Empty The Shelters

By: Ashmar Mandou

Lawndale News Chicago's Bilingual Newspaper - Local NewsAnimal lovers united this past weekend at the Chicago Animal Care and Control (CACC), 2741 S. Western Avenue, for the national BISSELL Pet Foundation “Empty the Shelters” event where an array of dogs and cats were waiting for their second chances. “We are so excited to see so many come. We, every single day of the year, have new animals coming in who are looking for a new home. So when we have an event like this it makes us so happy because we know there are families out there who want to do the right thing and adopt their next family member,” said Jennifer Schlueter from Chicago Animal Care and Control. During the event, BISSELL Pet Foundation waived all adoption fess for all animals to help find homes for the many dogs and cats waiting for their forever homes. “We are a small organization doing our best to give every pet a loving home,” said Cathy Bissell, founder of BISSELL Pet Foundation. “Getting animals out of shelters and into homes is critical. Empty the Shelters does just that by encouraging people to choose adoption first.”

CACC is the city’s only municipal-run shelter with a mission to protect public safety and promote the humane care of animals through sheltering, pet placement, education and animal law enforcement. CACC accepts all stray, owner-surrendered, abused and neglected pets, regardless of condition or health status. “There are proven benefits to owning a pet,” said Schlueter. “Pets can increase happiness and lower blood pressure. There are so many benefits, but most importantly it’s the love that your pet will give you.” Last year, CACC took in nearly 15,000 animals, and 90 percent of cats and 88 percent of dogs left CACC via adoption, transfer, or were returned to their owners. So far in 2018, CACC has maintained a live-release rate of 95 percent for both dogs and cats. CACC works with nearly 200 transfer partners to give pets a second chance to find loving homes. Schlueter added that CACC will soon host another event in June called Picnic with the Pups, where families will be able to see dogs outside of their kennels giving the event a more casual and relaxed environment. “Often times, people don’t want to come to the shelter because they are afraid it’s going to be depressing. Picnic with the Pups will be more inviting and fun for families.” Nearly 300 dogs and 75 cats occupy the shelter, but not all were available for adoption. On Saturday, 20 dogs and two cats were adopted and on Sunday, five more dogs and one cat found forever homes. If you would like to learn more about the adoption process or would like to volunteer, visit www.cityofchicago.org/cacc. Or call 312-747-1408 or 773-727-4338.

Lawndale News Chicago's Bilingual Newspaper - Local News

Lawndale News Chicago's Bilingual Newspaper - Local News

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