What We Do
Our Programs & Services
From the field to the community, every ZU1 program is built around one belief: every life deserves a second chance.
How We Serve
ZU1 Foundation NP operates five core programs that work together to rescue animals in crisis, support pet owners in need, educate the next generation of advocates, provide medical assistance, and build the partnerships that make lasting change possible.
Based in the Metro Chicago area, our programs reach animals and families across the region — from emergency field rescues to neighborhood pet food pantries to faith-based community education.
200+
Animals rescued annually
Saving lives where they are found
Field Rescue
Our Field Rescue team responds to reports of stray, injured, and abandoned animals across the Metro Chicago area. Trained volunteers work alongside local animal control and emergency services to safely capture, stabilize, and transport animals to veterinary care and foster homes.
- 24/7 emergency response network
- Trained humane trapping & transport
- Coordination with local animal control
- Immediate veterinary triage
500+
Families served each year
Keeping pets and families together
Community Outreach
Our Community Outreach program addresses the root causes of pet surrender by bringing resources directly to neighborhoods in need. Through our pet food pantry, low-cost wellness clinics, and emergency supply drives, we help families keep the pets they love.
- Monthly pet food pantry distributions
- Low-cost vaccination & wellness events
- Emergency supply assistance
- Multilingual community resources
1,000+
Community members reached
Building the next generation of advocates
Education & Advocacy
We bring our education program directly to the community — visiting faith-based facilities, park districts, community centers, and schools to educate people on animal rescue, companion animals, emotional support animals, and responsible pet ownership. Our goal is to build a more compassionate, informed community one conversation at a time.
- Faith-based facility workshops
- Park district & community center events
- School education programs
- Companion & emotional support animal awareness
Fund-
dependent program
Caring for pets when families need help most
Medical Assistance
When funds are available, ZU1 Foundation NP assists with medication needs for pets in our program and for low-income families referred to us who cannot afford to purchase medication for their pets. We also provide Pet Aftercare Assistance when funds are available, helping families through one of the hardest moments of pet ownership with dignity and compassion.
- Medication assistance for pets in our program
- Support for referred low-income families
- Pet Aftercare Assistance
- Fund-dependent — donations make this possible
20+
Partner organizations
Stronger together for animals
Lifesaving Partnerships
No organization saves lives alone. ZU1 Foundation NP actively cultivates partnerships with shelters, veterinary clinics, businesses, and fellow nonprofits to expand our reach, share resources, and create a coordinated safety net for animals across the region.
- Shelter transfer & transport network
- Veterinary clinic partnerships
- Corporate sponsorship program
- Interagency rescue coordination
Ready to Make a Difference?
Whether you want to volunteer on a rescue, donate to our programs, or partner with us — there's a place for you in our mission.