Animal rescue group plans 20-acre suburban ranch to help homeless pets at risk of euthanasia - Chicago News Weekly

Wednesday, July 22, 2026

Animal rescue group plans 20-acre suburban ranch to help homeless pets at risk of euthanasia

A prominent animal rescue now plans to open a massive 20-acre “rescue ranch” in a northwest Chicago suburb, marking a “first-of-its-kind” facility aimed at helping animals most at risk of euthanasia.

PAWS Chicago, the Midwest’s largest no kill shelter, announced this week that it has broken ground on its PAWS Chicago Rescue Ranch in Hawthorn Woods.

The animal welfare group plans to transform a former equestrian center in a “state-of-the-art facility” focused on “the rescue, rehabilitation, enrichment, and adoption of large dogs and cats.” The space will feature a veterinary medical center, including a spray and neuter clinic which will “expand access to affordable and free spay/neuter services based on financial need while helping prevent pet overpopulation.”

“The PAWS Chicago Rescue Ranch represents the future of animal welfare,” Paula Fasseas, founder and executive chair of PAWS Chicago, said in a statement. “Every aspect of this campus has been thoughtfully designed around what animals need to heal, thrive, and ultimately find loving homes. By creating more space, expanding access to adopters, and investing in prevention through spay/neuter services and education, we will save more lives for generations to come.”

According to the group, the property features hills, walking trails, a pond and more, offering “a peaceful environment where animals can decompress and thrive while awaiting adoption.”

The suburban location was no accident.

Leaders of the group said they hope to bring in more suburban adopters for large dogs, because “yards and fewer housing restrictions can help larger breeds thrive.”

The ranch will also have rescued farm animals such as horned cows, llamas, miniature donkeys, goats and pigs.

PAWS Chicago said its Rescue Ranch will do the following:

• Provide individualized care for up to 80 dogs plus litters of puppies in spacious accommodations featuring private outdoor patios for fresh air and relaxation while they await adoption.

• Provide individualized care for up to 80 cats plus litters kittens through daily enrichment, socialization, and a dedicated Kitten Room, Senior Room, Feline Sun Room and cat café.

• Open a high-volume Spay/Neuter Clinic that will expand access to affordable spay/neuter services, reduce pet overpopulation, and support veterinary training.

The facility aims to open in 2027, with construction currently underway.



from NBC Chicago https://ift.tt/DfUANYi

No comments:

Post a Comment