
HIGH TAILS ANIMAL RESCUE, NFP
a safe haven for animals
WELCOME TO HIGH TAILS
We are a nonprofit volunteer-run and foster-based animal rescue and welfare organization dedicated to being a safe haven for dogs and cats in the Greater Chicagoland area and Northern Suburbs of Illinois. Not only do we save lives, but we empower pet owners by advancing animal welfare initiatives. Our services include:
RESCUE
Over 6.5 million animals enter shelters each year, but only half are adopted. 1.5 million animals are euthanized every year. We aim to decrease these numbers by saving dogs and cats from shelters and animal controls in Illinois and neighboring states.
All of our animals are carefully matched with families and adopted into permanent homes where they will live out the rest of their lives happy and healthy. Our team offers support post-adoption to ensure adoptions are a success.
We aim to enhance access to reliable resources and guidance for pet owners. Through owner assistance, outreach programs, and credible resources, our team of experienced professionals works to inspire and empower a community of responsible pet owners. We believe that every pet owner should have the necessary tools for success.
We place our animals within our canine or feline foster program with a loving foster family. In the foster home, they are provided with individual TLC, training based on fear-free and positive reinforcement philosophies, socialization, and veterinary care.
HELP
Through our efforts, we are able to help decrease the homeless pet population in our local communities and beyond. Additionally, all of our animals are spayed or neutered to further reduce the pet population and we advocate for pet owners to do the same.
No animal left behind! If we can't take in an animal, we offer guidance to owners and rescuers to find alternative placements. We also build strong partnerships in our communities, seeing the animal rescue field as a collaborative effort, rather than a competition, with a common goal; to save the lives of homeless pets in need.
TESTIMONIALS

Beatrice - Foster
"I am a first-time foster! I decided to foster because I had a cat in college, but I could not bring her home as my family members are allergic. Now that I live on my own, I wanted to support cats in need. It has been an amazing experience as it has taught me so much about patience, responsibility, and love! Throughout this process, High Tails has been a great support system - constant check ins, all necessities provided, vet visits covered, and continuous communication/teamwork. Fostering is a great way to get a feel for being a real pet owner, and I HIGHLY recommend it. Thank you to High Tails for everything they do for these precious animals!”

Jeri - Volunteer
“High Tails is a great organization! Super organized, the entire team is so friendly, has a true passion in rescuing and providing all of their rescues with the best transition from intake to final adoption. The support they offer their fosters and their volunteers is above and beyond. Always available, and quick to respond. I highly recommend becoming a volunteer, a foster, or a potential adopter for High Tails.”

Shannon – Adopter
“Adoption through High Tails was a very thorough, yet simple process. All information on our dog was disclosed so that we could make an educated decision on whether or not he was a fit for our family. Nothing about Duke was hidden from us which not only made it a successful adoption, but also a successful placement, as we absolutely love having him in our home. The adoption fee was also super easy to do as it was done online with the click of a button. I highly recommend using High Tails for adopting a dog or cat, especially anyone who has concerns/specific requirements for their home. They will ensure that you take home the most perfect fit for your life!”

Kenzie - Volunteer
“As a member of the High Tails family, I have the opportunity to improve the lives of dogs and cats in our community. Each member of this team uses their unique skill set to bring something special to the organization, even though the only thing I believe I add is a “squeal” every time I see a puppy walk through the doors!! I couldn’t be more honored to be a member of HTAR. I truly enjoy working all of the photography events because seeing the dogs, cats, and even hedgehogs in their costumes truly makes my week. I cannot wait until I’m back from my clinical rotations so I can start volunteering again!!!”
