The Garrido Stray Rescue Foundation serves the animals and families of Chicago, Illinois and the surrounding areas. Our primary goal is to reunite pets with their owners.

This 100% volunteer based, 501(c)(3) non-profit, rescue organization was established in March of 2017 by Anna and John Garrido. Both founders hold professional full-time careers, but chose to fulfill their passion helping animals in their free time.

As a little girl, Anna brought home stray, hurt and abandoned animals and cared for them until they recovered with hopes to find them a home; however, none left her house. John also grew up with animals, but his true passion did not develop until adulthood. Anna and John’s more serious involvement in animal rescue started in 2001 when they rescued a malnourished dog from PAWS Chicago. Since then they have been involved with PAWS Chicago and even though they are busy with their own rescue, they still find time to volunteer at PAWS Chicago a few times a year.

Here is what they say…

Our goal is to reunite found pets with their owners. If that’s not possible, we will make sure that through an extensive adoption process, we will find them a new home. Some animals that come to our rescue are abused and become court case animals. For these animals, we established a Court Advocacy group to help seek justice.

For those in need of medical care, Niles Animal Hospital, Riser Animal Hospital, Lenette DiCiaula, MS, DVM and Blue Pearl Veterinary Hospital (Northfield, Il) are always there to help us without hesitation. Everything from consultations, vaccinations, spay/neuter, to surgeries, dental work, x-rays and more. For those animals that come to us needing a makeover because of extremely matted fur, the Dog House of L.C.&L, the Playtime Pup Ranch and Rub-A-Dub Dog Grooming give the rescues a makeover at their day spa.  Some dogs have to be trained and we can only accomplish this through help from Pack Mentality Dog Training and TOPS. 

We support “no kill” community coalitions that are committed to reducing the number of cats and dogs in that community who are at risk of becoming lost, abandoned or relinquished to shelters.

We also strongly believe in Proactive Redemptions. One of the most overlooked areas for reducing killing in animal control shelters are lost animal reclaims. Primarily shifting from passive to a more proactive approach—has proven to have a significant impact on lifesaving and allow shelters to return a large percentage of lost animals to their families.

We are able to make a difference in the Chicago community and in the lives of animals every day because of donor support. Veterinary visits are costly.  To learn more about how you can get involved and how your donation can make a difference, visit our donations page.