Adopt a Maltese in Illinois

Maltese are gentle, playful, and devoted toy dogs with silky white coats. They appear in rescue often from puppy mills or grooming-related surrenders. A rescued Maltese thrives in attentive, lap-dog-friendly homes.

Illinois has a large rescue dog community, with Chicago and the surrounding suburbs home to dozens of active rescues and shelters. Downstate organizations in Springfield, Peoria, and Champaign also serve large populations. A rescued Illinois dog typically comes from an active, well-connected organization.