  It is a new year, and here at DCAS we are thrilled to announce we are now a Human Animal Support Service (HASS) Partner Shelter. HASS is committed to community collaboration to reimagine the role of animal services including reuniting lost pets, pet support services, self-rehoming, foster-centric care, and community partnerships. All of this leads to keeping pets where they belong – in a loving home.
Our staff is committed to helping owners keep their pets, and we are happy to provide resources and recommendations for any residents having trouble whether it be finding pet friendly housing or behavior problems. We often receive dogs who are surrendered due to unaddressed behavior issues. DCAS is fortunate to have certified trainers both on staff and amongst our volunteers. With some attention and work, these dogs finally get the opportunity to receive clear communication which gives staff an idea of what support they will need in a new home – but we wish they had been given the chance to succeed in their prior home. Taking the effort to get your dog the behavior support it needs in a timely manner, whether through a trainer or a behaviorist, doesn’t mean you’ve failed as a pet owner. Rather, it shows your love and devotion to your dog, being that you’re willing to do what’s best for them and give them what they need.
Here are some signs you may want to seek out professional behavior support:
- If you dread going for a walk due to your dog’s behavior on leash
- If you worry your dog will injure a person or other animal
- If your dog barks excessively
- If your dog has problems when people come into the home
- If your pet eliminates inappropriately
- If your pet shows extreme stress after your departure
DCAS is here to help. Please feel free to reach out to our staff to get resources and more information on trainers in our area. You can learn more about common behavior concerns at the ASPCA behavior resource website. You can search for trainers through professional associations like the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers or the International Association of Behavior Consultants.
 Dr. Barbara Hanek,
Veterinarian Administrator
Meet the new Staff at DuPage County Animal Services!
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Dee C - Sr Animal Client Services Coordinator
Dee comes to DCAS with 16 years of experience working in animal welfare. Originally from Southern Illinois, Dee has spent the last two decades in Washington State. After working for Boeing and volunteering at a local animal shelter, Dee decided to make the leap and turn her passion for helping animals into her career. And she's never looked back. Dee moved back to the Midwest in 2019 and is very excited to do what she loves close to her large family. When not cuddling her two cats, Dee loves to read, go hiking, and explore new places.
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Isabelle S - Animal Client Services Coordinator
Isabelle joins DCAS as a Wheaton College student studying interpersonal communication (soon to graduate in May!) She first started volunteering with cat socialization a few years ago and is excited to help in the front office with administrative needs! She is happy to tell you all about growing up in Northern California and the wildlife you can find there. After she graduates she hopes to adopt her own pet from DCAS (when the time is right)!
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Sarah G - Animal Caretaker I
A Chicago native, Sarah is no stranger to DCAS. She volunteered here while in high school, going through the STAR program. She continued pursuing education, becoming a certified dog trainer and taking seminars specifically on working with shelter animals. She gained wildlife animal experience at a center in Colorado before returning to Chicagoland and working at PAWS, wearing many different hats there. Dogs and horses hold a special place in her heart, but Sarah is excited to use her education and experience to help all animals at DCAS.
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What to Know about Dogs Tied Outside
Officer Anthony
January is Unchain a Dog Month! We often get calls at the shelter about people who see dogs in their neighborhood chained up in the yard. We appreciate these calls because there are some real dangers to tethering or tying up a dog for long periods of time. Tethered dogs might:
- Sustain injuries to their neck or limbs trying to escape
- Break the tether and cause injury to people or other animals
- Feel trapped and display aggressive behaviors to defend themselves
- Become destructive out of frustration and boredom
In DuPage County, animals must be confined outside in a manner that allows adequate exercise and freedom of movement. Dogs that are tied must be on a lead at least 12' in length and the owner must be present. Dogs are prohibited from tie-outs or chains, when no owner is present – County Ordinance 5-3(x).
If you’re concerned about the welfare of a dog outside, whether tethered or not, do some research to see if intervention is needed.
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Talk to the home owner. Don’t assume the dog is outside because the owners are cruel. Some dogs prefer to be outside while their humans hang out inside the house. The owner may not be aware there is a problem.
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How long is the dog outside? You might see the dog outside when you’re outside, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the dog is outside all the time. If you have security cameras, check them.
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Take breed into consideration. As a previous husky owner, I know certain breeds can tolerate cold weather more than others. My dog Baron would prefer to be outside rather than inside no matter what the thermometer said.
Contact your local law enforcement if you believe an animal is in danger. The more detailed information you can provide to the officers, the better prepared they will be to investigate.
Click on Officer Anthony’s photo to visit the Humane Society of the United States website to learn more about chained and tethered dogs and what you can do to help.
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Rollins has been hanging out at DCAS for 63 days waiting for her family. This super sweet girl is ready to be a Queen Bee at your house. She prefers humans to other canines and needs a house without any other dogs. She loves to cuddle with anyone who will give her some attention. Rollins came to DCAS because her prior owner's health declined. She loves playing tug and will do a cute little dance when her humans come home. She knows a lot of commands and according to her prior owner, Rollins entiende español!
Are you ready to share your blankets with this supreme snuggler? Visit bit.ly/OurAdoptables to fill out an application!
Click on her picture to see Rollins show off some "Sit" and "Paw" skills!
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Join us at 7pm select Thursday nights all year long! Follow the links provided to register.
Canine Concerns - January 6, 2022
They’re our best friends, but there’s a lot we don’t understand about dogs. Learn about common dog behaviors, the natural instincts behind them, and how to manage those behaviors that aren’t so fun to live with.
Registration Link: https://bit.ly/3xxK0L0
Helping Homeless Pets - January 20, 2022
You’ve found a stray animal, now what? Understand the reasons animals become lost or surrendered and what you can do to help homeless animals.
Registration Link: https://bit.ly/3CYm4BG
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