Instructions
Find a Breeder
Go to the American Kennel Club's homepage by typing akc.org into your browser's address bar.
Click on the link that says "Future Dog Owners." You can find this link in the column on the left side of the page.
Look for the link that reads "Breeder Classifieds." It is listed under contacts in the second column from the left. Follow the link.
Follow the link to "Search Classified Listing."
Select the "Local Club Breeder Referral" option on the page. Highlight Illinois in the box that comes up and press "Submit."
Browse the list of clubs that is displayed to find one in your area. Call the numbers provided or email the club. Let them know what kind of puppy you are looking for an ask them to recommend breeders or rescue clubs in Illinois or in your area.
Find a Shelter Puppy
Search for "Animal Shelters in Illinois" in your web browser to find animal shelters or Humane Societies in your area.
Visit your county animal shelter and look for puppies there. Most animal control shelters will euthanize puppies after they have been at the shelter for awhile, so you may be able to save a life by adopting here.
Locate PetSmart and Petco in Illinois. These stores hold adoption days for local animal shelters each Saturday. Go to an adoption day to see if the right puppy for your family might be there.
Type petfinder.com into your web browser's address bar. On the left, fill in the type of animal you are looking for. Type in the breed you want and your zip code. The site will generate a list of shelter puppies available for adoption in your area.
How to Find a Puppy in Illinois
You have decided that the time is right for you to bring a puppy into your family. But where do you start looking for a puppy in Illinois? First you must decide what breed you want and whether you want to purchase a puppy from a breeder or adopt a shelter puppy. Once you have made those decisions, the Internet is a great resource for finding puppies in Illinois.