Here’s what you need to know if you’re searching for Great Dane rescues in Illinois. Apart from being elegant, Great Danes are incredibly protective and easy-going dogs. They are moderately energetic, low-shedding, and come in various colors.
So, if you’re a dog enthusiast looking to adopt or foster one of these beauties, you must check out this list of Great Dane rescues in Illinois. Many dogs and puppy rescues in Illinois are dedicated to nurturing and rehoming pets that have been mistreated or abandoned.
These organizations not only provide shelter and medical aid to neglected animals but also educate the public about the importance of humane animal behavior. In this article, we’ve listed some of the most credible and verified pet rescues in Illinois and nearby states that can help you find a Great Dane in need of a second chance.
Moreover, if you’re looking to surrender your Great Dane, you can do so at any of the rescues listed below without a qualm. The rescues will take great care of your beloved pet until a suitable new home is found.
Before you scroll down this list of Great Dane rescues in Illinois, you can check out these other rescue shelter recommendations from our team at We Love Doodles: Best German Shepherd Rescues in Illinois and Best Dachshund Rescues in Illinois.
Find a Great Dane Rescue Shelter Near Me in Illinois
Our team at We Love Doodles compiled this list of the best Great Dane rescues in Illinois to help you on your journey to finding a companion.
Great Dane Product Recommendations: Best Luxury Dog Bowls and Best LED Dog Collars.
1. Great Dane Rescue Midwest
Great Dane Rescue Midwest (GDRM) is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt, all-volunteer non-profit organization and one of the few targeted Great Dane rescues in Illinois. This rescue and animal shelter is devoted to rescuing and rehabilitating homeless Great Danes, mainly from Northern Illinois and nearby states.
The organization is located on private property and is responsible for finding forever homes for thousands of abandoned, injured, and neglected Great Danes. GDRM accepts dogs from various sources, such as private shelters, owners, and municipal animal control organizations.
Even though most of the dogs it rescues are well-adjusted household pets, the organization also welcomes Danes struggling with physical and emotional abuse. The animals have access to indoor and outdoor spaces and usually, live as a pack.
GDRM does not euthanize any dogs if its capacity is filled and typically has five to 10 Danes in residence at a time. Before being sent to their forever home, every dog undergoes a Laparoscopic Assisted Gastropexy (LAG), commonly known as a stomach tack.
This prevents gastric torsion (bloat), a common cause of death in deep-chested dogs such as Danes. Moreover, all animals are spayed/neutered, microchipped, tested for heartworm, groomed, and receive dental exams and age-appropriate vaccinations. Elderly and less desirable Danes are obtainable for a lower fee.
Great Dane Rescue Midwest Details
- Address/Location: Woodstock, Illinois
- Phone Number: (815) 814-4130
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: Great Dane Rescue Midwest
2. Forever Friends Great Dane Rescue, Inc.
Forever Friends Great Dane Rescue, Inc. (FFGDR) is a registered 501c3 organization established in March 2010. FFGDRI covers many states, including Illinois, Missouri, Indiana, and Wisconsin, and its mailing and incorporation address is in Indianapolis.
Since Great Danes are a unique breed that doesn’t thrive well in a shelter environment, the rescue does not run a shelter and privately fosters dogs via foster homes. The main aim of FFGDRI is to ensure all Great Danes find a stress-free and loving home environment where they are given special attention and dealt with patience.
All its dogs are placed in caring foster homes as they await adoption. They receive all medical treatments and are cared for like a part of the family. Moreover, the dogs also undergo behavioral and aggression evaluations in their foster homes to assess possible triggers and help the animal cope with them.
FFGDRI is a non-kill rescue that only euthanizes dogs with serious health issues or severe aggression problems. If you’re looking to adopt a Great Dane, FFGDRI will conduct a home visit and review reference checks before moving the process further. They aim to match every Dane with the best possible forever home so everyone is happy and satisfied.
Forever Friends Great Dane Rescue Inc. Details
- Address/Location: P.O. Box 20125, Indianapolis, Indiana
- Phone Number: (317) 759-3647
- Website: Forever Friends Great Dane Rescue Inc.
3. Tiny N Tall Rescue
Third, the Tiny N Tall Rescue is on our list of pet rescues in Illinois. This 501(c)(3) non-profit organization was established in 2017 and consisted of volunteers devoted to providing temporary shelter, behavioral support, and veterinary care to small and big dogs as they await adoption. Dog breeds that qualify as tiny weigh less than 25 pounds.
Moreover, the rescue is foster-based and relies entirely on donations. Tiny N Tall Rescue believes in supporting animals both physically and emotionally. A full belly and loads of love are what the rescue stands for. It comprises a great team of volunteers and foster homes, and if you would like to be a part of its mission or would like to donate, here are the details:
Tiny N Tall Rescue Details
- Address/Location: St. Charles, Illinois
- Phone Number: (857) 477-2391
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: Tiny N Tall Rescue
- Social Media: Tiny N Tall Rescue’s Facebook
4. Illinois Valley Animal Rescue
Illinois Valley Animal Rescue is another good option for adopting Great Danes in need. A non-profit 501(c)(3) organization established in 1999, its mission is to provide love and security to neglected, abused, and homeless animals via its foster homes, care center, and veterinarian resources.
The organization also aims to educate the public about responsible pet ownership by providing animal behavior guidance. It is dedicated to uniting animals with people who will love and cherish them forever. Illinois Valley Animal Rescue is run by volunteers devoted to rehabilitating and rehoming animals.
Some of their duties include:
- cleaning enclosures and kennels
- feeding the animals
- restocking supplies
- washing dishes and bedding
- socializing animals
- conducting fundraising events
Another exciting thing about Illinois Valley Animal Rescue is that it collects aluminum cans for recycling, the proceeds of which go to buying resources and improving facilities for its animals and volunteers. It’s an easy way to donate; the collection bins are located outside the facility.
Illinois Valley Animal Rescue Details
- Address/Location: Industrial Dr, Lasalle, Illinois
- Phone Number: (815) 224-0061
- Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
- Website: Illinois Valley Animal Rescue
- Social Media: Illinois Valley Animal Rescue’s Facebook
5. Clay County Animal Rescue and Shelter
Last on our list of Great Dane rescue in Illinois is Clay County Animal Rescue & Shelter (CCARS). This non-profit 501(c)(3) organization is the front line for abandoned and unwanted animals in the local community of Flora, Illinois. It constantly organizes events and fundraisers to meet the costs required for rehabilitating the approximately 700 animals they rescue annually.
CCARS is a no-kill shelter; in 2016, it received a 97 percent save rating. In 2017, the rescue helped rehome 470 animals, all microchipped, spayed/neutered, and vaccinated. It also ranks as one of the best open admission shelters, which means that it accepts all animals irrespective of size, breed, or medical issues. In addition, there are specific hours designated for cleaning the shelter, feeding the animals, and animal control.
CCARS operates from the old county shelter of the community, a 750 sq. ft. metal shed constructed in 1973. Presently, the team is trying to raise funds to build a new modern shelter, so that any donations will be much appreciated. CCARS is open to the public from Monday to Saturday (1 pm to 3 pm) and on Sundays (1 pm to 4 pm).
Clay County Animal Rescue and Shelter Details
- Address/Location: P.O. Box 623, Flora, Illinois
- Phone Number: (618) 665-3005
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: Clay County Animal Rescue and Shelter
How to Choose Great Dane Rescues in Illinois
Besides verifying their credibility and registration, always look for commitment and transparency when selecting pet rescues in Illinois. Good rescue organizations are dedicated to their cause. They don’t see rescuing animals as a mere business; rather, they put their heart and soul into alleviating their suffering and try their best to find them a forever home.
Secondly, all good rescues and shelters have a strict no-kill policy. They don’t put down animals except for those who are terminally ill. All good rescue organizations believe every animal deserves a second chance, irrespective of its past.
The main aim of these organizations is to minimize the euthanasia of animals and find loving homes for them. Thirdly, the hygienic conditions and health-testing facilities of rescues must be exceptional. A good rescue ensures that all animals are groomed, vaccinated, dewormed, and examined regularly by a professional vet.
More Information about Great Dane Puppies in Illinois
Great Danes are also known as gentle giants, for a good reason. Great Danes are a distinctively large breed with a typical height of 26 and 34 inches and 100 to 200 pounds. These dogs are famously social and friendly; however, they were initially considered ferocious hunters. Nevertheless, the Great Dane today is a refined, well-mannered, and mild-tempered breed.
The Great Dane comes in various coat colors, the most common being harlequin and blue. Despite being calm and composed, these dogs require obedience training from a young age. Their huge size makes it very difficult to control them as they reach adulthood, no matter how innately well-tempered they are.
Another thing to remember before adopting a Great Danes is the cost of keeping one. For instance, food and veterinary care will be more expensive since these are big dogs. Moreover, you’ll need a crate and a bigger vehicle to transport a Great Dane comfortably, so make sure you’re prepared before bringing one home.
Related: Irish Wolfhound vs. Great Dane Dog Breed Comparison.
Conclusion For The “Best Great Dane Rescues in Illinois”
Rescuing and rehabilitating an animal is an honorable deed, and we hope our list of Great Dane rescues will help you find one that needs saving in Illinois. If you feel you’re not ready to adopt or foster an animal at the moment, that’s okay. Feel free to donate to these incredible rescues and help them expand their facilities and resources.
For more guides similar to this list of Great Dane rescues in Illinois, you can check out these other rescue shelter recommendations from our team:
- Best Great Dane Rescues in South Carolina
- Best Great Dane Rescues in Indiana
- Best Great Dane Rescues in Colorado
Before you bring home a Great Dane companion from a rescue shelter in Illinois, you can learn more about this dog breed by watching “Things Nobody Tells You About Owning a Great Dane” down below:
Andy is a full-time animal rescuer and owner of a toy doodle. When he’s not saving dogs, Andy is one of our core writers and editors. He has been writing about dogs for over a decade. Andy joined our team because he believes that words are powerful tools that can change a dog’s life for the better.
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