PAWS Chicago cats, dogs ready for adoption

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The holidays are over, but it's the perfect time to give a pet a forever home.

This week, we're featuring Woody, a 1-year-old Boxer mix who makes friends with everyone he meets and has a tail that is always wagging! He enjoys playing with toys and going for long walks through his neighborhood.

Woody will do best in a moderately active home without young children. PAWS says: "If you're searching for a dog that wants nothing more than to be your very best friend and will stick with you through thick and thin, then Woody is your guy!"

Some adoptable animals at PAWS Chicago are learning how to behave in a home - before they even have one!

Woody is currently training in PAWS' new "Real Life Room," which is set up just like a living room complete with a couch, television and coffee table.

Trainers use the space to teach animals lessons and it gives pets a chance to go one-on-one with possible adopting families.

Woody is just one of dozens of puppies, kittens, dogs and cats are available to adopt now at PAWS Chicago.

PHOTOS: Pets available to adopt NOW at PAWS Chicago

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FILE - In this undated file photo provided by the South Dakota Attorney General's Office shows a Studebaker with skeletal remains found in Brule Creek near Elk Point, S.D. Cheryl Miller and Pamella Jackson were last seen May 29, 1971, driving a 1960 Studebaker Lark on their way to a party. (AP Photo/South Dakota Attorney General's Office, File)

Click here to view the full list of adoptable cats and dogs that is updated in real-time as pets become available or are adopted.

If you're not able to bring a pet home, you can also make a donation or volunteer at PAWS' adoption centers and foster homes.

What is the adoption process like at PAWS Chicago?

- To adopt a pet from PAWS Chicago, you must:

- Bring along all family members (including children and roommates) to meet your new cat or dog. Be sure to bring any resident dogs if you are adopting a dog.

- Verify that you are allowed to have a pet of the breed and size where you currently live (for renters and condo owners)

- Be at least 21 years of age with a government-issued photo ID

- Be available to spend up to an hour with an Adoption Counselor

What are some of the benefits of adopting from PAWS?

- Spay/neuter surgery

- All age-appropriate vaccinations

- Microchip

- Support through your pet's lifetime

- The PAWS Chicago Lifetime Guarantee, if something happens to you or you can no longer care for your pet

- Leash and collar and starter bag of Merrick Pet Food (or in Schatzi's case, a year of free food)

- Saving lives! When you adopt you helped save TWO lives--the life of the pet you are taking home and that of another who is now able to come into the adoption program.

PAWS adoption fees:

DOGS:

Adult (dogs aged seven months and older) $300*

Puppies (dogs aged six months and younger) $400*

*This fee includes a $100.00 deposit which is refundable upon completion of obedience training.

CATS: Varies by age, visit the PAWS Chicago website for adoption process and fees.

Pets are adoptable thorough PAWS Chicago at the following locations across the Chicago area:

Pippen Fasseas Adoption Center

1997 N. Clybourn Ave

Chicago, IL 60614

773-935-7297 (PAWS)

Sat & Sun: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Mon-Fri: 12 - 7 p.m.

Glenn L. Felner North Shore Adoption Center

1616 Deerfield Road

Highland Park, IL 60035 - Map it

224-707-1190

Wednesday - 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Thurs & Fri - 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Saturday - 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Sunday - 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.