- We are Famous Fido
Where the Forgotten Become Family
For over 50-years Famous Fido Rescue has refused to give up on the abandoned, the abused, and the overlooked.”
- About Famous Fido
Changing How We See Companion Animals
Famous Fido was built on Gloria’s unwavering belief that animals are family – not property, not disposable, not temporary. For over five decades, she has opened her doors and her heart to those left behind, stepping in when others walked away. Her life’s work has been rooted in one simple truth: every companion animal deserves protection, dignity, and a forever commitment. Today, that same conviction continues to guide every rescue, every intervention, and every adoption that happens within these walls.
- Get Involved
Be the Reason a Life Is Saved
Every animal who comes here has been let down by someone. That is the truth. Some were surrendered. Some were abandoned. Some simply became inconvenient. What we offer them is stability, protection, and the promise that they will not be discarded again. If you choose to stand with us, you become part of that promise.
Give a Rescue a Forever Home
Adoption is not a transaction. It is a lifelong responsibility. When you open your home to one of our animals, you are saying they will never again have to wonder where they belong. We look for families who understand that commitment is not conditional, and who are ready to make an animal part of their life, fully and permanently.
Fuel Rescue, Care, and Protection
There are moments when we are asked to take in an animal with nowhere else to go, from the senior, the injured, and the one others pass over. Your support allows us to say yes in those moments. It keeps food in bowls, veterinary care within reach, and doors open to the ones who need protection the most.
Be Hands-On in Saving Lives
This work is daily. It is hands-on. It is not always easy. Volunteers are part of the heartbeat of this rescue. It means showing up, walking dogs, cleaning spaces, offering steady presence. If you believe animals deserve dignity and protection, there is a place for you here.
- Urgent Needs
Between Abandonment and Hope.
Sponsor a Rescue Animal’s Adoption Fee
Seniors
Many of the animals at Famous Fido Rescue come from the shelter and are slated for euthanasia. Senior animals are at particular risk for this. Our goal is to intervene and rehome senior animals throughout the Chicago area. Senior cats and dogs are full of love and character; they’re some of our favorites. Regardless of […]
Angel Network – Estate Planned Giving
Angels are dedicated friends of Famous Fido who are committed to leaving a donation of financial support through a planned giving arrangement. By including Famous Fido Rescue in your estate planning, you will continue to save the lives of homeless animals for many years to come. Your planned gift to Famous Fido Rescue will be […]
Tribute Donations
Tribute Donations: Birthdays, Weddings, & Anniversaries Two of our supporters had the very generous idea of asking their guests to donate to Famous Fido in place of birthday and wedding gifts. This has been one of the most successful fundraising ideas to date. This can be done for any kind of celebration. Just make a […]
Famous Fido Wellness & Learning Center Building Sponsorship
We are currently in dire need of sponsors for not only our animals but also for the shelter we have provided them with here. Opportunities exist for sponsoring the building Famous Fido calls home. We are hoping to buy the building we operate in, but do not have the resources to do it alone. Helping […]
Program Sponsorship
Famous Fido has four ongoing programs in place to combat the problem of abandonment at its root and stop the flow of animals into shelters. They were designed to counsel and provide resources for those wanting to care for animals. These programs are part of the Compassionate Care Movement we started as a concerted effort to […]
- Monthly Giving
Join the CIRCLE OF COMPASSION today
Reliable monthly support is what keeps our rescue strong, stable, and able to respond in crisis. It allows us to take the scared, the sick, the surrendered, and keep our doors open for them.
$30
Stand beside one animal every single month while they heal, rest, and learn to trust again. Your steady support helps cover food, enrichment, bedding, and the quiet daily care that makes recovery possible.
$60
Help fund urgent medical cases and interventions that prevent animals being surrendered. From diagnostics to medications to unexpected emergencies, your monthly gift gives animals a real second chance at life.
$125
Become a sustaining force behind Famous Fido’s mission, which is rooted in Gloria’s belief that companion animals are family, not property, not disposable. Your commitment helps secure long-term care for senior animals, complex cases, and those who need us most.
We don’t offer second chances halfway. We commit until they are safe, healed, and home. Monthly supporters make that promise real. (edited)
- Events
Upcoming Events
- May 20, 2026 - Wednesday
- 8:00pm - 10:00 pm
We are coming together as a community to support two incredible dog rescue organizations that work tirelessly to save dogs with serious medical needs.
- May 22, 2026 - Friday
- 8:00pm - 10:00 pm
We are coming together as a community to support two incredible dog rescue organizations that work tirelessly to save dogs with serious medical needs.
- May 24, 2026 - Sunday
- 8:00pm - 10:00 pm
Join us at Famous Fido Rescue & Adoption Alliance for a feel-good day celebrating second chances, new beginnings, and the kind of luck that changes everything – finding a forever family.
- May 25, 2026 - Monday
- 8:00pm - 10:00 pm
Join us at Famous Fido Rescue & Adoption Alliance for a feel-good day celebrating second chances, new beginnings, and the kind of luck that changes everything – finding a forever family.
- May 26, 2026 - Tuesday
- 8:00pm - 10:00 pm
Every Sunday from 12-3pm, come spend your afternoon with some of the sweetest, silliest, and snuggliest cats at Famous Fido Rescue (3124 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60618).
- May 27, 2026 - Wednesday
- 8:00pm - 10:00 pm
Every Sunday from 12-3pm, come spend your afternoon with some of the sweetest, silliest, and snuggliest cats at Famous Fido Rescue (3124 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60618).
- May 28, 2026 - Thursday
- 8:00pm - 10:00 pm
Every Sunday from 12-3pm, come spend your afternoon with some of the sweetest, silliest, and snuggliest cats at Famous Fido Rescue (3124 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60618).
- May 29, 2026 - Friday
- 8:00pm - 10:00 pm
Every Sunday from 12-3pm, come spend your afternoon with some of the sweetest, silliest, and snuggliest cats at Famous Fido Rescue (3124 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60618).
- Steps to Adopting
The process of adoption is a life-long commitment.
You Apply Online
Each animal’s profile has a link to an application asking for information about your past experiences with animals and available resources to care for your new companion.
Application Review
We consider every application carefully to ensure that our furry friends find the right home. If we think it’s a good fit, we will reach out by phone or email.
Meet & Greet
At our meeting, you’ll have a chance to speak with our adoption coordinator, ask any questions you have, and of course, spend time with a new friend.
Partnerships with Purpose. Compassion through Corporate Giving
Through corporate partnership, your company can forge a meaningful relationship, benefiting the animals at Famous Fido Rescue by sponsoring events, working with us on community initiatives, and creating awareness for the importance of animal welfare.
- Host a supply drive or fundraiser for Famous Fido Rescue
- Arrange matching gifts with your company
- Sponsor a Famous Fido Rescue event
Get in touch with us by emailing fido@famousfidorescue.com or calling (773) 907 0305 about establishing a corporate giving plan with Famous Fido Rescue.