Find Your New Best Friend

Want to adopt a Cavalier?

At GCCR, we’re committed to finding the best possible home for each dog in our care.

That means we focus on making thoughtful, individualized matches based on each dog’s unique needs. As a result, not every applicant will be matched, but your application helps us get to know our potential adopters and ensures that, when the right dog comes along, we’re ready. We truly appreciate your understanding and support.

Before You Apply: What to Know About Rescuing a Cavalier

Adopting a rescued Cavalier is a meaningful act of compassion, but it’s not without challenges. Here are some important considerations before you begin the application process:

Health Risks: Many rescued Cavaliers are genetically predisposed to illnesses that can lead to emotional heartbreak and high veterinary costs. Please research the breed thoroughly before falling in love with a photo.

Runaway Instincts: Cavaliers are Spaniels at heart—curious, social, and prone to darting off after critters or people. Some require securely fenced yards to keep them safe.

High Need for Human Companionship: Most rescued Cavaliers crave constant affection and should not be left alone for more than four hours a day.

Medical & Behavioral “Baggage”: Many come with complex needs—whether it’s past trauma, health issues, or both—that require time, patience, and often significant financial resources.

Special Needs Dogs: Some Cavaliers need exceptionally experienced adopters who can manage serious behavioral challenges (like possessiveness or fear) and advanced medical conditions (e.g., EPI, MVD, pulmonic stenosis). These dogs need rescuers, not just pet owners.

Senior Cavaliers: Dogs aged 7 and up often have fewer issues aside from age—and they make incredibly loving, grateful companions.

Family Requirements: Some of our rescued Cavaliers have never lived with children or may be uncomfortable around them. For their safety and well-being—as well as yours—this can be an important factor during the matching process. We always consider each dog’s individual needs when finding their perfect home.

Home & Reference Checks: All applicants must agree to a home visit and personal reference check.

Adoption Donations: Each dog’s adoption donation is listed on our website and varies by age.

Think you're ready to adopt? Review this checklist to make sure it’s the right fit for you and you for them.

GCCR Adoption Process

Application Received: Your adoption application will be acknowledged via email after submission.
Matching Process: Our Placement Coordinators will work to match you with a rescued Cavalier whose needs align with your home and lifestyle. You'll receive information about the dog, and the foster caregivers will arrange an introduction. If a match isn’t available immediately, you’ll be placed on a waiting list.
Home Visit: A GCCR volunteer will contact you to schedule a home visit. In most cases, the volunteer will bring along a Cavalier (not necessarily available for adoption) to observe how your household, including any resident pets, interacts with a new dog.
Application Review: After the home visit, you’ll be notified whether you’ve been approved to adopt.
Matching Process: Once approved, our Rescue Coordinators will work to match you with a rescued Cavalier whose needs align with your home and lifestyle. You'll receive information about the dog, and the foster caregivers will arrange an introduction. If a match isn’t available immediately, you’ll be placed on a waiting list.
Ongoing Consideration: Each time a new rescue enters our program, Placement Coordinators revisit the waiting list to identify the best fit. If you're waiting, we encourage you to stay in touch and let us know you're still interested. Email info@gccavalierrescue.org if you are interested in a particular Cavalier or to let us know you are still interested in adopting.
Reference Checks: We check references only after a potential match has been identified.
Thoughtful Placement: Adoptions don’t typically occur at the first meeting. We want both the applicant and the foster caregiver to reflect on the match before proceeding. Our goal is to avoid impulse placements and ensure a lasting, loving home.

Greater Chicago Cavalier Rescue (GCCR) is a nonprofit, volunteer-run organization dedicated to the health and welfare of Cavaliers. We rely entirely on public donations—no one is paid for their time or efforts.

Adoption fees help cover the cost of veterinary care and boarding. All adopted Cavaliers are spayed or neutered (unless medically exempt) and up to date on vaccinations. Any known health issues will be discussed with you by the foster family at the time of placement.

To ensure the best possible match, we ask for detailed information and references:

Two personal references (e.g., friends, relatives, colleagues)
One veterinary reference, if applicable (or note if you don’t have one)

Helpful tips for completing the form are provided beneath each field where needed.