Initial programs include:
Keeping pets in their homes with people who love them
Through our Pet Owner Support program on site at CACC, our PAWS team offers medical services such as spay/neuter, vaccinations and treatment for acute illness or injury to help pets stay in their homes with their families. We have found that around 15% of people are able to keep their pets when they have support.
Keeping pets out of the city impoundment facility
When pets are homeless, keeping them from overcrowded facilities like CACC is the best way to ensure their safety. Without isolation suites to prevent disease transmission, the most vulnerable pets end up sick and more likely to be euthanized. By taking pets directly, we keep more animals from an already overcrowded CACC and ensure their safety.
Rescuing All Parvo-Positive Puppies from CACC
PAWS Chicago has committed to taking in and providing medical care for all puppies who test positive for the deadly parvovirus, preventing them from immediate euthanasia there. PAWS’s Medical Center has the isolation suites to contain the virus, and is one of the few homeless pet hospitals able to treat parvo with the groundbreaking new Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody (CPMA), giving them the best chance to survive the often fatal disease.
Developing Robust Adoption & Volunteer Programs at CACC
Without budgeted positions for adoptions or volunteer management, CACC is reliant on the support of volunteers for these programs. PAWS Chicago is now providing a PAWS staff member to organize and orient the volunteers who support adoptions, ensuring people who come wanting to adopt leave with a pet.
PAWS Surgery + Vetting of CACC Pets for Adoption & Transfer
Limited medical staffing at CACC means homeless pets are waiting for spay/neuter and not immediately ready for adoption, since the surgery is required before going home.
PAWS provides weekly transportation, spay/neuter and vetting (microchip, heartworm test and vaccines) for CACC large-breed dogs who are most at-risk. Following vetting, these animals are adoption-ready and much more likely to be adopted or transferred to other rescue groups. In 2023, PAWS provided spay/neuter surgery and vetting for 147 of CACC’s large dogs, making them more likely to find families.
