+ Where do you rescue dogs from?

Our original mission was to rescue dogs from Mexico by working with partner rescues in the Cancun area., which we still do however as we started to network, we realized how large of a need it was not only to help dogs in Chicago, but all across the country. We also work locally with owner surrenders in the Chicagoland area to help support our community as well as open access and rural shelters across the country, especially in Arkansas, Lousiana and Texas. We consider dogs for intake from all over though. We work closely with Chicago Animal Care and Control and a handful of other local organizations in addition to our partners in the South.

+ Do you accept owner surrenders?

Yes, we accept owner surrenders locally as space permits.

+ Are all the dogs on your website available for adoption immediately?

Yes, anyone that is listed on our website is available for adoption or foster to adopt immediately. If a dog is in our shelter, we do same day adoptions (or foster to adopts). If a dog is in a foster home, we ask that you fill out our application in order to set up a meeting!

+ Can I make a reservation for a specific dog?

Yes! We only do same day holds though, so if you are looking to place a specific dog on hold, please be prepared to come that day. We are open from 11 AM-7 PM every day.

+ What is Foster-To Adopt?

Foster-To-Adopt is our way of getting dogs into homes before they are fixed. Our vets are booked out pretty far (2-5 weeks) and our FTA process allows you to take your new dog home and get to know them, and gets them out of the shelter sooner. You pick one of our clinics. When you take a dog home as a Foster-To-Adopt, you are committing to adopting that animal.

+ What if our adopted dog is not the right fit?

While we ask you to be serious when taking a pet home, we understand that not all dogs are the right fit, and since we are a shelter, we don’t always have information on how the dogs are in a home environment. Your pet always has a home back at Border Tails, in fact, by contract you are required to bring them back to us, even if it’s 5 or 10 years from now, however a refund is not provided.

+ What are your adoption fees and what is included?

Please see our adoption fees and info page HERE.

+ Do you adopt out of state?

We adopt out dogs who have been spayed/neutered to the tri-state area (IL. IN, WI). If a dog has not been fixed, they are eligible for Foster to adopt in IL only. Some exceptions may be made for families who live just over the border or for dogs who are long term. Please call if you are unsure. All adopters are required to travel to our location in Northbrook, IL, there is no transport available.

+ Who needs to meet an animal before bringing it home?

We require a dog meet for dogs over 6 months old with any existing resident dogs, and any kids under 10 years old must also be present at the time of adoption. In certain circumstances, with manager approval, excpetions to dog meets can be made.

+ How can I contact Border Tails Rescue?

You can contact us by email adopt@bordertailsrescue.org or phone at 847-813-5774.

+ Why do you rescue dogs from Mexico?

We rescue dogs from Mexico because it is estimated that 70% of all of Mexico’s over 18 million dogs live on the streets. The only way to stop this overpopulation is to proactively spay/neuter strays as well as find adoptive homes for as many as possible. Our partner rescues rely on their partners, including us, to help transport the dogs to the United States. Without our help, and the help of a handful of other partners in Canada, our partners would not be able to save as many dogs as they do.

+ Is it difficult to transport dogs to the United States from Mexico? What is the process like?

It is not as difficult as people think. Many people think there is a quarantine period for dogs from Mexico, but there isn't. To travel, a dog must be certified healthy within 10 days of flying and have proof of vaccinations, most importantly their Rabies. We rely on flight volunteers who are generally tourists who are coming home from vacation. It is no cost and no hassle to our fight volunteers, but it helps us out tremendously. You can read more about it HERE.