Welcome to Dark Horse Dogs!
Our Mission: Rescue Locally, Responsibly & Realistically
At Dark Horse Dogs, you're not going to get pity (pittie) party bios, or stories of doom and gloom. Many dogs have awful/unknown histories, or come from places we'd never want to imagine, yet, this doesn’t define them. Their pasts aren’t their whole story, so that’s not our focus.
Our goal is to rescue dogs safely & responsibly, with real expectations. We want to put good dogs, into good homes. We'll tell you as much as we know about their background, but after that, we move forward.
Our focus, is the future. THEIR future.
What You Can Do To Help
Meet Our Adoptables
Meet Our Adoptables
Meet Our Adoptables
Amazing Dogs Waiting for You!
Goofy pictures, idiotic bios, and providing comic relief is what we're about. Not every rescue dog needs their focus to be on their past. They don't need or want our sympathy, just a a home.
Foster a Dog
Meet Our Adoptables
Meet Our Adoptables
Give a Dog a Break!
Our dogs are pulled from shelter situations that are stressful. Getting them into a foster home allows them to 'be a dog' & show their true self. Join our community of amazing fosters!
Donate
Meet Our Adoptables
Donate
Make It Rain!
There are many ways to get involved with Dark Horse Dogs, including donating money, buying merchandise, volunteering, or attending one of our events.
Our mission: Rescue locally, responsibly & realistically.
At Dark Horse Dogs, you're not going to get pity (pittie) party bios, or stories of doom and gloom. Many dogs have awful/unknown histories, or come from places we'd never want to imagine, yet, this doesn’t define them. Their pasts aren’t their whole story, so that’s not our focus.
Our goal is to rescue safely and responsibly, with realistic expectations. We want to put good dogs, into good homes. We'll tell you as much as we know about their background, but after that, we move forward.
Goofy pictures, idiotic bios, and providing comic relief is what we're about. Not every rescue dog needs their focus to be on their past, so people feel sorry for them. They don't need or want our sympathy.
Our focus will be on giving them a platform to show people who they are NOW. Real personalities, and real stories, that help potential adopters feel a connection with a dog, through an electronic device. Good stories, cringe worthy stories, good traits, and annoying traits. We'll provide all of it. Our focus, is the future. Their future.
Who are you? Is this a new rescue?
Animal Heartline Humane Association
Animal Heartline was originally chartered in 1979, and has continued serving as a foster based rescue and animal welfare organization.
Animal Heartline has been operating under the same name, for 43 years. In 2022, Dark Horse Dogs, NFP was added as an assumed name.
Dark Horse Dogs, NFP
Dark Horse Dogs is Animal Heartline. We had a makeover. Dark Horse Dogs, NPF is currently an assumed name of Animal Heartline. We are permitted and registered to do business as Dark Horse Dogs, NFP. If you see both names when making donations, don't get worried. It is the same organization, and most importantly, the same people. If you already knew us before the DHD name, then you definitely still know us now.
The name change isn't to throw anyone off, it's not to evade taxes : ) and it didn't come from trying to cut any ties. Animal Heartline was due for a glow up. We have been growing, learning, and changing quite a bit over the last few years. It was time that our name and image reflect that as well. Dark Horse Dogs, NFP will continue to operate as a DBA of Animal Heartline for a little while. We do plan to change the entity name completely in the future. A DBA made for an easier and less confusing transition.
Contact Us ~ If You Must
Didn't Find Your Match With Us? Visit Our Friends!
Chi-Town Pitties
It's a Pittie Rescue
It's a Pittie Rescue
Their mission: To rescue bully breeds in need and from high kill shelters while cultivating positive, collaborative foster relationships to ensure the ultimate adoptive success of the dogs into loving permanent homes. To wisely steward our available resources, enabling us to provide appropriate support and assistance to address the needs of the animals to whom we have made the commitment of rescue.
It's a Pittie Rescue
It's a Pittie Rescue
It's a Pittie Rescue
It’s a Pittie Rescue is dedicated to rescuing, rehabbing and rehoming the Pit Bull breeds and educating people about one of America’s most loyal and kind breeds, one dog at a time.
Wish Upon A Rescue
Wish Upon A Rescue
Wish Upon A Rescue
Wish Upon a Rescue is a non-profit Illinois based animal rescue focused on saving the lives of homeless animals while providing the community with extensive education, outreach, and support. We believe in going above and beyond the status quo of rescue and are committed to providing innovative care and support for our animals physical and emotional health. We believe that all animals deserve a second chance at life regardless of breed, age, or physical ability.
PAWS Chicago
Wish Upon A Rescue
Wish Upon A Rescue
Be Part of the Solution
Join PAWS Chicago in its work to help homeless pets. There are endless ways for you to give back. Find one that's right for you and get involved today.
Dogs Currently in Need of Rescue Help!
Chicago Animal Care & Control (CACC) - Available Dogs
Interested in fostering or adopting? CACC has HUNDREDS of dogs! Click the link below to see dogs available. Some may only be available to foster through a rescue first but if you want first dibs at adopting, this is how you get dibs!
*please note the link below is a Facebook group - you may need to sign in/or follow the page to have full visibility*
DuPage County Animal Services (DCAS) - Available Dogs
While not as large a shelter as CACC, DCAS is also in need of fosters and adopters. Please take a look at their dogs available to rescues.
*please note the link below is a Facebook group - you may need to sign in/or follow the page to have full visibility*
Where Else Can We Pull Dogs?
Aurora Animal Care & Control
Joliet Township Animal Control
Kane County Animal Control
Kendall County Animal Control
Northwest Rescue Network Team
You Can Do Something!
Safe Humane Chicago
Safe Humane Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with legal name Safe Humane®. We work with allies and collaborators focusing on people as well as animals. These organizations and individuals recognize the connections between animal abuse and interpersonal violence as well as the benefits of the human-animal bond. We believe that providing a variety of innovative and collaborative programs focused on humane treatment of people and animals alike reduces all forms of violence and creates safer neighborhoods. Safe Humane is committed to breaking the cycle of violence through trauma-informed care and programs that bring together abused or neglected shelter dogs – in particular, our Court Case Dogs™ – with youth and adults impacted by violence, challenged by poverty or extreme trauma in order to help and support each other. Our programs focus on education, advocacy and second chances for people, animals, and our community. "Safe Humane" is a registered trademark of Safe Humane, an Illinois not-for-profit corporation doing business as Safe Humane Chicago.
HSA - Humane Society of Aurora
The Humane Society of Aurora is a 501(c)3 charitable organization and is 100% volunteer run.
The goals of the Humane Society of Aurora are to:
- Helping pet owners through advocacy and hands-on assistance by volunteers
- Treat all animals with love and respect
- Provide resources to those in need
- Educate the public on responsible pet ownership
- Educate the public on adopting over purchasing their pets
DuPage Animal Friends
DuPage County Animal Services (DCAS) is all about doing everything possible to give adoptable animals a second chance at life. DuPage Animal Friends, an all-volunteer 501(c)3 charitable organization, is committed to helping provide the lifesaving supplies, medical care, and program funding that fall beyond the scope of Animal Services' limited operating budget. Your contribution to DuPage Animal Friends goes straight to work helping thousands of homeless pets every year that enter DCAS needing care and shelter.
Rescueber
Advocating for vulnerable populations through sharing our journey of transportation of animals and supplies. We strive to spotlight animals most at risk in the shelter environment including seniors, medically complicated, and behaviorally complex to ensure access to enriching foster and adoptive homes.
Amplifying the efforts of other community animal welfare organizations, especially communities that are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. Empowering and encouraging youth through education and involvement in animal welfare and community networking.
Celebrating neighborhood networkers and the pet owners’ bond with their animals through a judgment-free culture to build relationships within the community and learn what is needed for people to flourish and keep pets with their families. Current recognized needs of people and their pets include; nutrition, transportation, and healthcare access.
Evolving in our mission and programs through fostering relationships with community members to work cohesively with other animal welfare organizations. Ongoing reassessments of our involvement creates optimal solutions and systems allowing people and animals to be safe, sustainable, and thrive.
Precious Cargo Rescue Rides
At Precious Cargo Rescue Rides our mission is to provide transportation for animals in need of rescue. Our goal is working with rescues to help relieve shelter , animal control, veterinary facilities, etc by transporting animals from their unsure situation to the safety of rescue. Often we are "on-call" for emergency cases as needed . Our organization bridges the gap that is greatly needed to secure the lives of these animals.
Adoption Fees & Payment Options
Puppies ~ 8 weeks to 1 year
$450 ~ Includes
Microchip
Deworming
Spay/Neuter
Vaccinations ~ Age Appropriate
*We are now using Shelterluv to process adoptions. You will be required to pay using the Shelterluv portal. Donations can still be made via Zelle, PayPal, Venmo, check, or cash. You can find the links on our donation page.*
Adults ~ 1 year to 7 years
$350 ~ Includes
Microchip
Spay/Neuter
All Core Vaccinations
Heartworm Test
Harness/leash/collar
*We are now using Shelterluv to process adoptions. You will be required to pay using the Shelterluv portal. Donations can still be made via Zelle, PayPal, Venmo, check, or cash. You can find the links on our donation page.*
Seniors ~ 8+
$350 ~ Includes
Microchip
Spay/Neuter
All Core Vaccinations
Heartworm Test
Harness/leash/collar
*We are now using Shelterluv to process adoptions. You will be required to pay using the Shelterluv portal. Donations can still be made via Zelle, PayPal, Venmo, check, or cash. You can find the links on our donation page.*
Adoption Requirements!
*Must fill out an application in its entirety.
*Adopters must be 23 years of age or older.
*Must have valid ID as proof of age, and agree to a background check.
*Live within 50 miles of Naperville, IL.
*Must be Illinois residents. We do not allow out of state adoptions.
*Renters must have landlord/management approval.
*Must be willing to allow a home check, whether in person or virtually.
*All members of the household will need to be present at the meet and greet.
*Existing dogs must be up to date on vaccinations & spayed/neutered.
*All adopters agree to allow follow-up(s) by a DHD representative.
This may be in person or virtually. This will be at the discretion of the DHD representative.
*We do not allow female/female bully breed adoptions.
This policy gets the most flack. Why? Because those people have never experienced the nightmare of two females fighting in their home. We could post studies that show this setup is a recipe for disaster, but if our real life knowledge isn’t enough to convince you…a study won’t be enough either. Don’t complain about this rule. It will never change. This rule does nothing for us as rescuers, but reduce the quantity of good homes, that we’d probably like to put dogs in. Why would any rescuer deny a great home because of a gender concern if it was rarely an issue? Answer: we wouldn’t. Female/female isn’t happening, and it’s for the safety of your dog, your home, and our dog. End of story.
*Understand that requirements are not limited to this list.
Some dogs require a fenced yard. Some dogs require being an "only" dog. Some dogs require a single family home (loud and frequent barkers). This list is standard requirements but they are not limited to this list. Requirements may differ, depending on the dog and their needs.
**DARK HORSE DOGS, NFP HAS THE RIGHT TO DENY ANY APPLICATION, AT OUR DISCRETION**