Launched November 2023, PAWS 360@CACC is a campaign to prevent euthanasia at Chicago Animal Care and Control, the city impoundment facility. With programs offering lifesaving resources to Chicago’s at-risk pets and a safety net for homeless pets, PAWS is working to provide 360-degree support for vulnerable dogs and cats at every stage of their shelter journeys.
Here are the programs actively being supported by PAWS 360@CACC:
Parvo Puppy Program:
Parvovirus is so deadly and contagious, parvo-positive and parvo-suspect animals at CACC are immediately transferred or euthanized. PAWS Chicago now rescues parvo-positive puppies from CACC and treats them with a groundbreaking monoclonal antibody at the PAWS Chicago Medical Center.
Rescue Ready Program:
Vetted animals are more likely to be adopted or transferred, but limited medical staffing creates a bottleneck. PAWS is now transporting ten high-risk, large breed dogs from CACC to the Medical Center each week for spay/neuter surgeries and vetting. To encourage transfers, PAWS also offers subsidized veterinary services to qualifying rescue groups.
PAWS 360@CACC Diversion Program:
Initial data shows 20–25% of people looking to give up their pets would keep them if supportive services were available. PAWS has representatives on-site at CACC to offer struggling pet owners free and low-cost spay/neuter surgeries, vaccinations, behavior consultations, and treatment for acute medical needs, such as upper respiratory infections.
PAWS 360@CACC Adoption & Volunteer support program:
Without any budget to support adoptions or volunteer management, CACC relies entirely on the community to run these programs. PAWS now has staff members on-site to help build robust adoption and volunteer programs at CACC, increasing the number of lives saved.