Save the Dogs Chi Town

09/06/2026

Our wonderful team minus a couple members. We were asked to do one event and it all took off from there.

We started in a bigger group and funneled it down to a good cohesive group that worked well together.

We are doing well because we all share equal responsibility for our organization. There is no “Founder” we are all Co-Founders. We make every decision together. No matter how big or small.

We are now a not for profit and on our way to 501C3 status. We came up fast and are looking forward to our future.

As we grow we’ll figure out works and what doesn’t. Our only mission is to spread awareness regarding animal testing. To help end this for all Beagles who are chosen because of they’re loving docile nature. To help end this for all animals.

Please stay tuned for more announcements as we plan our events and grow as a team.

Thank you so much for your support.

09/04/2026

CRUELTY-FREE… OR JUST CRUELTY-FREE ENOUGH?

You know that little phrase you see on beauty products?

“Not tested on animals.”

“Cruelty-free.”

“Except where required by law.”

It sounds reassuring.

But here’s where things get complicated.

China has made real progress in moving away from mandatory animal testing for cosmetics.

In 2021, China eliminated mandatory pre-market animal testing for many imported “ordinary” cosmetics—things like many shampoos, lotions, makeup products and fragrances—provided companies meet specific requirements.

AND in July 2026, China expanded exemptions even further to some categories that were previously considered “special cosmetics.”

That is good news for animals.

But it does NOT mean animal testing is gone.

Certain products and circumstances can STILL fall outside those exemptions, and China’s regulatory system continues to evolve.

The rules depend on the type of product, its ingredients, its claims, how it is manufactured, and how it enters the Chinese market.

👀And that’s where we, as consumers, need to pay attention.

Because a company saying:

“We don’t test on animals unless required by law.”

doesn’t necessarily tell you whether that company is choosing to enter a market or sell a product in a way that can avoid animal testing.

That’s an important distinction.

❌The question isn’t just:

“Does the law require it?”

✅The question is:

“What choices is the company making?”

👉🏻Companies decide which products they sell.

👉🏻They decide which markets they enter.

👉🏻They decide which products they keep in those markets.

👉🏻And they decide how much transparency they’re willing to give consumers.

There are also established cruelty-free certification programs that have worked with companies to navigate the Chinese market while maintaining cruelty-free standards.

Cruelty Free International says its China Pilot Programme, launched in 2018, helped establish routes for approved brands to enter China without abandoning its cruelty-free requirements.

So when a company tells you:

“We have no choice.”

Don’t automatically take that at face value.

Ask questions.

❓Does the company sell in mainland China?

❓Which products does it sell there?

❓Does it have an independent cruelty-free certification?

❓Does its policy cover ingredients and suppliers, not just the finished product?

❓What happens if a regulator requests additional testing?

❓Will the company remove a product rather than allow animal testing?

Because “cruelty-free” should mean more than carefully chosen words on a website.

And this isn’t about attacking one brand or telling you what makeup, shampoo or household products you’re allowed to buy.

It’s about giving you the information to make the CHOICE!

We believe consumers deserve transparency.

And animals deserve better than being the hidden cost of doing business.

👏🏻So here’s your action today:

Pick ONE product you buy regularly.

Look at the company’s animal-testing policy.

Don’t stop at the words “not tested on animals.”

Dig deeper. (See sources below 👇🏼)

✅Does it have a legitimate third-party certification?

✅What does its policy actually cover?

✅What happens in markets where animal testing can still occur?

Then share what you find with us.

👇 Drop the brand in the comments.

👀We’ll help you look into it.

Because compassion takes action.

For the dogs. For all animals.

❤️Save the Dogs Chi-Town

Sources / Want to dig deeper?

* China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) — 2025 reform policy on reducing and exempting animal testing.
* NMPA — 2026 cosmetic registration reforms and expanded exemptions.
* Cruelty Free International — China Pilot Programme and cruelty-free approval standards.
* Humane World for Animals — background on China’s 2021 cosmetic animal-testing reforms.

🎥 VIDEO shared with permission:

https://www.instagram.com/crueltyfreegracefully?igsi=MnUwYzFxbmM2anJr

09/02/2026

Chicago, thank you for showing up and showing out. ❤️🐶💙 We’ve seen so much heart, curiosity, and willingness to help from our community. And this is only the beginning.

Now let’s see what we can do together.

There are questions worth asking, alternatives worth exploring, and so much more to learn about what a future without animal testing could look like.

Because caring is where it starts. What we do with that care is where change happens. 🐾

09/01/2026

Yesterday was a good one. 🐾💛

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth at Bark in the Park—and a huge thank you to the organizers for putting together such a wonderful event!

We got to meet so many amazing dogs and their people and have meaningful conversations about how we can help end animal testing.

This sweet girl is Latte, one of the many wonderful dogs we met yesterday. ☕️🐶 Her family, like so many others, took the Chi-Town Promise to use their voice for the dogs.

We’re so grateful for everyone who stopped to chat, ask questions, learn something new, or simply say hello.

Stay tuned… we’ll see you at our next event in September! 🐾

08/30/2026

08/27/2026

📣 HEY, CHICAGO!
Ready to let the dogs out?

BARK IN THE PARK IS THIS SUNDAY!!!

And you KNOW the Save the Dogs Chi-Town crew is bringing the FUN!

Elk Grove Village - Bark in the Park

📅 THIS SUNDAY, AUGUST 30th

⏰ 11 AM–3 PM

📍 BOOTH #37

https://www.elkgroveparks.org/event/bark-in-the-park-2/

Come find us because we’ve got A LOT going on! 👇

🥤 PUP CUPS!
Delicious NON-DAIRY pup cups for your four-legged friends… and hey, if a human wants one, we’re not judging.

🎟️ RAFFLE PRIZES!
Because who doesn’t love winning stuff?!

🎁 GOODIE BAGS!
Your pup definitely needs one filled with toys, treats, leashes, and more. (And yes, we fully support spoiling your dog.)

🐾TAKE THE CHITOWN PROMISE!
Make the commitment to stand up, speak up, and take action for animals.

📸 MEET OUR CELEBRITY…
THE SAVE THE DOGS CHI-TOWN STANDEE!
Yep. You can actually take your picture with our very own Save the Dogs Chi-Town Standee! Because why not offer a fun photo op?? 😉

📚 AND MOST IMPORTANTLY… GET INFORMED.

We’ll have educational materials available to help you learn about animal testing happening right here in Chicago, why it matters, what’s being done, and most importantly, what YOU can do about it.

Because awareness is great…

…but compassion takes action. ❤️

Whether you’re coming with your dog, your family, your friends, or just looking for a fun Sunday afternoon… COME SEE US!

✅ Bring your pup.

✅ Bring your curiosity.

✅ Bring your questions.

✅ Bring your best Bark in the Park energy. 🐶

We can’t wait to meet you!

👉🏻THIS SUNDAY. 11–3.

👉🏻BOOTH #37.

🌳BARK IN THE PARK.

LET’S DO THIS, CHICAGO!🐾🔥