Pet adoption events in Chicago, IL — adopt-a-thons & fee-waived days

Every upcoming adoption event we have in Chicago, IL: adopt-a-thons, fee-waived adoption weekends, kitten showers and mobile adoption stops run by shelters and rescues near you. Each listing links to the organizer so you can confirm the hours, the application process and which dogs and cats will be there.

Listings refresh daily. Last updated 2026-09-04.

Upcoming adoption events in Chicago

Adoption events by city

Chicago shelters & rescues that run adoption events

  • PAWS Chicago — Chicago's largest no-kill humane organization. Runs adoption events at its Lincoln Park and Little Village centers plus regular off-site adopt-a-thons — check their calendar for the next date.
  • The Anti-Cruelty Society — River North open-admission shelter with dog, cat, rabbit and small-animal adoptions, plus periodic fee-waived adoption promotions — check their calendar.
  • One Tail at a Time — Foster-based Chicago rescue that holds pop-up adoption events at bars, breweries and pet shops around the city — check their calendar.
  • Chicago Animal Care & Control — The city's municipal shelter on Western Ave. Adoptions daily, and the partner for city-wide fee-waived pushes such as Clear the Shelters — check their calendar.
  • Alive Rescue — Near West Side rescue and pet-supply store running dog and cat adoptions plus community events — check their calendar.
  • Chicago Canine Rescue — North Side dog rescue focused on hard-to-place dogs, with meet-and-greet adoption events through the year — check their calendar.

More ways to find your next pet

Adoption event FAQ for Chicago

Are there free adoption events in Chicago?
Adoption events in Chicago are free to attend; you pay only if you adopt. Fee-waived days remove the adoption fee entirely. Every upcoming Chicago adoption event we hold is listed on this page, and adoption alerts will tell you the day a new one is added.
What is a fee-waived adoption day?
A sponsor covers the adoption fee, so the spay/neuter, vaccines and microchip it pays for cost you nothing. The application and screening are unchanged.
Can I adopt a cat at an adoption event in Chicago?
Yes. Most Chicago adopt-a-thons bring cats and dogs, and kitten showers run through spring and summer. Each listing shows the species.
What do I need to bring to adopt a dog in Chicago?
Photo ID with your Chicago address, proof pets are allowed where you live, and often every member of your household. Bring a leash or carrier if you hope to go home with a pet.
How do adopt-a-thons work?
Multiple shelters and rescues gather at one venue with adoptable animals on site. You meet them, apply, and take your pet home the same day or arrange pickup.
Do I need an appointment?
Walk-ins are usual, but many shelters book the meet-and-greet by appointment. Check the organizer page linked on each Chicago listing first.
Are puppies and kittens at adoption events in Chicago?
Sometimes — they go fast and many live in foster homes. Kitten showers in spring are the dependable exception.
How do I get alerted about the next adoption event in Chicago?
Turn on adoption alerts for Chicago on this page: one email or push the day a new adoption event is added, and nothing else.