Adopt

Puppies and dogs in Elmhurst, Illinois

Looking for a puppy or dog in Elmhurst, Illinois? Adopt a Pet can help you find a new best friend near you.

A pair of dogs

Adopt a dog in Elmhurst, Illinois

These adorable dogs are available for adoption in Elmhurst, Illinois. To learn more about each adoptable dog, click on the "i" icon for fast facts, or their photo or name for full details.
Photo of Dorothea - Fee Waived!

Dorothea - Fee Waived!

Pit Bull Terrier Mixed Breed (Medium)

Female, 3 yrs 8 mos
Elmhurst, IL
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, House-trained, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Meet Dorothea “Thea” Dorothea, affectionately called Thea, is a 4-year-old pittie with the most perfect radar ears and a soft pink, boopable nose that perfectly matches her gentle spirit. Her journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s shaped her into one of the most quietly special dogs you’ll ever meet. Thea came into Animal Control as part of the “Eras Crew,” a group of 13 dogs rescued from a heartbreaking situation. She was just 6 months old, underweight, terrified, and unfamiliar with kindness. Fast forward to today, and Thea has blossomed in foster care into a sweet, silly, and deeply loving companion… on her own timeline. And that timeline is important. Thea is the kind of dog who doesn’t rush trust—she builds it. She needs a patient, experienced adopter who understands that it may take **several months (up to 9)** for her to fully relax and show her true self. But once she does? You’ll get to experience the magic that is Thea: her goofy zoomies, her soft snuggles, and her hilarious little personality quirks that make every day brighter. One thing that helps Thea feel safe and confident is other dogs, she absolutely *thrives* with them. Because of this, **Thea must go to a home with at least one other friendly dog**. She looks to her canine companions for reassurance, playtime, and comfort, and they help her navigate the world with growing confidence. She’s: * Wonderful with other dogs (her happy place!) * Neutral with cats * A perfect angel in her crate * A chill girl who enjoys both playtime and cozy snuggles Because Thea is still learning that the world is a safe place, she can be fearful of new people and environments. A calm, predictable home will help her continue to grow. She may do okay with respectful children who understand her need for space and patience. Thea isn’t an “instant dog”. She’s a **slow-burn best friend**. She’s for someone who finds joy in small wins, who understands that trust is earned, and who will celebrate every brave step she takes. If you’re willing to give her the time and love she deserves, Thea will give you something truly special in return: a bond built on trust, resilience, and unconditional love. *She’s been waiting a long time. Maybe she’s been waiting for you.* Dorothea's adoption fee is waived. If you have specific questions before applying, please feel free to email taylor@playersforpits.com If you are interested in adopting please go directly to www.playersforpits.com to apply. Inquires without specific questions will not be replied to.
Photo of Ivy

Ivy

Boxer

Female, 3 yrs 6 mos
Elmhurst, IL
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
-
Story
We love Ivy! Ivy is such a charming and friendly dog who makes instant friends with anyone she meets (sometimes needs a minute or 2 with some dogs.) Ivy loves kiddie pools and will entertain herself with toys. Even after they're gutted, she enjoys flipping them around and catching them. If the shred lands in your lap, then you're in on the game too! Ivy's foster mom says: "Boxer mix Ivy is delightful, with excellent house manners, good with small kids, good on a leash. Great with other dogs after a proper introduction. Loves watersports: pools, hoses, and squirt guns. Sweet, friendly, and affectionate with excellent house manners." Ivy is crate trained and has excellent house manners. She is fine with small children. She walks well on a leash but can be strong. Ivy is about 2 yo and weighs about 55 lbs. She is spayed, vaccinated, screened for parasites, and microchipped. Her adoption fee is $390 cash and she is available for foster-to-adopt within the Chicago area. For more information and an adoption application, please email UnderdogRailway@yahoo.com
Photo of You can be a foster!

You can be a foster!

Pit Bull Terrier

Male, Young
Elmhurst, IL
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
-
Story
If you don't see a dog currently with Players for Pits that interests you, please consider fostering. There are over 300 amazing dogs at Chicago Animal Care and Control (the shelter most our adoptable dogs come from) and we can match you with a good fit. The rescue covers the cost of all vetting and supplies needed for fostering and we will connect you with a support system of team members/volunteers from our rescue so you are not alone in the process. Fostering saves lives! When you decide to foster, you are temporarily opening your home up to a dog in need who may otherwise have been euthanized. We have many teirs of fosters. The first is "revolving fosters" meaning they take on one or two dogs at a time and when that dog or dog(s) get adopted, they get ready for a new foster to keep to cycle of saving lives going! Another large part of our rescue is Vacation Fosters who do short term fostering. To foster for us, we currently require you be within an hour of Roselle, Illinois where our main vet is located. But if you live out of state or too far, there will be a rescue local to you that could use your help! To register to foster with us, please start by doing a "Foster Sign Up" linked below. This will give us a brief summary of who you are without wasting your time in case you are too far or may be a better fit for another rescue. To sign up, visit https://www.playersforpits.com/foster or contact info@playersforpits.com for more information.
Photo of Nella

Nella

American Pit Bull Terrier American Staffordshire Terrier

Female, 3 yrs 9 mos
Elmhurst, IL
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with dogs, Not good with cats, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Meet Nella – Your Sunbathing, Paw-Waving, Cuddle-Loving Queen 3 Years Old | Female | Tri-Color Bully Mix Say hello to Nella, a compact cutie with a gorgeous tri-color coat (blue, brown, and white) and a heart full of sunshine! Whether she’s basking in the sun, trotting beside you on a walk, or lounging by your side, Nella brings happy, bouncy energy wherever she goes. Nella is a true goofball at heart. You’ll often catch her waving her paw at you just because she feels like it. She’s the perfect blend of active and easygoing. Down for a jog? She's in! Prefer to chill on the couch? She’s already there. Nella has medium energy and adjusts beautifully to the vibe of the day. She’s a smart girl too! Nella knows “sit,” comes to her name, and is a perfect angel in her crate. If you’re looking for a best friend who’s both entertaining and obedient, this girl is ready to shine in her forever home. Nella’s Ideal Home: Nella would thrive as the only pet in the home—she prefers having her humans all to herself. Because of her sensitivities, she should be in a home without cats or children. What she truly wants is to be someone’s one-and-only companion—the star of the show, the best buddy on every walk, and the warm snuggler on every lazy afternoon. Nella is: - Goofy - Loyal - Sun-loving - Walk-ready - Crate-trained - Full of charm If you're looking for a loving, hilarious, and easy-to-love sidekick, Nella will fill your home with tail wags and sunshine. Looking for a playful cuddle bug to complete your home? Fill out an application here: https://www.playersforpits.com/adoption-survey If you have specific questions before applying, please feel free to email inquiries@playersforpits.com If you are interested in adopting, please go directly to www.playersforpits.com to apply. Inquiries without specific questions will not be replied to.
Photo of Pinto

Pinto

American Staffordshire Terrier American Pit Bull Terrier

Male, 11 mos
Elmhurst, IL
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Meet Pinto! Pinto is the perfect combination of playful puppy energy and sweet cuddle buddy. This handsome pit mix has a gorgeous gray/blue coat with a white chest, soulful eyes, and a heart full of love. He’s just as adorable on the inside as he is on the outside! Pinto came to our rescue after being found as a stray in need of extra care and nourishment. Since then, he has blossomed into a healthy, happy boy who absolutely loves every person he meets and is ready to find a forever family of his own. Pinto loves being close to his people, whether he’s joining you on adventures, lounging nearby, or soaking up attention on the couch. Toys are one of his favorite things, and he’s especially motivated by treats, making him eager to learn and fun to work with. He already knows “sit,” is potty trained, and is currently working on crate training and other basic manners. This sweet boy gets along well with other dogs and enjoys wrestling, running around, and then settling in for cuddles. He would do best with respectful toddler-age children and older, as he’s still learning not to jump and is continuing to work on manners around food. Pinto is a medium-energy pup who loves to play but also appreciates a good snuggle session. He’d thrive with a family willing to continue his training, be patient as he learns, and include him in life’s adventures. He’s also an excellent car companion, curious about the world around him but perfectly happy to settle in for a nap once the ride gets going. Sweet, playful, affectionate, goofy, and loyal, Pinto truly is an all-around good boy who will make an incredible companion for one lucky family. Looking for a goofy cuddle bug to complete your home? Fill out an application here: https://www.playersforpits.com/adoption-survey If you have specific questions before applying, please feel free to email inquiries@playersforpits.com If you are interested in adopting please go directly to www.playersforpits.com to apply. Inquires without specific questions will not be replied to.
Photo of Squeak - Fee Waived!

Squeak - Fee Waived!

American Pit Bull Terrier Vizsla

Male, 2 yrs 3 mos
Elmhurst, IL
Size
(when grown) Med. 26-60 lbs (12-27 kg)
Details
Good with kids, Good with dogs, House-trained, Spayed or Neutered, Shots are up-to-date,
Story
Meet Squeak: Your Future Best Friend Squeak is a 1-year-old pit mix with a striking red/chestnut/orange coat, stunning hazel eyes, and legs that go on for days! This handsome boy is full of energy, love, and potential. He was found as a stray back in March 2024, covered in cuts and scars on his right side. Although we don’t know what caused the injuries, they’ve healed beautifully, and Squeak is now ready to move forward with a fresh start. When Squeak was first rescued, he was understandably scared, but over time, he has blossomed into a playful, affectionate companion. He still has a bit of a “stranger danger” side, so slow introductions to new people are essential. But once he knows you, Squeak will shower you with love, excitement, and loyalty. He loves his people and enjoys being by your side, whether it's helping out in the yard, playing with his dog friends, or simply cuddling at the end of the day. Speaking of his dog friends, Squeak has a great time playing and socializing with other dogs. He thrives in playgroups, getting along with most dogs and matching their energy level—so if you have a playful, energetic dog, Squeak would be the perfect fit! He knows to respect dogs that prefer their space, and he’s not shy about being a cuddly, napping companion when the playtime winds down. He is best suited for a household with a dog that can keep up with his energy and a stable routine, as he can get easily excited and a bit jumpy at times. Although Squeak’s high-energy personality might not make him the best fit for families with young kids or chaotic households, older kids who can handle his enthusiastic nature would likely enjoy his playful antics. Squeak loves to be active, running around, chasing balls, and finding sticks to carry around. He’s also a fan of bones and will happily chew on one while you go about your day. After a fun day of adventures, Squeak will curl up beside you and give you all the cuddles you need. Squeak is working on his basic commands and crate training, and he's doing exceptionally well! He’s learned that going into his crate means a treat, and he’s starting to show good self-control, especially when it comes to waiting for high-value treats. He’s a smart boy and would thrive in an environment where he can continue to learn and grow, particularly with activities like agility training. He’s an eager student who loves bonding with his people, and if you’re looking for a buddy to spend your days with, Squeak is your guy! Three words to describe Squeak? Happy, active, and lover of sticks! Looking for a playful cuddle bug to complete your home? Fill out an application here: https://www.playersforpits.com/adoption-survey. If you have specific questions before applying, please feel free to email lisa@playersforpits.com. If you are interested in adopting, please go directly to www.playersforpits.com to apply. Inquiries without specific questions will not be replied to.

Search for a puppy or dog

Use the search tool below to browse adoptable puppies and adult dogs in Elmhurst, Illinois.

Puppies and dogs in nearby cities

Dogs in Addison, IL Dogs in Algonquin, IL Dogs in Alsip, IL Dogs in Arlington Heights, IL Dogs in Aurora, IL Dogs in Barrington, IL Dogs in Bartlett, IL Dogs in Batavia, IL Dogs in Bellwood, IL Dogs in Bensenville, IL Dogs in Berwyn, IL Dogs in Bloomingdale, IL Dogs in Blue Island, IL Dogs in Bolingbrook, IL Dogs in Bridgeview, IL Dogs in Broadview, IL Dogs in Brookfield, IL Dogs in Buffalo Grove, IL Dogs in Burbank, IL Dogs in Burr Ridge, IL Dogs in Calumet City, IL Dogs in Calumet Park, IL Dogs in Campton Hills, IL Dogs in Carol Stream, IL Dogs in Carpentersville, IL Dogs in Cary, IL Dogs in Channahon, IL Dogs in Chicago, IL Dogs in Chicago Heights, IL Dogs in Chicago Ridge, IL Dogs in Cicero, IL Dogs in Clarendon Hills, IL Dogs in Country Club Hills, IL Dogs in Countryside, IL Dogs in Crest Hill, IL Dogs in Crestwood, IL Dogs in Crystal Lake, IL Dogs in Darien, IL Dogs in Deerfield, IL Dogs in Des Plaines, IL Dogs in Dolton, IL Dogs in Downers Grove, IL Dogs in East Chicago, IN Dogs in Elburn, IL Dogs in Elgin, IL Dogs in Elk Grove Village, IL Dogs in Elmwood Park, IL Dogs in Evanston, IL Dogs in Evergreen Park, IL Dogs in Flossmoor, IL Dogs in Forest Park, IL Dogs in Fox River Grove, IL Dogs in Frankfort, IL Dogs in Franklin Park, IL Dogs in Gary, IN Dogs in Geneva, IL Dogs in Gilberts, IL Dogs in Glencoe, IL Dogs in Glendale Heights, IL Dogs in Glen Ellyn, IL Dogs in Glenview, IL Dogs in Glenwood, IL Dogs in Grayslake, IL Dogs in Gurnee, IL Dogs in Hammond, IN Dogs in Hampshire, IL Dogs in Hanover Park, IL Dogs in Harvey, IL Dogs in Harwood Heights, IL Dogs in Hawthorn Woods, IL Dogs in Hazel Crest, IL Dogs in Hickory Hills, IL Dogs in Highland, IN Dogs in Highland Park, IL Dogs in Highwood, IL Dogs in Hillside, IL Dogs in Hinsdale, IL Dogs in Hoffman Estates, IL Dogs in Homer Glen, IL Dogs in Homewood, IL Dogs in Huntley, IL Dogs in Inverness, IL Dogs in Island Lake, IL Dogs in Itasca, IL Dogs in Joliet, IL Dogs in Justice, IL Dogs in La Grange, IL Dogs in La Grange Park, IL Dogs in Lake Bluff, IL Dogs in Lake Forest, IL Dogs in Lake in the Hills, IL Dogs in Lake Zurich, IL Dogs in Lansing, IL Dogs in Lemont, IL Dogs in Libertyville, IL Dogs in Lincolnshire, IL Dogs in Lincolnwood, IL Dogs in Lisle, IL Dogs in Lockport, IL Dogs in Lombard, IL Dogs in Long Grove, IL Dogs in Lynwood, IL Dogs in Lyons, IL Dogs in Manhattan, IL Dogs in Markham, IL Dogs in Matteson, IL Dogs in Maywood, IL Dogs in Melrose Park, IL Dogs in Midlothian, IL Dogs in Minooka, IL Dogs in Mokena, IL Dogs in Montgomery, IL Dogs in Morton Grove, IL Dogs in Mount Prospect, IL Dogs in Mundelein, IL Dogs in Munster, IN Dogs in Naperville, IL Dogs in New Lenox, IL Dogs in Niles, IL Dogs in Norridge, IL Dogs in North Aurora, IL Dogs in Northbrook, IL Dogs in North Chicago, IL Dogs in Northfield, IL Dogs in Northlake, IL Dogs in North Riverside, IL Dogs in Oak Brook, IL Dogs in Oak Forest, IL Dogs in Oak Lawn, IL Dogs in Oak Park, IL Dogs in Orland Hills, IL Dogs in Orland Park, IL Dogs in Oswego, IL Dogs in Palatine, IL Dogs in Palos Heights, IL Dogs in Palos Hills, IL Dogs in Park City, IL Dogs in Park Forest, IL Dogs in Park Ridge, IL Dogs in Plainfield, IL Dogs in Plano, IL Dogs in Prospect Heights, IL Dogs in Richton Park, IL Dogs in Riverdale, IL Dogs in River Forest, IL Dogs in River Grove, IL Dogs in Riverside, IL Dogs in Robbins, IL Dogs in Rolling Meadows, IL Dogs in Romeoville, IL Dogs in Roselle, IL Dogs in Round Lake, IL Dogs in Round Lake Beach, IL Dogs in Round Lake Park, IL Dogs in Sauk Village, IL Dogs in Schaumburg, IL Dogs in Schiller Park, IL Dogs in Shorewood, IL Dogs in Skokie, IL Dogs in South Elgin, IL Dogs in South Holland, IL Dogs in St Charles, IL Dogs in Steger, IL Dogs in Stickney, IL Dogs in Streamwood, IL Dogs in Sugar Grove, IL Dogs in Summit, IL Dogs in Tinley Park, IL Dogs in University Park, IL Dogs in Vernon Hills, IL Dogs in Villa Park, IL Dogs in Warrenville, IL Dogs in Wauconda, IL Dogs in Waukegan, IL Dogs in Westchester, IL Dogs in West Chicago, IL Dogs in West Dundee, IL Dogs in Western Springs, IL Dogs in Westmont, IL Dogs in Wheaton, IL Dogs in Wheeling, IL Dogs in Willowbrook, IL Dogs in Willow Springs, IL Dogs in Wilmette, IL Dogs in Winfield, IL Dogs in Winnetka, IL Dogs in Wood Dale, IL Dogs in Woodridge, IL Dogs in Worth, IL Dogs in Yorkville, IL

Dog shelters and rescues in Elmhurst, Illinois

There are animal shelters and rescues that focus specifically on finding great homes for dogs in Elmhurst, Illinois. Browse these rescues and shelters below.

Here are a few organizations closest to you:

Rescue

Chicagoland Eskie Rescue

Elmhurst, IL 60126

Pet Types: dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Great Lakes Lab Rescue

105 E. Vallette #1175, Elmhurst, IL 60126

Pet Types: dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Players for Pits, NFP

463 W Fullerton, Elmhurst, IL 60126

Pet Types: dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Fetch A 4Ever Friend

Elmhurst, IL 60126

Pet Types: cats, dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Underdograilway Rescue

Elmhurst, IL 60126

Pet Types: dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Villa Bark

Villa Park, IL 60181

Pet Types: cats, dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Peace for Pits

P.O. Box 5430, Villa Park, IL 60181

Pet Types: dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Big Hearts, Little Packages

Villa Park, IL 60181

Pet Types: dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Magnificent Mutts Rescue - Hillside

Hillside, IL 60162

Pet Types: cats, dogs

More an arrow icon

Rescue

Dog is my shepherd

Northlake, IL 60164

Pet Types: cats, dogs

More an arrow icon

Looking for a specific shelter or rescue?

For a comprehensive list of all shelters and rescues, try our search page. We have more than 17,000 organizations in our database with furry pals waiting for a new home!

Image of dog

Looking for a specific breed?

Select from the options below to view adoptable puppies and dogs in Elmhurst, Illinois and nearby cities.

Popular dog breeds

Affenpinscher Afghan Hound Airedale Terrier Akbash Akita Alaskan Klee Kai Alaskan Malamute American Bulldog American Cocker Spaniel American Eskimo Dog American Hairless Terrier American Pit Bull Terrier American Staffordshire Terrier Anatolian Shepherd Aussiedoodle Australian Cattle Dog Australian Kelpie Australian Shepherd Australian Terrier Basenji Basset Hound Beagle Bearded Collie Beauceron Bedlington Terrier Belgian Laekenois Belgian Malinois Belgian Shepherd Belgian Tervuren Bernedoodle Bernese Mountain Dog Bichon Frise Black Mouth Cur Black and Tan Coonhound Bloodhound Blue Lacy/Texas Lacy Bluetick Coonhound Bolognese Border Collie Border Terrier Borzoi Boston Terrier Bouvier des Flandres Boxer Boykin Spaniel Briard Brittany Brussels Griffon Bull Terrier Bullmastiff Cairn Terrier Canaan Dog Cane Corso Cardigan Welsh Corgi Carolina Dog Catahoula Leopard Dog Caucasian Shepherd Dog Cavachon Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Cavapoo Chesapeake Bay Retriever Chihuahua Chinese Crested Chinook Chiweenie Chow Chow Clumber Spaniel Cockapoo Cocker Spaniel Collie Coonhound Corgi Coton de Tulear Curly-Coated Retriever Dachshund Dalmatian Dandie Dinmont Terrier Doberman Pinscher Dogo Argentino Dogue de Bordeaux Dutch Shepherd English (Redtick) Coonhound English Bulldog English Cocker Spaniel English Setter English Shepherd English Springer Spaniel English Toy Spaniel Entlebucher Feist Field Spaniel Fila Brasileiro Finnish Lapphund Finnish Spitz Flat-Coated Retriever Fox Terrier (Smooth) Fox Terrier (Toy) Fox Terrier (Wirehaired) Foxhound French Bulldog German Pinscher German Shepherd Dog German Shorthaired Pointer German Spitz German Wirehaired Pointer Glen of Imaal Terrier Goberian Golden Retriever Goldendoodle Gordon Setter Great Dane Great Pyrenees Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Greyhound Halden Hound (Haldenstrover) Harrier Havanese Horgi Hovawart Husky Ibizan Hound Icelandic Sheepdog Irish Setter Irish Terrier Irish Water Spaniel Irish Wolfhound Italian Greyhound Italian Spinone Jack Russell Terrier Japanese Chin Jindo Kai Dog Karelian Bear Dog Keeshond Kerry Blue Terrier Kishu Komondor Kuvasz Kyi Leo Labradoodle Labrador Retriever Lakeland Terrier Lancashire Heeler Leonberger Lhasa Apso Löwchen Maltese Maltipoo Manchester Terrier Maremma Sheepdog Mastiff Miniature Bull Terrier Miniature Dachshund Miniature Pinscher Morkie Mountain Cur Munsterlander Mutt Neapolitan Mastiff Newfoundland Norfolk Terrier Norwegian Buhund Norwegian Elkhound Norwegian Lundehund Norwich Terrier Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever Old English Sheepdog Olde English Bulldogge Otterhound Papillon Parson Russell Terrier Patterdale Terrier (Fell Terrier) Pekingese Pembroke Welsh Corgi Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Pharaoh Hound Pitsky Plott Hound Podengo Portugueso Pointer Polish Lowland Sheepdog Pomeranian Pomsky Poodle (Miniature) Poodle (Standard) Poodle (Toy or Tea Cup) Portuguese Water Dog Presa Canario Pug Puggle Puli Pumi Rat Terrier Redbone Coonhound Rhodesian Ridgeback Rottweiler Saluki Samoyed Schiller Hound Schipperke Schnauzer (Giant) Schnauzer (Miniature) Schnauzer (Standard) Schnoodle Scottie, Scottish Terrier Scottish Deerhound Sealyham Terrier Shar Pei Sheepadoodle Sheltie, Shetland Sheepdog Sheppit Shepsky Shiba Inu Shih Poo Shih Tzu Silky Terrier Skye Terrier Sloughi St. Bernard Staffordshire Bull Terrier Sussex Spaniel Swedish Vallhund Texas Heeler Thai Ridgeback Tibetan Mastiff Tibetan Spaniel Tibetan Terrier Tosa Inu Treeing Walker Coonhound Vizsla Weimaraner Welsh Springer Spaniel Welsh Terrier Westie, West Highland White Terrier Wheaten Terrier Whippet Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Xoloitzcuintle/Mexican Hairless Yorkie Poo Yorkie, Yorkshire Terrier