Help for rising pet care costs like food, vet bills is available in the Chicago area
Rising consumer costs are not just effecting humans, but our furry family members too. The costs for caring for a pet – from food to vet bills and more – have force more owners to surrender animals they find they can no longer afford.
Chicago Animal Care and Control took in 17,788 animals in 2025, a 16.6% increase over the previous year. CACC said 5,734 were surrendered directly by their owners.
The cost to care for pets has increased by 10% over the last year, according to the pet sitting and dog walking app Rover.
CBS News Chicago sat down with Savannah Hinde-Seeley, assistant director of community outreach at PAWS Chicago, to discuss the challenges owners face and how they can find help caring for their pets.
Resources for pet owners looking to save on expenses
Low-cost pet medical services
Click here for a list of low cost veterinary care compiled by One Tail at a Time.
- A.D.O.P.T. Naperville Spay/Neuter Services: Call (630) 355-2299
- Anderson Humane: Call (847) 697-2880
- Animal Care League Spay/Neuter Services: Call (708) 848-8155
- Anti-Cruelty Society: Call (312) 644-8338 ext.347. Some low-income services are temporarily suspended until further notice, but keep checking the page for updates.
- DuPage County Animal Services: Call (630) 407-2800. A Spay and Neuter Voucher is offered to DuPage County residents with SNAP, LINK, and/or Social Security Disability Insurance.
- Fox Valley Animal Welfare League: Call (630) 800-2254. Low-cost clinic services are offered for Illinois residents that receive Social Security, unemployment, or state aid.
- Paws Chicago Spay/Neuter Services: Call (773) 521-7729
- Spay Illinois: Call (630) 961-8000 Low-cost vaccinations are available for any IL resident, and they offer additional discounts for low-income families.
- Find another low-cost spay/neuter provider outside of the Chicago area.
Pet food pantries
Pet Food Pantries mutual aid fact sheet.
- Care for Real Pet Pantry: Call (773) 769-6182 to find out if you are eligible for support.
- C.A.R.E. Pet Food Pantry: Fill out this application form to find out if you are eligible for support in the Skokie area.
- Friendship Pet Food Pantry. Call (773) 907-6388 to find out if you are eligible for support in Chicago.
- Irving Park Community Food Pantry Pet Food Corner: Call (773) 283-6296 to find out if you are eligible for support.
- Red Door Animal Shelter Café Program: Call (773) 764-2242. Clients must show proof of low-income or fixed-income status.
- Animal Care League Pets & People Support Program: Call (708) 848-8155. Fill out this application form to request a pet supply care package.
- Bruno's Pro-Bone-O Pet Pantry: Call (630) 926-3610. Fill out an application form when you arrive at the Hanover Township Food Pantry.
- DuPage Senior Citizens Council Pet Care and Food Assistance: Call (630) 620-0804. Pet food deliveries and veterinary visits for pets of seniors.
- Wet Nose Pet Food Pantry: Call (708) 480-2538. Downloadable applications are available at the bottom of this page.
Temporary Pet Boarding for Families in Crisis
- A.D.O.P.T. Pet Shelter Blessed Bonds Program: Call (630) 355-2299. Temporary foster care for Chicagoland families or individuals in crisis.
- Naperville Area Humane Society: Call (630) 420-8989 x1005. Safe Pet Program for families in crisis.
- PAWS Chicago COVID-19 Crisis Foster Care: Call (773) 475-4242. For those in the Chicago area who are experiencing crisis and having difficulties caring for their pets. Click the link and scroll down to fill out the form in detail.
- Humane Indiana Crisis Foster Care: Fill out the form at the link and they will do their best to help you.
Grants for Pet Medical Care
- Pet Assistance, Inc.: Grants for emergency vet care.
- Banfield Foundation: Provides access to a national and state network of nonprofits for medical care assistance.
- The Mosby Foundation: Financial aid for emergency vet care for dogs.
More Resources
- Chicagoland Rescue Intervention & Support Program for Chicago residents
- Saving Money on Pet Expenses from MoneyGeek
- Waggle.org: Crowdfunding dedicated to pet medical expenses.
- Pets and Housing/
- Pet Help Finder
- Pets of the Homeless
- Safe Havens for Pets
