Love Shines Brightest at Tree House

Presented by My Neighborhood Vet, Lights of Love is Tree House’s annual holiday open house—a joyful evening to celebrate the love we share, reflect on the people and pets who’ve touched our lives, and fill our shelter with warmth and light.

We cherish this special evening that brings animal lovers together to honor beloved pets, past and present. As the night unfolds, glowing lights will shine in tribute to the animals who have touched our lives, creating an illuminating display of love and connection. Guests will enjoy festive treats, heartwarming stories, and the company of fellow supporters who share a passion for animal welfare.

Join us in making a difference for cats in need and spreading the warmth of love this holiday season!

Lights, Cats, and Holiday Magic

Enjoy festive family activities, hands-on holiday crafts, complimentary bites and beverages, and live holiday jazz music performed by DePaul University School of Music students—all in our eco-friendly, cat-centric space.

Bring home the holiday magic with a custom composition from Poems While You Wait. During Haiku Happy Hour from 4:30 to 5:30 pm, a poet will write original pieces live from the shelter. Poems are for purchase. Availability is limited. 

We’re excited to welcome fellow cat lovers into our shelter, but our resident cats will join in on the fun, safely nestled in their colonies during Lights of Love. Although you won’t be able to meet the cats during the event, you can visit them during adoption hours from 12 to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.

Please RSVP

Registration is free. Guests are encouraged to bring a monetary donation or canned cat food for our community pantry.

Make a Tribute Gift

Honor a loved one during our annual Lights of Love celebration and pave the way for a brighter future for cats.

Getting There

Lights of Love will be hosted at Tree House Humane Society. We are located at 7225 North Western Ave in Chicago’s West Rogers Park neighborhood. 

Free parking will be available in the Holy Child Jesus Parish lot on the corner of W. Jarvis Ave. and N. Claremont Ave. The Tree House lot will be reserved for accessible parking only. Ample free street parking is also available near the shelter. Find more information on parking and getting to Tree House.

Our Sponsors

Lights of Love is made possible by the generosity of our Presenting Sponsor, My Neighborhood Vet, and Community Sponsors, Pets First Veterinary Clinic and The Bridal Beauty Team LLC. Thank you for supporting our community of cats and the people who love them.

Desserts generously provided by Eli’s Cheesecake.

My Neighborhood Vet has served pet families in our local community since 2020, using Fear Free Principles to treat cats and dogs with empathy and kindness. Founder of My Neighborhood Vet and Tree House Board Emeritus Dr. Ross Mahowald serves on Tree House’s Board of Directors, where he is a member of the Access to Care Committee.