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New Leash On Life

4.9 (44 reviews)

Services - New Leash On Life

Animal shelters

Community Service/Non-Profit

New Leash On Life Photos

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Peanut!

If you read nothing else - fostering with New Leash on Life is the best, no-regrets decision I ever made. If you want more details about how and why I reached this conclusion, read on. I wanted to volunteer with animals, and I was frustrated by the larger organizations extremely limited opportunities and complicated process to volunteer. No, I didn't want to read a 50 page manual and take a test just to clean cages. I wanted to make a big difference in the lives of dogs and help Chicago become a no-kill city. Surely, it couldn't be that hard to find an organization with no red tape and an easy process to volunteer. Enter: New Leash on Life. I found them about 2.5 years ago on this Yelp page with their address listed downtown. I later realized this downtown address was only a PO Box which means NLOL does not have a physical location/adoption center. The implication of this is that all dogs go straight from rescue into foster homes until they find their forever families. This process can take weeks or sometimes months - depending on the dog. Don't let the uncertainty of a timeline deter you - fostering for New Leash is an absolute dream and here are my top three reasons why: 1. Unparalleled people - the nicest and most sincere adoption counselors. They constantly check up on the pups, their progress, and making sure you as a foster have everything you need. Not just via email- typically by text messages which means a quick response time. 2. Super flexible - a. Vacation or trip? No problem! New Leash will work with you and your schedule b. Work long hours? No problem! New Leash can schedule a walker to come during the day 3. And last but not least, THE DOGS. They really know how to pick them. Every dog that I've fostered has been kind hearted, adorable, and an A++ cuddler. Every dog deserves the right to a loving, safe home. Yes fostering is a short term arrangement, but it's a critical piece to helping these pups find their long term forever. Nothing makes me happier than seeing every dog I've fostered thriving in their forever homes. If you're on the fence about fostering, just try it. Anyone who loves dogs can do it and do it successfully. It is an extremely rewarding process and this organization makes it SO easy.

Loved and comfy
Jane A.

We had a wonderful experience adopting our girl from them. They took all the necessary steps to make sure she goes to a good home, but still made it uncomplicated and easy, they were very accommodating and considerate towards us. They really take care of the animals and go above and beyond for them as well. Wonderful organization with a bid heart!

NLOL alumni Olivia happily living it up in Southern California!

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Ask the Community - New Leash On Life

Review Highlights - New Leash On Life

“Surely, it couldn't be that hard to find an organization with no red tape and an easy process to volunteer.”

Mentioned in 17 reviews

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Midwest Animal Rescue Service - Adopted pets get a FREE first vet exam AND 50% off their spay/neuter surgery at Arnett Animal Hospital!

Midwest Animal Rescue Service

(19 reviews)

The Loop

Working with MARS has been a great experience for us! My husband and I searched online for…read moreadoptable puppies, and that's when we found MARS. We found the most adorable puppy, Hannah (now Bailey!), and filled out an application, which was reviewed and approved in a very timely fashion. We were even able to reserve Bailey in advance, which meant we didn't have to worry about missing out on her or something going wrong. Shortly after we were approved, Alex got into contact with me via email (which is great for me!). I asked TONS of questions and wrote a few lengthy emails- All of which Alex responded to usually within a few hours and took the time to go over everything I wanted to know in detail. We weren't getting this kind of attention with other rescues, so it was a great feeling to see how much they care about their animals and finding them good homes! When we went to our adoption event, they offered to stay a day late since we couldn't make it for their original time due to a family wedding. They gave us all of Bailey's medical records and explained everything on there. They made some great recommendations for food, treats, toys, and keeping her healthy. We took Bailey home that day, and couldn't be happier! She's a wonderful pup, and has been a wonderful addition to our family!

We adopted Mulder (FKA "Cider") shortly before Christmas. Even though we were running late to the…read moreadoption event, MARS representatives stayed late and made sure we had a connection with the dog that we only originally knew from pictures. Their care and concern for the puppies was evident. They also helped us select the right dog food and essential accessories, which helped us immensely. They were honest about his lack of housebreaking and leash training, and directed us to sources for assistance in those areas. Since we got Mulder just before he was scheduled to be neutered, MARS provided a $75 rebate with proof that the dog was fixed (required with the adoption contract), which was sent to my PayPal account. He was also up-to-date on his puppy series shots and very healthy. Although we never needed it (yea!) also knowing that I had a month of free health insurance for Mulder was also very comforting, as was his microchipping. Throughout the process MARS representatives have been very responsive and communicative, answering even the "tough questions" and concerns. I'm sorry for the experiences that people had 2 years ago, a sick puppy is no fun. Thankfully, our experience with MARS has been excellent in every way, and I would definitely adopt from this no-kill rescue again.

Friends of  Chicago Animal Care + Control - Volunteer ad in the window at Urban Pooch.  Sorry about the glare!

Friends of Chicago Animal Care + Control

(7 reviews)

West Loop, Near West Side

I LOVE "Friends" and have them to thank for pulling my sweet little Stella from CACC. She was…read moredropped by her previous family with no info, was scared and sick with kennel cough. I met Stella (formerly known as Camilla) through a friend of mine that has fostered many dogs for Friends. Their volunteers really love animals and give these dogs loving homes while they wait for their "forever home". They also do an excellent job taking care of medical issues prior to adoption. I strongly believe rescuing a dog is best - and I think a foster organization like this can be the best way to find your perfect rescue dog. The foster parents can give you the scoop on the dog's personality and training level. I say thanks everyday for Stella being in my life thanks to Friends!

Went through the application process and on that application I stated I had declawed my previous…read morecats in the past. This is something I had no idea could effect the cat negatively. When asked why I had declawed and if I would in the future I responded with "The reason I have for declawing just the front claws is because that is something my family cats always had done and it never seemed to effect them. I'm open to changing my mind about this. I have never seen it cause issues in a cat I've cared for (if done young), but if there is research it does negatively effect them, then I would rethink my decision." That response was meet with a declining of my application and no further communication. I responded twice saying I would respect the policy and not declaw. Still no response. I also called and left a message. No call back, no response. Very unprofessional and disappointing.

Great Lakes Pigeon Rescue

Great Lakes Pigeon Rescue

(2 reviews)

The Loop

Maxine is a fraudulent account created by a known animal abuser who has been banned from adopting…read morethrough Great Lakes Pigeon Rescue. Great lakes pigeon rescue does nothing but go above and beyond for their animals. Everything negative "Maxine" said in their review is a blatant flat out lie. Myself, and others I know personally have had only positive things to say about receiving birds from GLPR and GLPR does their utmost to meet the needs of their birds and their prospective adopters.

they take in way more birds than they should. they lack the actual space for the amount(OVER 600…read moreBIRDS IN A STORAGE UNIT) of pigeons they have right now. the majority of the birds reside in non predator proof pens purchased from Amazon. the reason they should be predato proofed is because the amount of wasted feed and grain will attract rats(likely already has) and hi high would be able to chew through the flimsy wire and harm the birds who aren't allowed to perch 4 feet off the filthy floors. several female pigeons forced to lay eggs without nests which is extremely stressful as these are not chickens. pigeons require a semi private nesting space in order to not perpetually keep laying. the food and water containers are open air cat litter boxes which get easily contaminated with feces and require cleaning and refilling more often than standard pigeon/poultry feeders and waterers. The rescue often will put "undesirable" birds that aren't as human social in these pens to LIVE in. Sometimes these birds may not be adopted for months and will be forced to live in these crowded dirty pens longterm. Do Better Great Lakes!!

Chicagoland Bully Breed Rescue

Chicagoland Bully Breed Rescue

(8 reviews)

West Loop, Near West Side

First off, these guys are a non-profit--so it's going to be a lil' bit different than working with…read morea breeder or going to a shop. But they genuinely have the dog's best interests in mind and want to make a perfect match. They specialize in Pitbull / Staffordshire Terriers and mixes and the like. Before you get excited....these are "high maintenance" working dogs (they need to do things, even if it's something simple like ripping a leather work glove into the teeniest bits). And, they can be headstrong (the dogs, not the .org). They need jobs, exercise, and rules, and a strong "leader" who will enforce those rules. Then you will have incredibly happy dogs. I would not recommend these breeds for beginners, but an experienced dog person will be delighted having one of these incredibly affectionate critters around (I get leaned and slobbered on when I come home. Pretty great!). I found my interaction with this crew to be professional, although somewhat scatterbrained because there are a bunch of people who are involved on the back end and AFAIK they all have day jobs as well. However I found my perfect puppy here and adopting her was pretty painless. I genuinely feel these guys are out for the dogs' best interest. There is an application to fill out and a phone call and a home visit. They want to put these critters into loving homes--not fighting rings or puppy mills. Remember though, these are generally larger working dogs and they need exercise and challenges! If you want a moving pillow...do not go this route! Get a Cavy Span http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/cavalierkingcharlesspaniel.htm instead. But, If you want a challenge and are active and don't mind working a dog into a silly mess that slurps up water and then licks your face with ridiculous amounts of happydrool, please browse those pretty faces and fall in love with a loving critter who would love a comfortable permanent home.

I adopted my pit-mix, Cooper, from these guys nearly 5 years ago. At the time I was without a car,…read moreso they actually brought him to me and did the home inspection and everything all at once. I'm so lucky to have gotten such a fantastic, docile, easygoing (see:lazy) dog. Hes generally good with other dogs, loves people and little kids and unless he gets in the trash when I'm at work, he's just about perfect. Thanks for a fantastic dog and smooth experience!

Hinsdale Humane Society

Hinsdale Humane Society

(87 reviews)

This place is awesome. The staff here is so welcoming and kind, and they really do all they can to…read moremake sure any pets in their care feel loved. Both times I've been here it was very clean and just overall a great experience. In fact, I literally travel out there all the way from River North because I trust them so much. I've gotten two outstanding cats from this place. Sashimi, the adult tabby, came home about two years ago and has been the sweetest girl - my friends call her "angel cat" because she would never hurt a fly and loves people. Maki, the baby tuxedo, is the most well socialized kitten I've ever met. She is so brave and doesn't seem to understand the concept of strangers - I definitely credit the caregivers for socializing her so well. Both so healthy and happy! Thank you Hinsdale Humane Society for being such a reliable place and taking such great care of the little ones in their care! My home is a much happier place because of what you all do!

Could not have had a better experience here! Sage, our adoption counselor, was super knowledgeable…read moreand took the time to really get to know us, answer any questions and suggest which cat would be the best fit for us. He did a phenomenal job, as the "Duchess" is already bein' a lap kitty the first night home. We're really so appreciative and are excited to give this lil' girl a loving home experience. Also this is a beautiful facility! It's heartwarming to know that these rescue animals have a wonderful space to stay until they are carefully placed in their new homes. Well done HHS!

New Leash On Life - animalshelters - Updated October 2026

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