To provide the most efficient service and to better facilitate shelter operations, we kindly request that residents make an appointment for animal intake. These managed intake processes are considered a best practice across the country, and while every city has unique needs, we are doing what is best for CACC at this time.

Stray Intake is open from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily.  Making an appointment is strongly suggested by emailing us at VisitCACC@cityofchicago.org or by calling 312-747-1406. If you cannot make an appointment, you may experience a longer wait time. 

• Chicago Animal Care and Control is only authorized to take in stray animals found within the City of Chicago.

Owner Surrender intake requires an appointment, please emailing us at VisitCACC@cityofchicago.org or by calling 312-747-1406. By scheduling appointments for owner surrenders, CACC staff can effectively prepare and help guide them towards the best option for their pet.

• Owner surrender appointments are based on available space and our capacity for care. The shelter population is constantly changing. When scheduling these appointments several factors are considered including the average number of strays entering the shelter per week, the average number of adoptions & reunited pets per week, and kennel space needed to accommodate an emergency.

• CACC’s goal is to work with pet owners, empowering you to take an active role in determining the best outcome for your pets. We encourage all pet owners to consider other options for help or private rehoming prior to surrendering your pet to CACC. No one is in a better position to find your pet a new home than you are. We encourage you to exhaust all other means of finding a new home for your unwanted pets by talking with friends, family, and coworkers. We are also here to help you keep your pet whenever possible.

Chicago Animal Care and Control is the largest open admission municipal animal shelter in Chicago and in the Midwest. Thousands of animals arrive at CACC each year. We work diligently to find homes for adoptable animals and to transfer them to partnering rescue groups and humane societies. Animals that are a danger to other animals, themselves or the public are considered for euthanasia. Animals that are suffering mentally, emotionally, or physically may also be considered for euthanasia.