Chicago Rescue Authority does not operate on a first-come-first-serve basis. Each application is weighed based on how suitable of a home they can provide for each individual dog, and in the case of multiple puppies in a litter, we match the puppy to the adopter based on personality and needs rather than on physical appearance. We find that this leads to a much higher number of long-term adoption successes and far fewer returns on adopted animals.

Our adoption team works diligently to read through each application and check veterinary references to ensure our pets are being placed with responsible, safe individuals. Applicants will answer some basic questions about their lifestyle and expectations for a new pet via email before our team determines if they are a match for the dog they would like to adopt, at which point they will be invited to meet the dog and be given the opportunity to finalize an adoption.