Animal Welfare League

The Animal Welfare League was founded over 85 years ago. In 1935, a vision became reality when a group of compassionate humanitarians came together to relieve suffering among animals. Seventy-five years later the AWL has grown to become the largest humane facility in the Chicagoland area, serving over 22,000 animals annually from more than 64 communities. Its multi-faceted mission: to prevent cruelty to animals, provide quality homes through its adoption program, promote respect and compassion for all creatures through education, provide shelter and care for homeless and unwanted animals, reduce pet overpopulation through low cost spay/neuter clinics, provide veterinary care for low-income pet owners and relieve the suffering of all animals - is carried out by a dedicated staff and volunteers. Today, the Animal Welfare league operates two shelters in the Chicagoland area. Our founding shelter is located on Wabash Avenue in Chicago serving the impoverished area. Our main office, located in Chicago Ridge, is a full-service shelter open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The AWL operates a full service clinic that is open to the public Monday through Saturday.