Blessed Bonds

Reuniting Families. Restoring Hope.

In times of crisis—whether it’s a medical emergency or temporary loss of housing—some pet owners are forced to make heartbreaking decisions. A.D.O.P.T.’s Blessed Bonds Crisis Assistance Program is here to help. By offering support and resources during life’s toughest moments, we help families stay together and ensure pets remain where they’re needed most—in the arms of the people who love them. You can help keep pets and families together. Whether through donations, fostering, or spreading the word, your support makes all the difference.

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Crisis Assistance Experience

A Bond Never Broken: Brian & Oreo’s Story

When Brian needed urgent medical treatment, he was faced with an impossible choice—get the care he needed or stay with his loyal companion, Oreo. The thought of leaving Oreo behind was unbearable. Like so many pet owners in crisis, Brian considered putting his own health at risk just to avoid being separated from the cat he loved.

That’s when he found A.D.O.P.T.’s Blessed Bonds Crisis Assistance Program. After reaching out, Brian was relieved to learn that Oreo could stay in a safe, loving foster home while he focused on healing. Oreo received the care and affection he needed—and Brian was able to get the medical help he desperately required without fear or guilt.

Their joyful reunion was more than heartwarming—it was a powerful reminder of what Blessed Bonds is all about: keeping families together, even through the hardest times.

Today, Brian and Oreo are back home, healthy and happy—grateful for a second chance made possible by your support.

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Crisis Assistance Program

Our Mission

To provide free, temporary foster care for pets during times of personal crisis—so families can stay together, even when life gets hard.
Our Vision

For Blessed Bonds to be the leading model of crisis foster care, offering comfort and connection in every community facing hardship or disaster.
We Believe
- Pets Are Family. They belong with the people who love them.
- Compassion Has No Cost. We never charge families for help during a crisis.
- There Is Hope. Our goal is always reunification—getting pets back home where they belong.
- Support Goes Beyond Shelter. In addition to foster care, we provide pet food and essential supplies to help ease the burden during difficult times.

Options When Facing a Crisis

Alternatives For Pet Owners

Contact friends, family, neighbours, and coworkers to find out if anyone is willing to care for your pet, either until you’re able to be reunited or just briefly while you search for placement in a foster care program. Shelter programs should always be a last resort after exploring options within your social circles
Contact your veterinarian or local boarding facilities to ask about low-cost boarding options. Pet care professionals who have gotten to know your pet often feel personally invested in your pet’s well-being and may be willing to help with low-cost care or a payment plan
Check out our Crisis Resource Guide to learn about other programs in Chicagoland that provide help to pets and their families in times of crisis

Crisis Resource Guide

Blessed Bonds FAQs

Answers to Questions About Our Crisis Assistance Services

Who qualifies for assistance through the Blessed Bonds program?

What does not qualify for assistance through the Blessed Bonds program?

How long is foster care provided?

How do I apply for Blessed Bonds assistance?

Call the shelter at (630) 355-2299 or fill out the application for Blessed Bonds foster assistance here. You may also fill out the application for animal care supplies here. Submit applications via email to blessedbonds@adoptpetshelter.org or fax to 630-800-2194. Hard copies are available upon request through blessedbonds@adoptpetshelter.org or (630) 355-2299. Ensure your pet’s veterinary records are available and that your pet is up-to-date on vaccinations and spayed/neutered. If you need assistance with vaccinations or spaying/neutering, indicate this on your application; our on-site clinic can usually assist.

How can I help?

Our greatest need is foster homes. As a temporary foster parent, you get to pick what type of pet you would like to foster, as well as the frequency and amount of time you are able to give. Remember that the more foster homes we have, the more animals we can save! Click here to find out more about becoming a foster or complete an application here.

Another way to help is to donate to the Blessed Bonds Fund. These funds help us provide vaccines the pet needs before going to foster care, or emergency boarding for large dogs or bully breeds who may be difficult to place in a foster home.

Need assistance or have specific questions?

Reach out to our team, and we’ll be happy to help.

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