<![CDATA[DUPAGE ANIMAL FRIENDS - BLOG]]>Tue, 12 May 2026 04:45:04 -0600Weebly<![CDATA[Meet DAF at Fall Festival!]]>Tue, 27 Aug 2019 18:51:41 GMThttps://www.dupageanimalfriends.org/blog/meet-daf-at-fall-festival
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Come on out on September 21st and meet the DuPage Animal Friends.  We love our donors, and would love the chance to thank you in person!  Not a donor yet?  Stop by our booth to talk to a board member about what we do, meet some adoptable animals, tour the DuPage Animal Services veterinary vehicle, and more!  Read our newsletter to learn more:  conta.cc/3255LRu
]]><![CDATA[Giving a little, helps a lot]]>Thu, 08 Nov 2018 16:33:03 GMThttps://www.dupageanimalfriends.org/blog/giving-a-little-helps-a-lot
In 2018, our Champions helped improve the lives of animals in our community. Each individual contributed in a BIG way!
  • 300 cats were spayed or neutered as a part of DCAS's Specialty Veterinary Vehicle's surgical unit
  • 302 pets were reunited with pet parents
  • 1555 pets were adopted or transferred to rescue partners
  • 10,000+ volunteer hours at DuPage County Animal Services
  • $120,000 donated for Advanced Medical Care, Enrichment & Training

We could not do this without our community of DuPage Animal "Friends" who are united together with one goal:​
Help all homeless animals get the medical care they need and the loving homes they deserve. ​
Giving a Little - Helps A lot - Donate Now
]]><![CDATA[Celebration of Champions this November]]>Wed, 31 Oct 2018 06:00:00 GMThttps://www.dupageanimalfriends.org/blog/celebration-of-champions-this-novemberThis November DuPage Animal Friends celebrate all the champions that support the DuPage County Animal Shelter. Even though November 27 is Giving Tuesday, we want to "give back" all November and thank everyone who has done so much this year! Our generous donors, volunteers, rescue, fosters, forever families,  and the dedicated staff of DCAS all helped improve the lives of shelter animals. This month  we cheer our champions and remind us all of the amazing 2018 we shared.  Animal Adovates, Birthday Besties, Cat Crusaders, Dog Defenders, Guinea Pig Guardians, Human Race Heroes, Furever Families, Rescue Rangers, Vehicle Victors, and our VIP Volunteers. You are Simply the Best! 
]]><![CDATA[Pictures from Clear the Shelters at DuPage County Animal Services in Wheaton]]>Fri, 31 Aug 2018 12:59:52 GMThttps://www.dupageanimalfriends.org/blog/pictures-from-clear-the-shelters-at-dupage-county-animal-services-in-wheaton
]]><![CDATA[What you need to know to adopt a pet at Clear the Shelters]]>Sun, 12 Aug 2018 02:10:24 GMThttps://www.dupageanimalfriends.org/blog/what-you-need-to-know-to-adopt-a-pet-at-clear-the-sheltersPlan ahead and make the most of your 'Clear the Shelters' day!
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Clear the Shelters
​DuPage County Animal Services
Saturday, August 18, 2018  •  11am to 4pm
​120 N County Farm Rd in Wheaton  •  Website
The information in this blog post is from DuPage County Animal Services and is also included in the two files below.
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What You Need to Know to Adopt on Clear the Shelters, August 18, 2018
File Size: 641 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
Clear the Shelters Pre-Adoption Checklist
File Size: 307 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
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DuPage County Animal Services is excited to announce we are teaming up with Telemundo and NBC 5 to Clear the Shelters!

Visit DuPage County Animal Services between 11am-4pm on August 18th to find your new BFF (Best Four-legged Friend)!  View all adoptable animals available at DCAS.

Join us in our mission and help us clear every cage and find every homeless pet in our care a loving forever home. Together we can save more lives!

What You Need To Know To Adopt
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Clear the Shelters on August 18th will be a very BUSY day at DuPage County Animal Services. To help facilitate the adoption process and to make the adoption process as quick and as enjoyable as possible shelter staff have put together the adoption checklist (see below or download the PDF above) and have created a few helpful tips for potential adopters. Hopefully this helps you enjoy Clear the Shelters day and finds all our homeless pets the homes they have been dreaming of!

See the "Clear The Shelters Pre-Adoption Checklist" below to make sure you have everything you need to adopt a furry family member!
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  • To help manage the crowds on Clear the Shelters day DCAS will be using the WaitListMe app to let adopters know when it is their turn to view adoptable animals. We ask that all potential adopters bring their cell phones to the event so they can be notified of their place in line and when an animal has been adopted. You will not need to download the app, but staff will require your cell phone number to keep you informed.

  • If possible, please complete an adoption application prior to the event. This will allow staff to review your application and contact you if any additional information is needed. Applications can be found on the DCAS website and returned via email to animalservices@dupageco.org.

  • Same day adoptions will only be allowed for completed and approved applications thus it is in your best interest to get your application and requirements completed in advance.

  • Submitting your application in advance will save you time, but does not guarantee you a spot at the front of the line. Get to CTS early to secure your place in line!

  • All members of the household must meet an adoptable animal before an adoption can be completed. If possible bring all family members along on Clear the Shelters day.

  • If you are bringing your dog in to meet a shelter dog please either leave your dog in the car with the air conditioning running or bring a friend or family member with you to the event so that they can hold your dog while you view adoptable animals. Owned dogs will not be allowed inside the shelter during the event. Please remember that it will likely be HOT so plan accordingly for your dog. Water will be provided for both owners and their pets.

  • If members of the household are not able to attend or if additional information is needed on an application don't fret! Adopters are able to put a 24 hour hold on an adoptable animal and can complete the adoption process the end of the next business day which would be Monday, August 20th by 6:30pm for this occasion.
view animals up for adoption

Clear the Shelters Pre-Adoption Checklist

 Clear the Shelters will be a BUSY day. Fill out an application the week before to help facilitate a smooth adoption process. Applications can be found on the DuPage County Animal Services website at: bit.ly/DCASadoptables.

Things to know before you adopt:

  You must be 18 years or older.

  Your dogs and cats must be current on their vaccinations or you must have a letter from your veterinarian for medical exceptions.

  Everyone in the household must be present to complete a same-day adoption.

  Our adoptable animals can be put on hold for 1 business day if an adopter has completed an application and has participated in an interaction with an animal.

  Waived and reduced adoption fees for Clear the Shelters will be honored the next business day for animals placed on hold that day. 


If you are adopting a dog:

  A dog to dog meet and greet is required. This meeting can be done on the same day as your interaction or could be completed the next business day.

If bringing your dog to the shelter on Clear the Shelters:
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   Have a family member or friend with you to hold your dog while you look at a adoptables or leave your dog in the car with the AC running.

  It will likely be HOT so plan accordingly, water will be provided for guests and animals.


What you'll need to bring:

  Driver’s license with your current address o If your license does not have your current address, bring a utility bill (electric, gas, cable, home, phone- sorry no cell phone bills) in your name with your current address.

  Renters: The name and address of your landlord or property owner. Please bring a copy of your lease.

  Townhome/Condos: Your association by-laws showing you can have pets.

  Proof of rabies vaccination of other cats/ dogs in the home and/or the name and phone number of your veterinarian.

​Adoption Fees

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DuPage County Animal Service is located at 120 N County Farm Road, Wheaton, IL 60187.
view animals up for adoption
Facebook Event Page
]]><![CDATA[DCAS's "Under Dog to Wonder Dog" program helps dogs find their hidden superpowers]]>Mon, 25 Jun 2018 16:20:54 GMThttps://www.dupageanimalfriends.org/blog/dcas-under-dog-to-wonder-dog-program-helps-dogs-find-their-hidden-superpowers
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Your generous donations to DuPage Animal Friends have been put straight to work to start a new enrichment program at DuPage County Animal Services (DCAS).

Under Dog to Wonder Dog is a pilot program designed for select dogs that need extra support for a successful adoption placement. We thank YOU for allowing DuPage Animal Friends to have funds available to allocate to this life-saving and life-changing adoption program.

Along with a personalized training program for each dog, the Under Dog to Wonder Dog program helps set-up the "Under Dog" for success with pre-adoption counseling for the potential adopters, three in-home training sessions with a certified professional dog trainer, and 3 months of post-adoption consultation.

Other enrichment tools the adopter and "Under Dog" receive include A Sound Beginning book & CD set, Freedom harness and leash set, a Kong Wobbler enrichment toy, 6‘ foot leash, Martingale collar, and Nylabone.
"Under Dogs" go on an outing with Orange Paw volunteers.
The Under Dog to Wonder Dog program makes it possible for animals formerly available for rescue-transfer only to be made available for direct adoption from DCAS to qualified adopters. The program also creates awareness of the challenges DCAS faces with securing placement for hard-to-place animals.

If successful, Under Dog to Wonder Dog pilot program has the potential to become a standing program providing a greater number of options for hard-to-place animals - especially those with minor behavior issues - while also solving the problem of few dogs available for adoption. 

The progressive efforts shown in the Under Dog to Wonder Dog program set DCAS apart from some other open admission facilities. Thank YOU for making it possible for DuPage Animal Friends to participate in this unique and life-saving program.

"Under Dog" Craig receives much-needed laser and massage therapy

Long term DCAS resident and "Under Dog" Craig developed lameness due to an injury he sustained during his time at DCAS. It is also believed that he suffers from general discomfort in his lumbar spine as a result of the way his legs are naturally formed.

Craig has been receiving massage and laser therapy to help his recovery. Craig has not only benefitted from these treatments and is showing less signs of lameness and stiffness, but is also benefitting behaviorally from the calming treatments and the enrichment of “getting away” from the shelter - thus decreasing his general anxiety and behavior issues.

Volunteer Susan recently took Craig to his "Spa Day." The first stop was Physio Pet Massage with Katie in Glendale Heights. Craig worked on stretching using an exercise peanut and then had all his tight muscles gently massaged. Next up, Susan drove Craig to his K-Laser treatment at Animal Medical Center in Wheaton. Dr. Zollinger did acupuncture laser on pain points and anxiety points, too. Craig was relaxed the whole time. What a good boy!
"Under Dog" Craig loved his therapy sessions last week!
Craig is still available for adoption through the Under Dog to Wonder Dog program.
​You can read more about Craig on DuPage County Animal Service's website.
Would you like to make a gift to the animals to support innovative initiatives like the Under Dog to Wonder Dog program? You may make a one-time or monthly gift on our website.

Thank you for your kindness and generosity towards DuPage's homeless animals.
]]><![CDATA[Your race makes a difference this April 28th]]>Sat, 03 Mar 2018 02:58:16 GMThttps://www.dupageanimalfriends.org/blog/your-race-makes-a-difference-this-april-28th
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We hope you will be joining us at the Human Race in Downers Grove on Saturday, April 28th. It’s going to be our best race yet! DuPage Animal Friends hopes to set a new PR with 100 participants and a fundraising goal of $10,000.

As a friend of DuPage Animals, you might have already heard about the new 26-foot Specialty Veterinary Vehicle. Through an incredibly generous donation from the Brooks McCormick Jr. Trust for Animal Rights Law and Policy and a single anonymous donor, the vehicle hits to road in May. The vehicle will provide essential and affordable spay/neuter and veterinary services to the animals fostered with the rescue partners, expand humane education efforts, and improve medical care for shelter animals by reducing the costs to administer their care.

But the work doesn’t stop there.

Through your race participation, fundraising, and donations, we want to raise $10,000 to purchase ongoing medical supplies. So, spread the word about this game-changing Specialty Veterinary Vehicle.
  • Encourage more friends and family to sign-up for the race and select DuPage Animal friends as their charity of choice.

We are here to help with social media graphics and templates to take the guess-work out of fundraising. Other important race participant details:
  • There will be a special DuPage Animal Friends race shirt for purchase. Stay tuned.
  • On race day, April 28th, join us at 7:30 a.m. before the race in the main event parking lot. We will have a designated area marked “DuPage Animal Friends.” The Race photographer will take our group photo plus don’t miss this opportunity to meet other DuPage Animal Friends.

Thanks again for running “the Human Race for the Pet Race” so that all homeless animals get the medical care they need and the home they deserve.

Did you know? The DuPage Human Race is a wonderful family and dog-friendly event. (Strollers are welcome.) Bring the whole family to participate or to cheer you on! 
​
Sign up to run or walk April 28th
Become a Fundraiser
Donate to one of the fundraisers
Learn more about the DuPage Human Race and meet our fundraisers!
]]><![CDATA[What you need to know about Senate Bill 2280 (SB2280) "Louie's Law"]]>Mon, 19 Feb 2018 18:46:18 GMThttps://www.dupageanimalfriends.org/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-senate-bill-2280-sb2280-louies-lawAND HOW TO CONTACT YOUR STATE REPRESENTATIVES
If you haven't already, please consider taking a few minutes to call and email your State Senator and State Representative to ask them to support SB2280 and end the sale of commercially bred dogs, cats and rabbits in DuPage and Will Counties. Join us in speaking up for those who can't speak for themselves!

From DCACC's website: SB2280 if passed, will prohibit the retail sale of animals (dogs, cats, and rabbits) in DuPage County and Will County that are obtained from commercial breeders.  Louie's Law is a joint effort between Senator Michael Connelly, DuPage County Animal Care and Control Committee Chairman Brian Krajewski, Will County Legislative Chairwoman Suzanne Hart, Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow, DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin, and representatives from the Humane Society of the United States, The Puppy Mill Project, and the Naperville Area Humane Society and other local animal welfare representatives. 
You can find your representatives here:
Find your representatives
Here's a great resource to learn about the proposed legislation and how it, should it pass, will benefit people and pets in our community.
Why should you support SB2280?
Read the full text of the proposed legislation and see the bill's status here.
Status of SB2280
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]]><![CDATA[Support DuPage's Shelter Animals at the Human Race]]>Sat, 10 Feb 2018 12:13:35 GMThttps://www.dupageanimalfriends.org/blog/support-dupages-shelter-animals-at-the-human-raceYou can make a difference in the lives of homeless pets by supporting this family-friendly and dog-friendly event!
​by Catherine Stillwell
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April 28th will be an exciting day for DuPage Animal Friends. 
 
DuPage Animal Friends' supporters will be participating in a 2-mile walk or 5K run to raise funds for those who are unable to speak for themselves…the animals!
 
If you would like to join as a DuPage Animal Friends' supporter, please read below on how you can help!  We would love seeing you at the race in Downers Grove on April 28th and other events that are held during the year!
 
My name is Catherine Stillwell and I’ve been one of their supporters since 2014. I’ll be raising donations and awareness to senior/special needs animals.  As of right now, there are three other fundraisers that are participating in this event.  To donate to one of these fundraisers or to start your own, please click here: 
Donate or Start Your Own Fundraiser
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Paulie
Supporters also have the option to sign up to participate in the 2-mile walk or 5K race, too. This family-friendly and dog-friendly event is held at Esplande at Locust Point in Downers Grove on April 28th.  
Learn More & Sign up for the Race
For the race this year, DuPage Animal Friends is raising funds to help supply the new DuPage County Animal Care & Control's new neutering van with much needed medical supplies and equipment. Due to concerns of pet overpopulation, this van will be able to cater to low-income residents who are unable to commute to the animal care facility in Wheaton. The goal is to keep as many animals as possible from entering the shelter system and provide support to Animal Care and Control partners who assist in these efforts.  To learn more about this special vehicle, read this recent article from The Naperville Sun.
DuPage County Animal Care & Control Department soon will put a new mobile spay and neutering van into service thanks to a grant from the Brooks McCormick Jr. Trust for Animal Rights Law and Policy. (The Naperville Sun)
Catherine Stillwell is the editor of Paulie's Journey. Follow Paulie's Journey on Facebook.
The mission of DuPage Animal Friends is to strengthen the lifesaving, compassionate and innovative initiatives at the county shelter. We partner with the shelter to understand the needs of our community's animals, providing financial resources and advocacy on their behalf. Our vision is that DuPage County will be a community where all pets have a home. To learn more, visit DuPageAnimalFriends.org.
]]><![CDATA[Giving Tuesday: A Day of Giving, A Life of Living]]>Mon, 13 Nov 2017 08:00:00 GMThttps://www.dupageanimalfriends.org/blog/giving-tuesday-a-day-of-giving-a-life-of-living​If you believe DuPage County’s unwanted and abandoned animals deserve the medical care needed to quickly change their status from “homeless” to “adopted”, then we have the perfect opportunity for you to help on November 28th. ​
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You can make a difference on Giving Tuesday.

DuPage Animal Friends is raising funds for medical equipment used to provide DCACC onsite veterinary services. Only possible with your help, we aim to raise $10,000 to invest in life-saving medical equipment for DCACC and its resident animals.
Dr. Hanek, veterinarian rock star for DCACC, provides veterinary care and surgeries at the shelter. And there is a need to update and improve the medical equipment. Critical care cases can be scary. But with immediate efforts, made easier by new equipment, the DCACC staff can quickly help those whose lives are in danger.
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New medical equipment will provide shelter animals like Astro, Roxanne and Petey superior care and help them move from "homeless" to "adopted" faster!
Your support is needed to purchase the following equipment: 
  • A cautery unit and a suction unit will help decrease surgical time. It will allow the staff to handle bigger and more difficult surgeries safer and much easier than they can now.
  • A critical care unit will help small animals in emergency situations related to difficulty breathing and hypothermia.
  • A centrifuge will allow testing for more accurate diagnosis and proper treatments.

This medical equipment will provide these life-saving benefits:
  • Save vital surgery time 
  • Provide safer surgeries
  • Save time implementing important treatments 
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Dr. Hanek, shown here during an NBC Chicago interview at Clear the Shelters this past August, says having equipment in-house saves critical time in emergency situations.
​Getting better results equals quicker recovery time and availability for adoption.

​New medical equipment means it’s quicker to get animals adopted so more animals can be saved. And isn’t that a main goal for animal lovers like us? 

Your gift, on this impactful day of goodwill, is crucial in providing progressive care for the homeless animals of our community. Saving time in emergency situations means more success in helping as many animals as possible.

This Giving Tuesday, consider donating to help us invest in providing a second chance to more homeless animals in DuPage County.

A day of giving means a life of living for an animal in need.

YOU can provide them with those precious minutes needed to make it through their medical emergencies and on their way to a family.

​Your compassion and commitment mean the world to volunteers like us, the DCACC shelter staff, and most importantly, the animals.
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