We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit, foster-home based dog rescue group dedicated to placing homeless animals into loving forever homes in the midwest.

The mission and vision for Castaway Pet Rescue is to save dogs of all sizes and all breeds by placing them into loving, forever homes. We are an all-volunteer, foster home based, certified 501(c)(3) dog rescue organization based in northern Illinois. We do not have a physical shelter. Instead, we operate primarily through our foster homes, online databases and at adoption events/expos.

The majority of our animals come from animal control groups and open admission shelters throughout Chicago-land or the Midwest, where overcrowding and overpopulation lead to the euthanasia of millions of healthy, friendly pets every year.

We are committed to providing the dogs that come into Castaway Pet Rescue with the best possible care while they wait for their forever homes by acclimating them to life outside of a shelter and providing the appropriate veterinary care needed.

We also serve our community and adopters by educating and encouraging responsible pet ownership with an emphasis on the need for spaying and neutering. We also do our best to break down the stereotypes of many “bully” breeds.

We never euthanized animals due to space or time constraints, but we may elect to euthanize in the event of a severe, untreatable/debilitating illness or extremely dangerous behavioral concerns. Because we do not kill to make space, however, we cannot take in every animal that needs help.

Because our foster homes are the backbone of Castaway, and to help our organization run smoothly, it is our goal to provide the best experience possible. We encourage each foster home to be as involved as they are comfortable with and allow them the freedom to foster based on their needs, restrictions, or desires.

– Board of Directors


Please fill out an adoption application from www.CastawayPetRescue.org. Our adoption couselors will reveiw the application, check your vet reference, and reply back to you. We may have additional questions or require a home visit. Once your application is approved, we will contact you to schedule a visit with the dog you are interested in. Please select a time when the entire family including current dogs can visit. If the dog still has outstanding medical procedures to be performed, we will inform you at the time we schedule the visit with the dog. Adult dogs are spayed or neutered, up to date on vaccines and microchipped prior to going home. We prefer the adoption be completed at the time of the visit if you and the dog agree that we have a match. Please come prepared to take your new family member home with you. We accept cash or checks.