) -- as the saying goes... you can choose the dog, but sometimes the dog chooses you. Within an hour and a half we had gone on walks with two different dogs, made our decision, filled out paperwork, and were on our way home with our new pup. The adoption process was very smooth; all the dogs were in good spirits and happy. It is a testament to Abby and her team who are all so warm and welcoming. You can tell it's their passion to find loving homes and humans for their animals. When we adopted tiger he already had all his shots, been checked for heartworm and had vaccinations. Abby also set up Tiger's neutering appointment with the Humane Society the very next week and covered the bill, which was a great added bonus! #Booya read more

Felines & Canines - You had me at... those eyes. Louie aka Tiger... melting hearts on the daily. - Animal Shelters Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We adopted our kitten Louise recently and want to give a special shout out to Kirby, the vet at F&C. He has taken such good care of her, way beyond what our regular vet provided due to pandemic restrictions. She was coughing about a week after we adopted her, Kirby examined her and prescribed antibiotics and a dewormer. Then our big dog (also adopted from F&C) picked her up and shook her, resulting in an emergency vet visit. Her one leg was dragging and the consensus was it might need to be amputated. Luckily for us, exercise and therapy got her leg working again. The accident seem to have aggravated a hernia she had. Kirby took care of the hernia while doing her spaying surgery. Since she is a very rambunctious kitty, she torn her stitches. Again Kirby checked her out and prescribed antibiotics. F&C's post adoption care is simply phenomenal! read more

Felines & Canines - Animal Shelters Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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My fiancé and I were looking to adopt a dog since we both grew up with dogs in the family and needed a little more activity in the house than what our cat could offer. After spending some time perusing Petfinder, I noticed there were a few shelters with well-informed descriptions, including Felines & Canines. We had arrived on a Friday around 4 or 5pm. It took a few minutes for someone to open the door for us (you have to ring for entrance) but there was someone ready to greet and talk with us. We were led through the dog rooms and introduced to each dog. The space was very clean and very busy. We learned that Felines & Canines partners with an organization in Alabama who does all the fostering. The day we arrived was when a transport of new dogs and cats arrived, so they were quite busy but they still took the time to ask us what we were looking for and offer advice regarding size and activity level. Eventually, we picked out three dogs to meet. We were given one dog at a time to walk around the block. Walking around an actual neighborhood was a great way to see what a dog's personality is like instead of interacting inside a shelter. The third dog we met, Reese, was THE dog. We knew instantly. They also offered to cat-test Reese (now Moose), as well, by bringing up an adoptable cat into one of the rooms inside. After it went well, they sat down with us and went over all the paperwork (contract, rabies paperwork, etc). While we were waiting for Moose to get microshipped, I noticed a whiteboard listing all the animals that were adopted that day. It was a very, very long list for one day. They said, on average, an animal will stay at their shelter for 4 days. In the end, Felines & Canines took a "boo ya" photo of me and my fiancé with Moose, gave us a new turquoise collar and leash (the color indicates adopted!), and off we went into the sunset. read more

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I could write a page long review on how outstanding our experience was this Saturday, but no amount of wordiness in the post would do them any justice. From the moment we stepped in the shelter we felt welcomed and relaxed--and there was no pressure whatsoever to adopt. We spent 3-4 hours meeting with a few particular dogs and each one was wonderful in their own way. We worked with Sam all day and she was incredibly kind and patient. and when my partner and I needed some time to have a more private conversation, we were accommodated with open arms. By the end of the day we walked out with an incredible 4 year old hound mix who has already brought so much joy into our life in such a short period of time. Many thanks to such a wonderful staff. read more

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Felines Inc. is a very special no-kill shelter for cats. Oh sure, you say, all those places are the same, but I'm here to tell you, Felines Inc. is on a high level all its own. Felines Inc. is located in an old house in Rogers Park. The entire first floor is given away to 50-some cats. The first thing you notice when you walk in is what you don't notice - despite a couple dozen littler boxes scattered about, there is no litter box odor. This place is clean. Volunteers keep the place clean, and they keep the cats socialized. They know these animals - which one plays well with others, which ones tolerate dogs and small children, which ones have special needs. You can sit downstairs and just wait to see which cat, or cats, come to you. You can take your time, and find the right animal. (Of course, cats choose us, not the other way around - it's best to see who comes to you, and who sits in your lap). Several years ago, my landlord relented and allowed me to get cats. I called Felines Inc. and got Abbey, the director, on the phone. I said, I want to adopt two cats. She said, "bless you." I said, I want to adopt two older cats. She said, "I have just the two for you." This was my introduction to Abbey, who has a reputation for being a "cat-match" master. She introduced me to Leonis, a Maine Coon Cat, and his companion, a little calico named Milana. I met them, fell in love, and said, I'll take them. Adopting from Felines Inc. requires more paperwork than a) getting married; b) getting pregnant, or c) getting a driver's license. Abbey and the team at Felines Inc. want to be absolutely sure you know what you're getting into as a cat owner, and that your living space (especially if you rent) is going to allow cats. They'd rather take the time to make a good match than make a mistake. They know that taking home a cat is a commitment for the lifetime of the animal; it takes money, time and a whole lot of love and attention to keep an animal in your life. When I brought the cats home, Leonis immediately developed a nasty cold. I called Abbey for advice. She provided me with some medicine. After a few days of wiping his nose with his paw and a Reiki treatment, he got better. When he started battling Milana for litter box rights, I called for advice. They gave me a very big litter box, for free, so that Leonis could have his own. I still have it, and it still gets used. A few years ago, I rescued a mangy stray in February, just days before I was going to Mexico. I was afraid to bring her inside, in case she had some dread disease that my cats might catch, but I was leaving town, and desperate about her wellfare. I got the vet to check her out, but she needed somewhere to go. Felines Inc. took her in, bless them, and gave her a last good month of life before her worn-out kidneys shut down. She was sick and alone and scrawny, and probably unadoptable, but Felines Inc. cared for her and kept her safe. Over the years, Leonis has died, Milana has thrived, and I've kept in touch with Felines Inc. If I have a question or problem with cat behavior or health, I know I can call Felines Inc. Their support doesn't end when you walk out the door; they absolutely want your human-feline relationship to be successful and happy. How many businesses will follow through years after the adoption? Felines inc. does. Good folks, and good cats. read more

Felines & Canines - Leonis - Animal Shelters Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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This place is INCREDIBLE. A+. Even if you aren't serious about adopting, you should come here and observe what it is like to witness a remarkable saving shelter where workers do work that they actually love and are passionate about. I knew I was ready to adopt and had been searching at PAWS and the CACC, but didn't get friendly vibes from either/didn't find connections with any of the dogs. I found Felines & Canines on a lark and was amazed by the warmth of the workers as well as them allowing me to take dogs I was interested on walks and get to know them one on one. I found my dream dog here thanks to Abby and Kelly who made the adoption process so easy and warm. Kelly also helped me with a fundraiser when he was in need of surgery which is SUCH a gift. I am forever grateful to this space and you have a special place in my heart. Thank you, felines & canines! read more

Felines & Canines - Animal Shelters Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I have been sitting on this review for well over a month. I have written and rewritten it several times and have finally decided keep it short and finally pull the trigger. So... I am having difficulty describing how fantastic our experience was at Felines & Canines. On April 4, 2015 we were introduced to young Stanley. This 11lbs shy little dude was abandoned/lost/whatever near a school on the north side and ended up at Felines or Canines. A friend of ours found him on their outstanding website, sent us a pic and we were hooked. The facility is truly amazing. Both my wife and I have volunteered at shelters before and this is by far the cleanest and most well managed we have seen. Abby, Kelly and everyone at F&C are so kind and helped us make sure we were making a well-informed decision. They walked us through paperwork and we were able to take Stanley home. Abby is so committed to her work with her furry ones that she asked to continue to be Stanley's emergency contact (she is). That really sums it up right there. Update: It's been a month+ and Stanley (we did not change his name as it fits as you can see by the photo) is doing great. We like him and he seems to like us. Well done Felines & Canines! Keep up the great work. read more

Felines & Canines - Mr. Stanley (aka Patrolman Stan) - Animal Shelters Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

After having a horrendous experience with PAWS, I was a little disenchanted with the process of adopting a dog. We went to Felines & Canines hoping for a better experience...and wow! We definitely got it. We went on Saturday, and they told us they did not have any dogs available, but they would on Sunday. We went back when they opened on Sunday. The process was fairly fast and easy. Our entire household went, and we all found our guy (Hank formerly Union) that we felt fit with us. I am drawing a blank on names, but everyone was so friendly! They let us hang out with a series of dogs before we settled on Hank. Since we have two cats in our household, they also "cat tested" every dog we were interested in (and they all did really well!). Kudos to that brave cat that helped us find the right pup. Your courage did not go unnoticed. The actual adoption process was easy and very non-judgemental. It was a very positive environment. Felines and Canines also seems to have a very non-judgemental "return policy" (I hate to call it that, but for brevity's sake....). The let us know that if it wasn't working out, they would take him back. It is nice that they acknowledge that people are imperfect and make mistakes and give people the opportunity to return the dog without judgement to a safe place. I think some people do not realize how exhausting getting a new dog acquainted to your home is. Luckily, Hank has been welcomed with huge open arms into our family! He is so gentle with EVERYONE...even the cats. We're so happy to have him in our family. :)Thanks Canines and Felines! read more

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Can't say enough good things about Felines & Canines. As first time dog owners, my husband and I visited several shelters before F&C. Some places were too intimidating, some were too transactional, and some just felt wrong. 5 minutes after we stepped into F&C, we knew we were at the right place. The staff is incredibly friendly, supportive and helpful, and gives you all the time you need with pet(s) before making a decision. My husband and I spent a full 2-3 hours cuddling, walking and playing with our pup Barley (FKA Jet) before finally taking her home. F&C is also extremely helpful when it comes to post-adoption questions. We had Barley spayed at F&C (covered in her adoption fee) and had a few questions about her healing. The F&C team was extremely responsive. I'd recommend Felines & Canines to anyone looking to add a loving animal buddy to their home. read more

Felines & Canines - Meeting Barley (FKA Jet)! - Animal Shelters Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

My partner and I adopted our dog from here at the beginning of March. Within 1 day of bringing her home- we noticed she was scratching her ears incessantly. Upon taking her to the vet, we were told she had a double ear infection and needed ear drops. I feel extremely disappointed in our interaction with your shelter, we were told she had a clean bill of health and was not experiencing ANY issues. Within hours of taking her home we noticed her ears bothering her- so either your staff did not notice, which feels neglectful, or they did notice and chose not to disclose this information to us. Either way, very disappointing. On another note, we were told by you as well as a note from her foster family that she is friendly with dogs. From our experience with her for the last 3 months, nothing could be farther from the truth. She has attacked 3 dogs (one of which she hopped the fence and attacked a neighbor's dog COMPLETELY unprovoked). Yesterday, she attacked my sister's dog and had his neck in her mouth for 30 seconds because we could not break them up. In all of these instances, she was extraordinarily aggressive- not in the slightest bit playful. We are now in the works of consulting with Boarding facilities that work with aggressive dogs to help socialize them. The cost of this program will likely be over $2,000. We both feel extremely disappointed and mislead from your services. We were not told about her ear infections which lead to hundreds of dollars in several vet visits, and now her aggression which will cost another $2,000 at least. read more

Samantha and team were so awesome! They were patient, answered all my questions, and helped match me with the right personality in a cat. I've had Ash for just under a week and we couldn't be happier. Thanks guys! read more

Felines & Canines - Animal Shelters Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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A year ago, I adopted a cat from these fantastic ladies. The cat I chose has asthma and allergies, which they fully disclosed. They provided me with all her medical records and even covered the bill for her first vet appointment since she was sickly. They called a few weeks later to check in on her. They truly care about each of their animals. Last week, I adopted my second cat from them (I only have two cats now, if you're wondering...) This cat was recovering from a bad cold, so they kept him in the shelter to assure his health, and I conceded, despite my impatience to take him home and squeeeeeze him. Again, they provided me with medical records and a health-walkthrough. They also gave me some food he likes - because *somehow* they manage to know what each of their 70 cats will eat. Because I live around the corner and they know how insanely wily my first cat is, they offered to come clip his nails and check on them. What a gift! They accomplished this seemingly impossible task, and I donated $20. Overall, these women go above and beyond. They save pets from kill shelters all over the region, and they give each animal health, safety, love and time to be found by you. They are generous, kind, magnanimous people saving sweet little pets one at a time. When you're ready to open your heart and home to a new pet, consider rewarding Felines & Canines for their incredible effort. read more

My partner and I stopped by F&C in December to explore the possibility of adopting a cat. On our first visit We ended up falling in love with two cats: one of them was in isolation because she was ill with a cold, the other followed us around the entire time, pawing at us. The adoption process was very smooth, though it took longer than we anticipated to Get them out the door once we had filled out the paperwork (around 2 to 3 hours), so definitely plan for that. I really liked all of the guidance that we received-- the staff were so kind and non-judgmental, we really couldn't have asked for anything else. They also showed us how to administer medicine to our sick kitty and we were able to take her home the same day we met her. Another thing that I appreciated was that Once we took the cats home, both of them ended up having some persistent health issues (one acne, the other ear mites) and F&C very kindly offered to pay for the full treatment for the ear mites and a vet visit for the acne-- they did this without us even having to ask. I feel strongly about this place because the cats that we adopted are such amazing companions and the staff at F&C have been so amazing! I could not provide a stronger recommendation. We live up the street and have already donated two rounds of kitty litter because we love this place so much. I am not sure how much Abby and her staff make, but they all deserve ginormous raises: the work that they are doing placing animals with families can be life changing: It was for my family in the best possible way! read more

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You're in luck! No need to research possible dog breeds for traits to fit your lifestyle, the confrontational woman here will "FIND THE RIGHT DOG FOR YOU!" How does she do it you're wondering? Well me too. I assume through psychic powers, because it certainly wasn't through any getting to know you questions. Crying after a visit? Well thats just a small price to pay to "FIND THE RIGHT DOG FOR YOU!" Don't worry, she knows best, she's been doing it a long time, and its not about you anyways, its about the dogs. They don't care about each and every animal that comes through their door, just the four legged ones. Edit: After reading Abby's comment... I was not informed the dogs were getting spayed/neutered, nor was I disappointed not to meet them, especially under those circumstances. There was no way I could be informed because I didn't tell anyone I was coming. The volunteers I met were very sweet, indeed, and informed me the dog was too, but had just been neutered and that I couldn't see him. They talked up the dog, as I'm sure they've been trained to. I was getting ready to leave when you showed up to tell me "YOU'D FIND THE RIGHT DOG FOR ME." You did talk to me four times on the phone, but I never mentioned wanting a trained dog, in fact the opposite. I did however hear you say to me, "Do you know what you're getting with a spaniel?!" within the fist sentence. Its seems at that moment you'd made up your mind. I came yesterday to confirm your diagnosis about that dog and to get to know you and your organization. I've seen lots of dogs, but brought none home, because I'm doing lots of research talking to lots of rescue organizations and shelters and meeting lots of dogs. If all things go well, I will have this dog for a minimum of the next ten years! This is one of the biggest and most emotional decisions of my life. And to have some stranger shout at me is absolutely unacceptable. Luckily I'm currently working with two rescues who vet potential owners more thoroughly and make real matches through research and home visits. This has always been my preference in this long process, but I've kept my eye on shelters as well. read more

We adopted our puppies from Felines & Canines. They were born in the shelter. Kelly, Abby and all of the staff at F&C were an amazing foster family for these babies and gave them such a wonderful life before they could be adopted out. It had to be a real labor of love to take care of 7 newborn puppies (think bottle feeding starving puppies at one time!) so we cannot thank them enough for all the care and attention they gave them early on. The adoption process was great - F&C provided very clear detailed instructions since puppy medical care/shots is very specific. F&C was reachable and responsive at any point if we had questions or needed help. Our pups are micro-chipped, fully vetted with shots, and were spayed/neutered when they were old enough to go in for that. We cannot thank F&C enough for loving these puppies and giving them a chance or the awesome vets that work with the shelter to provide them with such critical vet care. It has been such an amazing experience watching our pups grow!! read more

Felines & Canines - Animal Shelters Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

There are many good shelters in Chicago, but this one is by far the best one to see if you are looking for a pet. It is clean, organized and professional, but what's most impressive is how personable, knowledgable, and friendly they are. They care a lot about your interaction with the animals, and want to make sure it's a good fit for you AND your new family member. Boo yah ! read more

Felines & Canines - My and my new girl Rizzo - Animal Shelters Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I adopted a cat from Felines & Canines a little over a week ago and have nothing but amazing things to say about this place and Paula, who I worked with. They truly care about each and every animal here. I can only speak to the cat section as I didn't visit any dogs, but I have no doubt they are similarly great! The facilities are very clean (definitely no sad shelter smell here!) and the animals actually seem happy. I looked at quite a few shelters around the Chicago area and was very disappointed to see animals that seemed so tired and sad. The cats came up to say hi to the volunteers and workers I saw as well. They are in a large cage-free environment and are able to run around, play and socialize with other animals. I met a few cats who didn't get along with others or had special needs who had their own little rooms rather than cages to restrict them. The biggest thing that sets Felines & Canines apart besides the beautiful facilities and really happy animals is the fact that the staff really do want to find the perfect animal for you and vice versa. I spent a couple hours looking around the cat floor and meeting them all, but ultimately went home with the sweetest little girl who was also the very first one that Paula introduced me to after listening to what I was looking for in a pet. April (fka Willa) adjusted beautifully into her new home and I could not have been happier with her or the shelter. I am so glad I stopped in to Felines & Canines! :) ALSO- I had totally forgotten to write this review, but was reminded when Paula called to check in with me a week later. They really look out for their pets and I felt so welcomed by Paula and the other staff members. Thank you so so so much for everything! read more

Felines & Canines - April, formerly known as Willa, the most affectionate kitty I've ever met the morning after coming home. - Animal Shelters Near Me - Chicago, Illinois