
Determined to Rise
Animal Foundation
Our mission is to educate our community on proper pet care, reduce the population of homeless animals, and provide support and resources to Chicago’s pet owners.
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We focus on the rescue and rehabilitation of abandoned, unwanted, neglected, abused, and injured animals.
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We are proudly a 501c3 Charity. View Our Verified GuideStar Profile HERE
We Are
Determined
Determined To Rise Animal Foundation is dedicated to supporting all animals in rescue, striving to improve their well-being and create opportunities for second chances.
We work closely with shelters, rescue groups, and fosters to provide essential care, including medical treatments, vaccinations, spaying or neutering, and rehabilitation for animals recovering from trauma. It organizes community outreach and educational programs to raise awareness about the importance of adoption, responsible pet ownership, and animal welfare.

DOGS
Determined To Rise Animal Foundation is dedicated to providing comprehensive support for dogs in rescue by addressing both their immediate and long-term needs. We collaborate with local animal control agencies, shelters, rescue groups, and fosters to ensure abandoned, unwanted, or mistreated dogs receive necessary medical care including vaccinations, spaying or neutering, and treatments for injuries or illnesses. We run community outreach programs to promote awareness, educate the public on responsible pet ownership, and showcase the value and meaningfulness of adopting, rather than shopping. Additionally, DTR organizes fundraising events to supply food, bedding, and other essentials for the rescue itself, for our adopters, and for the community. At DTR, we work tirelessly to create safe environments for sick, old, or “difficult” dogs, providing them with a safe, soft place to land while they rehabilitate and prepare for loving forever homes.


CATS
DTR is also committed to improving the lives of rescue cats – from strays to ferals to kittens - through targeted support and care. We partner with shelters and rescue groups to ensure that cats all over Chicagoland receive essential medical treatment, including vaccinations, spaying or neutering, and any required health interventions. We provide assistance for community members who find stray cats or lonely kittens, and we facilitate foster programs to provide temporary, loving environments for cats in transition, helping them build trust and social skills. We work to raise awareness for the importance of adopting rescue cats, and advocate for cats who have lost their humans to age or sickness. We also have a special fondness for three-legged felines.
SANCTUARY ANIMALS
DTR extends its mission to our large outdoor friends, too! Our rescue takes in horses rescued from slaughter or retired from lifetimes of work, donkeys and llamas rescued from petting zoos, and cows, goats, pigs, and chickens that were unwanted by hobby farmers or bred for meat. For these farmy friends we provide healthy food, medical care, yearly vaccinations, and a safe place to live out their days, free of fear. DTR also works to rehome rescued horses by vetting potential adopters and educating them on the responsibilities of equine care. Through generous monthly donors, contributions from local farms and retailers, and fundraising efforts, we secure feed, veterinary services, farrier care, and safe housing for these beautiful beasts. Additionally, DTR advocates for humane treatment of livestock animals and educates the public on their welfare, aiming to prevent neglect and overbreeding and create a brighter future for animals not typically thought of as “pets”.
