ALIVE Rescue

If I could give 0 stars I would. My boyfriend and I recently went to this shelter to look at puppies. We fell in love with one of them and the volunteers and the workers were very nice, informative, and overall seemed to be good people to adopt from.
We went home and I filled out the nearly 10 page long application online. I 100% agree with getting to know potential adopters, but their application was a little to extensive in my option. Needing references, non family, all vet information. About previous pets. It was slightly invasive. Anyway, I filled out the application and sent it.
The next morning I received an email stating I missed a few sections. I answered every question that I was asked and the woman who was emailing me was seemingly very nice.
I was then emailed by someone else saying my application was denied. DENIED! I was in shock. Why on earth would you deny my boyfriend and I? We own our property. We have both had dogs before. We are both active and planned on walking the dog several times a day.
After I received the denial email, I emailed back within 1 minute asking why we were denied. I hadn’t heard back within 2 days so I decided to email the first woman and it’s now been 2 weeks and have yet to receive an email explaining why we were denied.
I work in the customer service industry and the customer service that came from the people at this shelter is just terrible and extremely unprofessional. I’d given them 2 chances to respond to my emails explaining why we were denied and didn’t receive a response so this is what I’m left to do. Writing bad reviews. If they just explained why they denied us, I wouldn’t have written this bad review.
My boyfriend and I were recommended to a much better animal rescue in Naperville called Dog Patch Pet and Feed. Much nicer people. Approved on the spot. We also got to take out puppy home that day. This shelter was much nicer. Had everything there that we needed to get to make our home puppy ready. I highly recommend that shelter vs alive rescue.

This rescue really need to look into adopters more. My neighbors are irresponsible jerks and just recently got a puppy. Asked em where when I was returning him after he escaped from their yard and said from alive rescue– so I had to look into it. Based on these other reviews, I’d recommend adopting from any other rescue in the Chicago area.

What ever you do don’t adapt a dog from these people. They don’t know how to treat people and quite frankly… I don’t think they are quite right.
My partner and I adopted a dog from her years ago. At first everything was great, but then our older dog started to get sick… very sick. We took our dog to the vet and the vet told us that her problem was brought on by stress. She wasn’t eating, honestly I thought we were going to lose her.
What we found out was that as soon as we left the house, the adopted dog would relentlessly attack our older dog. He would bite at her legs, and she would try her best to stand her ground, We called the ALIVE and told them the problem and said we had to find the adopted dog another home and we wanted to let them know first. I was worried that that fighting would get worse or that my older dog would die. They took the dog back under protest, and we paid a donation!!! But that was not enough.
Alive decided to write the most defamatory remarks about me and post it on their Facebook page. They posted my name and address on Facebook and blatantly lied about the situation. Their post said that I abused the dog; which my vet, neighbors and friends would tell you was SOOOO not true. When that dog left my home, he was up-​to-​date on all his shots, he was healthy… he was just too aggressive to have around my older dog.
Seriously, it is not worth working with these people.

Our minds still reel from the treatment we received here. I find it completely fascinating, and highly recommend you adopt elsewhere, where you aren’t dealing with an organization that employs adoption counselors that are fanatical and judgmental and in our case, one who develops poor opinions about potential adopters that they have incompetently prejudged. We have not experienced anything quite like this, and have worked for, worked with, volunteered at, and adopted from shelters all of our adult lives.
I would like to reiterate and perhaps clarify that it isn’t that we don’t believe in an adoption process. Screening an adopter, and having a whole process is very important. We did not have an issue with filling out an application, providing references, ect.
There are much better shelters to visit and adopt from, and we found an amazing rescue dog elsewhere shortly after this crazed encounter, and had a wonderful experience doing so.

We adopted a senior Jack Russell mix that Alive took into their program just as she was going to be euthanized by the city pound. She was reportedly 10, now 12, but I swear this little nugget acts like a little puppy. Kristen (the founder) is fantastic. Reading some of the prior reviews, I totally get it that some people may find adoption processes to be too much, but I think it’s just about finding what works for you. Alive does a great job putting the pet’s needs first. I’ve also fostered one of their dogs for a couple months, and for sure would consider fostering or adopting again from them in the future.

Was looking to adopt a dog from here but they requested for us to fill out an application online and the application online ask for to much information to just adopt a dog. Which to me is pretty suspicious. Identity theft? I don’t know but was not willing to risk it and very rude over the phone as well. Not only were they rude but they took 2 days to return my call. Didn’t even go in and already a bad experience over the phone. Shows a lot about a shelter.

I know this place means well but its not doing its job very well. My wife and I were looking to adopt a dog and found one we loved that was, unfortunately, housed by these sanctimonious blowhards. I am a trader who works a very reasonable schedule and my wife, who is universally considered a saint, works from home. We have 1200 sq ft of completely private outdoor space and are generally considered to be extremely responsible people. Sorry if this is to too self-​aggrandizing, but its important to mention because after committing numerous hours jumping through the many hoops ALIVE requires to adopt, we were unceremoniously and callously rejected from not only adopting the dog we’d fallen in love with, but ANY dog that they foster.
When we called the home coordinator who brought the dog on a home visit, we were told we were «too restrictive» with the dog. This asinine judgment was arrived at from me petting the dog and telling her «you’re such a good girl» and when it would bite me (as a puppy is expected to do), I calmly stood up, crossed my arms and softy, but sternly said, «No, we don’t bite». We were trying to exhibit the characteristics of responsible pet owners, prepared for ALL the aspects of pet ownership, not just the irresistible cuteness of a puppy. We were instead punished for this behavior and told, and I quote, «we would not allow the dog’s personality to develop» and deemed unfit to adopt a dog. This was a pitbull puppy. Let that sink in. They didn’t think it was responsible to attempt to teach a pitbull, a breed under societal scrutiny, that biting is not ok.
And its not like they had to decide between 2 very qualified families/​homes and simply chose another. The dog we wanted went unadopted for almost a month (!!!) after we were rejected. Around 10,000 dogs a day are euthanized in this country, and, apparently, it was more important to this shelter (that is theoretically in existence to stop as much of that killing as possible) to find, what they deem, to be a marginally better home than to save even one more of those ~250,000 dogs.
ALIVE’s absurd judgment almost soured us on the entire adoption process, after our heartbreaking rejection we almost decided to go with a breeder. And that’s the real tragedy. How many perfectly reasonable/​responsible potential pet owners resign to other means of acquiring a dog after being on the wrong end of the absurd, counterproductive standards a place like ALIVE requires?
Thankfully we eventually decided to get back out there, and found a wonderful boxer/​pit/​lab from the wonderful Second City Canine Rescue (who subsequently received a big fat additional donation). If you’re looking for a pet, please adopt, but understand that if the pet you decide on is housed by this group, prepare for disappointment and understand that not all shelters are as irrational and fatuous as ALIVE.

I adopted my dog Camden from ALIVE a couple of years ago and also recently fostered a dog for them a few weeks ago. I also donate to them every chance I get :)
Their staff/​volunteers are extremely thorough in their processes which ensures each dog is placed in a safe environment where they can thrive. They are committed to every single dog they take in-​medically, behaviorally, etc. Camden had a broken leg from being hit by a car when I adopted him and they took care of all of the associated medical costs that were acquired well after the adoption was finalized. They also have great partnerships with other rescues, shelters, vets and other dog-​care providers which I think speaks to the foresight and leadership. Overall, just a very well-​run organization that keeps its mission at the center of everything.

Unfortunately, this shelter makes it very difficult to adopt a furry companion — they do not respond to emails or calls. I submitted an application for a specific dog and got a response the next day saying someone is already interested in that dog, but they will keep me posted whether it works out with the people currently trying to adopt him. Well, almost two weeks have passed, multiple phone calls made and emails sent, and nothing. No response, nada. The pooch we had in mind is still listed in the «available animals» section and does not have an «adoption pending» status, so I have no idea what is going on. It doesn’t seem like the shelter is really in a hurry to place these animals in good homes. It’s unfortunate because we could really give a dog in need a loving enviornment. My parents’ dog just passed away at 15 years old, and my mom is home most of the day. We love animals and were really looking forward to adopting from a shelter, however, seeing how difficult this process is I now understand why some people prefer to buy and not adopt. What a shame. We will be looking at the Chicago Animal Control shelter next, hoping for a better experience.

When we decided to adopt a dog, we didn’t have a specific shelter or rescue in mind, we just wanted to find the right dog. Smallish, low-​key, snuggly and as no-​shed as possible.
Petfinder and fate led us to a sweet looking Lhasa-​poodle mix who was being taken care of by ALIVE. Everyone involved was super-​friendly, happy to answer any and all questions. The application process is thorough, but I never felt grilled or like we weren’t worthy of the dog just because we both have full-​time jobs.
I really like that they combine the home visit with meeting the dog — kills two birds with one stone and introduces the dog to your house without pressure.
The only tiny drawback for us was that ALIVE is about an hour’s drive from home, and so we had to wait until the following weekend to have time to pick our new furball up and do the paperwork. But weekends are probably the best time to bring a new pet home regardless, and actually getting him was no sweat.
The shelter workers are friendly and knowledgeable, and the staff person we talked with (Kristin) ran through the contract we signed, went over vaccines and his general health, gave us a bunch of stuff that the foster family had passed along, discussed food with us, all kinds of good stuff. All in all it took maybe 20 minutes and then! we had a dog!
We’re super grateful to ALIVE for bringing us together with our new dog (Link) and making it as easy as possible.

We have not adopted from Alive Rescue (yet), but we have worked with Kristen and several projects and donated to some of their benefits. They are great people, obviously very passionate about saving animals, and we very much appreciate what they do. Definitely professional people to work with.

I adopted my little guy from this rescue just over a year ago, and I still communicate with them. When they pulled Ski and placed him in his foster home, the vet wasn’t sure he would make it. He did, and I am so lucky he did! Kristen, the founder of the organization, is unbelievable; both she and Sisely do everything they can to ensure the adoption/​foster work out for the pet and the parent. They don’t discriminate when it comes to different breeds; they simply look at all they rescue as individuals. I also have to say, they do a great job with the fostering process. Ski’s fosters and I still keep in contact because they honestly want to know how he is doing.
This group is great, and they’re in the process of doing more great things. Check them out on Facebook, and you will see. If you’re looking at adopting a new family memeber, I can’t say enough good things about Alive. If you’re looking to donate, they’re non for profit, so any donation would help save another precious life!

So, you know how people that have rescued animals say, «I don’t know if I rescued my dog, or my dog rescued me»? That’s exactly how I feel. And I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to feel that way if it weren’t for Kristen and ALIVE Rescue, who brought me together with my awesome little spitfire of a puppy, Dahlia.
ALIVE is so thorough, knowledgable and involved in the adoption process that it gives a clear picture that they truly care about each and every animal they rescue going to the right, quality home. It really is remarkable that a small but mighty organization can make such a difference in the lives of the homeless animals they save and the people that adopt them and love them.
Adopt from ALIVE, it truly is a great experience.

This is the best rescue and the only one I would strongly recommend. They take the time to make sure that the pet will be a good fit, rather than just take your money and send you on your way. I was looking for a dog for 2 months before I adopted Gizmo from Alive Rescue. Kristin took great care to come out, meet me, let me meet Gizmo and see if we were well suited to each other. She wanted to make sure that he would have a great home, and I would be a good owner. Then she left with Gizmo and required that I think about it for 48 hours. It was one of the best days of my life when I finally picked him up. Its a terrific organization with an emphasis on matching the pet with the new owners. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!

I cannot say enough about this rescue and the amazing volunteers! They are small but are doing BIG things! They rely fully on donations & are completely volunteer run — that’s a LOT to undertake. I have fostered over 10 dogs for them and it has become almost a seamless process now. Kristen, the founder, is amazing and wonderfully communicative about what is asked of me as a foster home. I cannot believe the amount of love & joy I receive from these temporary children and I know that they go to great homes due to the complete vetting of potential adopters! It’s a lot of work for the volunteers, but the goal is to make sure the dogs & owners are a perfect fit! I couldn’t be happier about the better place all my fosters have gone & I have some friends & neighbors who have adopted so I get to see them often!
Safe a live — adopt or foster a dog from ALIVE Rescue.

I think ALIVE is a wonderful little organization. They do great things and are willing to give back to the community that supports them. I’m happy to have discovered ALIVE and hope to remain involved with them on any level possible.
Please consider ALIVE for your next pet adoption or as a wonderful place to give donations.

As great as PAWS can be, they are definitely not the only no kill shelter in the city. Next time you’re looking to adopt or to foster a pet think of ALIVE Rescue.
Kristen Gerali and her team are hands on and always take the time to talk about their process for adopting, their fostering program and just the care of pets in general. They are a group of true and dedicated animal lovers.
Currently they are in the process of developing a sanctuary for farm animals and pets. As you can guess, this is no small feat and so they are also accepting donations for this on their website.
Also, sign up for their monthly e-​newsletter to learn about new pet friendly events happening in the city, vegetarian and/​or vegan recipes and feel good stories about pet rescue.

I would like to add from my first posting that my husband and I have now fostered 6 dogs with ALIVE and it has been a great experience. They are currently looking for more Foster Homes so if you are interested visit their website and apply. They provide all fosters with food, crate, bedding, toys, collars/​leashes, bowls, and vet all the animals. You can foster for as little at 10 days to as long as it takes the animal to get adopted (anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months normally). Think about it! If you have always wanted a dog and cannot make a lifetime commitment, fostering is the way to go!

ALIVE is a wonderful organization with a passion for helping animals. I love the mission of this green rescue and no-​kill animal shelter. They really find wonderful homes for wonderful animals. If you are looking for a lifelong best friend, please consider ALIVE rescue. Wonderful people!