Animal Welfare League

Called ahead of time intending to meet dogs to adopt. The automated message on their phone line said their adoption hours and we were well within them so we drove 30 minutes. When we arrived we were told to fill out an adoption form and list dogs we wanted to meet. After standing in their lobby and finishing the form, we inquired on what to do next and were told to place the form in a box.

After placing the form in the box, we waited to meet the dogs but no one offered to help us, when we asked if we could see some dogs we were told we would not be able to meet any dogs because they needed 2-3 days to review our application. Staff felt disinterested in helping us or helping the animals find homes. I highly recommend going somewhere else if you are looking to adopt.

The staff was very rude and we were denied for not having a back yard- even though we were looking at senior small dogs and are home 24/7 since we work from home. Other shelters told us we were perfect candidates for senior chihuahuas. They are quick to deny potential adopters and reading other reviews, it seems like they need to reevaluate their criteria.

I am so upset with their policies! I found a stray dog that roamed our town for days. Waited a week, checking in with our Police Department to make sure no one lost her. Took her to the Vet, she had no chip. We decided to keep her. They will not micro chip her because she is a stray. I asked how long does she have to live with us so she is not considered a stray. There was no answer. Just, we will not micro chip her. Do not ask for help with any strays for this place!

Terrible, awful, experience. I submitted an application to adopt a dog, I live in an apartment building where everyone has a dog except maybe two of my neighbors. I was denied because I don't have a fenced-in yard. So does this mean fully capable citizens in an apartment buildings in Chicago - the city of apartments - can't adopt a dog? When I called to address this and possibly clear up any miscommunication, the person I spoke to was beyond rude and told me I couldn't speak with anyone higher than them "as far as this issue is concerned". DO NOT RECOMMEND unless you live in a house with a huge back yard out in the burbs.

While I don't have a yard, there is a dog park across the street. Please let me know if any of you have had success adopting dogs from here and you live in an apartment within the city limits. Yards in Chicago are hard to come by but a loving home for a dog is not. I wasn't trying to adopt a huge dog and it saddens me that an organization like this wouldn't even give me the chance to welcome a new family member because I live an apartment.

I wish I had read these reviews before I bothered to complete an application for a dog that seemed perfect for my family. I, too, was denied because my three-sided fence was deemed unsatisfactory. I indicated I would be willing to fully fence the back yard (essentially remedy the issue) and was told their decision - about not granting us an interview - wouldn't change.

The person on the phone was terse and rude with no ability to convey empathy. As a certified canine massage therapist with an active, local practice I would be loathe to ever recommend the Animal Welfare League Chicago Ridge.

Terrible Oder immediately after entry. There is no reason for any place housing living things to smell like that. Smells like death. Looks like a weird little gift shop as soon as you enter with strange stuffed animals everywhere. Man at front desk is very ignorant and rude. If they treat there animals like they do people be careful. I adopted a cat many years ago and this place was thriving.

I did not hear any animals when I walked in which I thought was strange. We wanted to have a cat examined the older man at the front desk said they don't take cats. Gave a sheet of paper with other shelters in the area and that was it.

The guy who runs the adoption process is heartless. My wife, daughter and I were extremely upset by the loss of our 4-year old Yorkie and so we went to this shelter in good faith to see if we could get a dog to help us get over our loss. The man was totally unsympathetic. He wouldn't bring out any dogs to view even though the website lists over 122 dogs to be adopted.

We barely could even get inside the front door and even though we had an appointment. We were parked in chairs by the door. A girl asked us why we were there and we told her and she brought one dog and the man who runs this place screamed at her asking why did she bring this dog out. He barked at her that no one told her to bring any dogs out. There was no real reason why we couldn't VIEW ANY dogs for possible adoptions.

He screamed that the shelter doesn't make multiple appointments. After reading other reviews of frustrated would-be adoption seekers does anybody ever succeed in adopting a dog here? WORST EXPERIENCE EVER! Any family who has lost a dog and wants to find another forever home pet should stay away from here.

It's always a wait which I don't mind for the price. If you mind waiting 2+ hours is better to go to a private vet. The nurses don't have time to socialize, they need to keep moving to make sure that they give our pets the best care possible.

Last time I was here the staff were pretty disjointed, and getting paper work was a doozy! But they gave me my best friend, he died on New Years but I cant thank them enough for bringing him to me we had an amazing 12 years! There are a lot of pets that need a home, and I really think you should look here for the next addition to your family!

I LOVE AWL! I have five rescues.3 dogs & 2 cats, one was adopted directly from there and all were spayed & neutered by them. I get their yearly shots at a great price and just this weekend we got my pittie girl's allergy medicine within an hour(which is a record) because they are so busy. The donation of blankets and other items are greatly appreciated especially since winter is coming. The wait can be long but these people work hard for our fur babies and a thank you is just never enough.