501(c)(3) nonprofit · South Elgin, Illinois

More than a rescue.
A place for people and animals to start again.

Cozy Critter Rescue rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes surrendered cats and non-traditional companion animals — and supports the families who love them through life’s transitions.

Baby Guinea Pig

Who we are

We’re here for the animals — and for the people who love them.

Cozy Critter Rescue is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming surrendered cats and non-traditional companion animals. More than an animal rescue, we are a community resource for families and individuals facing life’s transitions.

Whether children have outgrown a beloved pet, a student is leaving for college, a family is relocating, or someone has found an abandoned animal with nowhere else to turn — we’re here to help.

We fill a critical need in our community by providing one of the few local surrender options for cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, reptiles and other non-traditional companion animals.

Our mission

To provide compassionate care for every animal entrusted to us, and to match each one with a loving, responsible home where they can thrive.

We believe surrendering a pet should never be an act of desperation — it should be an opportunity for a new beginning.

Animals we support

Not just cats and dogs

Most shelters can’t take a guinea pig, a parakeet or a bearded dragon. We can. That’s why families across the area come to us.

  • Cats
  • Rabbits
  • Guinea pigs
  • Birds
  • Reptiles
  • Other small companion animals

Availability changes constantly. See who’s looking for a home right now.

A pet at home with its family before rehoming

Community Rehome Program

Pets stay home while we find their next one.

Life doesn’t always go as planned. Sometimes loving pet owners face circumstances that make it impossible to keep a cherished companion. We’re here to help.

Our Community Rehome Program lets pets remain with their current family while we assist in finding a new, loving home. Animals move directly from one home to another — avoiding the stress and uncertainty of a shelter stay.

This matters most for pets who would struggle in a shelter because of age, anxiety, medical needs or temperament. Staying in familiar surroundings until adoption makes the transition to their next family far smoother.

Whether you’re facing a move, financial hardship, a change in family circumstances or another unexpected event, you don’t have to navigate it alone.

How we work

From surrender to a settled home

Step 1

Reach out

An owner contacts us, or an animal is found with nowhere else to go.

Step 2

Care & assessment

Each animal is assessed and given the care they need — with us, or at home through the Rehome Program.

Step 3

Matching

We connect each animal with an adopter who fits their needs, not just the first person to apply.

Step 4

A new beginning

The animal goes home — and their family gets the guidance to help them settle.

Content note: this four-step summary is written from the mission copy supplied. [CONFIRM actual intake, assessment and adoption steps before publishing.]

What we stand for

Our values

Drawn from how Cozy Critter Rescue already describes its work. (To be approved by the rescue.)

Compassion

For the animal in front of us, and for the person who has to say goodbye.

Dignity

Surrendering a pet is not a failure. Nobody is judged for asking us for help.

Responsible matching

The right home, not the fastest one. Every match has to work long-term.

Lifelong welfare

We care how an animal is doing years after adoption day, not just on it.

Community

We’re a local resource — for schools, families, partners and neighbours.

Transparency

Clear about what we can offer, what we can’t, and where donations go.

Our impact

What this community has made possible in 2026

Small Animals Adopted

Animals Rehomed

Serving the community since

Our team

The people behind the rescue

Jackleen Stefees

Director of Community Outreach

Maria Nevarez

Board President

Lupe Correa

Store Manager

TO SUPPLY: short bio, one or two sentences.

info@critterspetshop.com

Education

Animal care resources

Trusted, species-specific guidance from organizations we recommend — whether you adopted from us or not.

These links open on external sites. Cozy Critter Rescue isn’t responsible for their content.

Visit us

Cozy Critter Rescue
582 Randall Rd.
South Elgin, IL 60177

[OPENING HOURS TO BE CONFIRMED]

Community Outreach

Jackleen Stefees

jackleen@cozycritterrescue.org

Every adoption changes two lives.

When you adopt, donate, sponsor or partner with Cozy Critter Rescue, you’re helping animals and the families who love them.

Snake adoption