‘Nature is so healing’: PAWS Chicago breaks ground for Rescue Ranch in Hawthorn Woods

A calm place in a natural environment with individual suites, walking paths, a serene pond, spacious pavilions and other amenities sounds like a peaceful getaway. And there will be plenty of visitors.

But rather than a vacation destination, a former equestrian center nestled on 20 acres off Route 176 in Hawthorn Woods is planned as a sanctuary for homeless dogs and cats awaiting a better life with new families.

PAWS Chicago Rescue Ranch is a vision of the nonprofit founded 28 years ago with an unwavering commitment to a no-kill policy for homeless dogs and cats.

“Nature is so healing,” said Paula Fasseas, PAWS founder and executive director. “We struggle with in our city shelter with the more fearful dogs.”

Announced in late 2024, a private groundbreaking celebration Sunday for Rescue Ranch marks the start of a first-of-its-kind campus dedicated to providing specialized care for large dogs and cats most at risk of euthanasia. A public open house is being planned for September.

Besides providing access to a range of suburban adopters with big backyards, the ranch will offer a calming and spacious environment, especially for dogs more than 40 pounds, according to PAWS.

“This new campus will be PAWS Chicago’s flagship location — a calm, natural environment where cats and dogs can decompress from the stress of shelter life as they await uniting with their new families,” according to the project website.

The former TACS Stables & Horse Farm clubhouse, arena, stables and other buildings will be repurposed into a “best in class” homeless pet adoption hub and education center, with a variety of services and opportunities for school visits and community interactions.

“Everything under roof will be completely redone,” Fasseas said. The center is tentatively planned to open in fall 2027.

Included in the future experience will be a teaching farm with a bevy of animals PAWS has “adopted” from the former owner and will remain on the site they’ve always known.

Planned features include: A two-story atrium serving as a hub for adoptions, community events and workshops; a canine pavilion with suites — most with outdoor patios — for up to 80 dogs and puppies; and a cat center for up to 80 cats and kittens.

Rescue Ranch will be the organization’s first freestanding suburban facility and is intended to broaden its lifesaving impact, especially for large dogs who struggle to find homes in the dense urban environment.

The operation will facilitate thousands of adoptions per year, reducing the time in shelter for many animals by 50%, according to PAWS.

“We want them to come to you with their tails wagging,” Fasseas said.

The campus also will serve as a place “where animals and people alike find healing, hope and connection,” according to PAWS Chicago.

Since its founding 28 years ago, there has been an 89% drop in euthanasia for homeless cats and dogs in the city, according to PAWS Chicago.

Prevention of pet overpopulation is an important part of PAWS’ model and Rescue Ranch will have a surgery center equipped to perform hundreds of spay/neuter surgeries during Spay Days.

Homeless animals brought to Rescue Ranch will come from Chicago Animal Care and Control, PAWS Chicago, and partner shelters, with PAWS also working with Lake County entities as needs arise.