  Today is World Stray Animals Day and every year approximately 1,000 animals are brought to DuPage County Animal Services because they are lost or abandoned. Let’s talk about how to prevent your pet, or a pet you know, from becoming a statistic.
If you have a fence, keep it in good condition. Regularly examine for loose boards or gaps, including areas your pet could squeeze through. Consider locking up any gates so they aren’t accidentally left open. We don’t recommend electric fences for several reasons. Not only is it inhumane to deliberately shock a pet, they can be incredibly ineffective. Equipment can fail or the pet may be so motivated, the shock no longer hinders them from leaving.
For pets prone to sneaking through the front door, consider placing a baby gate inside your entryway. This creates additional space around the exit to keep your pet safely inside.
Keep all your pet’s equipment in good condition. Replace nylon leashes, harnesses, and collars if they are partially chewed to prevent your pet breaking out. Collars and harnesses should fit snugly so your pet can’t wiggle out of them while outside. A good rule for checking if the collar fits well, is to make sure you can fit two fingers in between the collar and your dog’s neck. This measuring technique means it isn’t too tight or too loose and risk coming off. Clips and buckles can also break. Veterinarians or our animal caretakers can provide guidance on proper fit and check the condition or effectiveness of equipment if you have any questions.
Prepare for the unexpected. If your pet does become lost, perhaps while under someone else’s care or due to an unforeseen circumstance (natural disaster, accident, etc.), microchipping is one of the best ways for pets to safely return home. Contact us about low-cost microchipping and how to make sure your microchip info is up to date.
If your pet is lost, don’t give up hope. One reason cats in shelters have a low return to owner rate (9% for DCAS cats in 2022 vs 38% for dogs) is cats tend to hide for a long time after they become lost. By the time they are found and brought to safety, owners may have assumed the worse and stopped looking. Talk to your neighbors, use social media (for example Illinois Lost and Found Pets), and contact your local law enforcement agencies (including local animal controls like DCAS!). Check out our website for a full listing of places to notify about your lost pet and additional advice for bringing your lost pet home where they belong.
The best way to celebrate World Stray Animals Day is to take steps to make sure your animals, or animals you know, never become one.
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 Dr. Barbara Hanek,
Veterinarian Administrator
 We love our volunteers all year long, but this month we want to celebrate all they do to help homeless animals. Thank you volunteers!
Some pets need a little extra support or time before they can be placed up for adoption - that's where our rescue partners can save the day! Many rescue groups are completely volunteer run, relying on foster homes to house animals. These foster homes can give additional training, medical care, or whatever the pet needs to be ready for their next family!
For every animal a rescue group takes, they make space for an additional animal, saving two lives.
We love our rescue partners! Special shout out to the top rescues taking in pets from DCAS so far this year:
While there are many volunteer opportunities to help homeless animals in shelters, that may not be the best option for some people. Check out your local animal rescue groups to see how you can help!
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While stray animals make up half of our pet population at DCAS, the other half are surrendered by their owners. A common reason a person needs to give up a pet, is when that pet multiplies accidentally!
Joni Pepperoni (left) and Jeanie Fettucine (right) came to us with two other siblings and their parents when a unexpected litter took their owners by surprise. These sisters are just learning to trust people and are bonded with their mom Rhonda Ravioli. The trio is looking for a new family where they can explore all the good things life has to offer: treats, cuddles, treats, toys, and especially treats! Click their picture to see the sisters enjoying some morning greens and visit our website to make this family part of your own!
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 $100 per participant, 16 years old and up.
Follow the link below to register. Slots are available first come, first served.
This course teaches first aid techniques to address the most common emergencies pet owners may experience with dogs and cats in the household. This course will train you to notice abnormalities and detect early warning signs in pets. You will also learn essential pre-vet care and life-saving techniques for those times when immediate action can make all the difference.
Please remember, your slot is not secured until payment is received.
April 29, 2023 9am-3pm
May 13, 2023 9am-3pm
https://bit.ly/DCASFirstAid
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