FAQ
Need immediate support?
Please report any urgent animal safety or welfare concerns to the Chicago Police Dept. and/or Cook County Sheriff's Office.
Chicago Police Department
Emergency Phone: 9-1-1
Non-Emergency Number: (312) 746-6000
Cook County Sheriff's Office
Cook County Sheriff's Police: (708)-865-4700
Non-Emergency: (847) 635-1188
Desk Officer: (708) 865-4790
General Directory: (312) 603-6444
CCSO.CCSPD@ccsheriff.org
https://cookcountysheriffil.gov/contact/
Tools for Protecting Animals
🧸 How to Responsibly Rehome a Pet If you can no longer care for your pet, rehoming can be done ethically — but it takes more than a Craigslist ad. Best practices: Ask friends, family, and local rescue networks first Use reputable platforms like Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet, or work with a trusted rescue Never give animals away for free without vetting — some people exploit or resell animals Avoid: “Open-door” shelters or groups that don’t screen adopters Facilities that won’t let you visit in person
❌ What to Avoid When Supporting “Animal Attractions” Many roadside zoos, aquariums, and animal “encounters” exploit animals under the guise of conservation. Red flags include: Allowing direct interaction with wild animals (petting, selfies, feeding) Breeding animals for display or entertainment Keeping animals in small, unnatural enclosures When in doubt, don’t buy a ticket. Support true sanctuaries and nature preserves instead.
🧠 Common Myths About “Helping Animals” Not all help helps. Some well-meaning actions can actually cause harm. Here’s what to watch for: MYTH: "Exotic animal sanctuaries always help animals." FACT: Many are unregulated and exploit animals for profit. Always vet them carefully. MYTH: "It's fine if I visit an aquarium or zoo because they teach kids about animals." FACT: Many of these facilities prioritize entertainment over welfare. Kids can learn through documentaries, books, and real-life rescues. MYTH: "If someone rescues animals, they must be a good person." FACT: Some people hoard animals or operate under the radar. Even “rescues” can cause harm without oversight.
🏡 How to Identify a True Animal Sanctuary Not all sanctuaries are created equal. A true sanctuary puts the animals’ needs first and never uses them for profit or entertainment. Before Relinquishing a Pet to a Sanctuary: Always visit the facility first. Ask to see the animals and ensure the space is clean, the animals are healthy and well cared for, and the staff is transparent. Look for sanctuaries that are: Accredited by legitimate organizations like the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) Transparent about their funding, policies, and veterinary care Committed to non-exploitation, meaning they don’t breed, sell, or allow public handling of animals
📢 Smart Advocacy: What Actually Makes a Difference Feeling helpless is common — but your voice matters. You can take daily action in under two minutes. Examples of high-impact actions: Contacting lawmakers about bills (like fur bans) Supporting bans on animal testing, fur sales, or circus use of animals Participating in & sharing Daily Easy Actions (DEAs) Peacefully protesting or leafleting with a local group Educating others through social media and respectful conversations
What Should I Know Before Getting a Dog—Or Any Animal Companion? At CAA, we always encourage adopting from shelters or reputable rescue groups, not buying from pet stores. The Chicago area has a strong network of trusted shelters and rescues that work hard to match animals with loving homes—including not just dogs and cats, but sometimes rabbits, turtles, guinea pigs, birds, and other animals who need care and commitment. Choosing adoption means you're not supporting cruelty, and you're giving an animal a second chance. It’s better for the animals—and better for our communities.
If animal laws exist, why do animal rights take so much effort?
Government officials have the power to stop animal abuse, or create their own loopholes.
Animals are most at risk of being exploited for profit and entertainment. It's easy to turn a blind eye when your neighbor is so different from you (and out of view). All sentient beings feel pain and deserve to live free from harm.
Why are there laws restricting the sale of wildlife and certain animals?
These laws were enacted to protect public health, animal welfare, and the environment.
Over time, communities recognized that selling wildlife and certain exotic or vulnerable animals creates predictable risks and harm — to animals, people, and ecosystems.
How do these laws protect public health and safety?
Why is the sale of wildlife considered a safety concern?
Wild and exotic animals are not adapted to domestic environments. When frightened, stressed, or mishandled, they may bite, scratch, or escape.
These laws help:
Prevent injuries to children and adults
Reduce dangerous escape incidents
Protect residents from animals that cannot be safely or humanely contained
These laws help:
-
Prevent the introduction of invasive species
-
Protect local biodiversity
Reduce demand for wild-caught animals taken from natural habitats
Many wild and exotic animals can carry zoonotic diseases, which are diseases that spread from animals to humans.
Examples include:Rabbits: Can carry Tularemia, Salmonella, and RingwormBirds and small mammals: Can transmit bacteria, parasites, or virusesOther wild animals: May carry rabies and other serious illnessesRestricting retail sales reduces the risk of disease transmission, especially in environments where animals are confined, stressed, or improperly handled.
How do laws protect animals from cruelty and neglect?
Are these laws about restricting pet ownership?
These laws reduce cruelty by stopping profit-driven sales that often lead to poor breeding conditions and impulse purchases.
They encourage adoption through shelters and rescues, where many animals are already in need of homes, and where they are more likely to be placed in responsible, informed homes or appropriate care environments.
No. These laws do not prevent people from having companion animals.Residents can still adopt animals from shelters and rescues.Work with licensed, responsible adoption partners. The goal is not to eliminate choice— it is to raise standards and prevent harm caused by unregulated profit-driven commercial sales.
Why are ethical considerations part of these laws?
As public awareness of animal welfare has grown, communities have chosen to reflect shared values of compassion and responsibility.Restricting sales:Discourages profit-driven exploitationEncourages humane, informed adoptionAffirms that animals are living beings, not merchandise