 
HOW WE ARE REACHING TO SAVE THE “HIGHER HANGING FRUIT"
Each year, around this time, we calculate our “numbers” from the following year. These “numbers” are individual animals. Our Live Release Rate (i.e. Save Rate) for 2023 was 92%. We are excited because not only is it a new high for DCAS, but it also raises the bar for us! Each year we try to “do more to save more” (animals). While trying to save as many animals as possible, we do our best to keep public safety our top priority by not adopting out animals who pose significant concerns. Whether it be a stray or an animal neglected in a home, some animals arrive with medical and/or behavioral challenges. Being a municipal shelter and not a private rescue, we do not get to pick what comes through our door. Here’s a few things we are doing to increase our pets’ adoptability while also decreasing the stress our pets experience in a shelter setting.
- Our Foster Program has seen incredible growth in the last 5 years. By letting the community know we needed their help, they responded beautifully by taking our animals into their loving home (even if it’s temporary). Fostering often decreases the pet’s stress, decreases their exposure to disease, allows us to learn more about the pet, and gives our staff more time to help more animals.
- Our Underdog to Wonderdog Program and Bashful Buddies Program (for cats) allows us to help pets who are especially timid by giving the adopter the support and proper tools needed to ensure a positive relationship.
- Our New Addition (and remodeling of our existing space) is probably our most exciting and grand effort to improve the lives of our shelter pets. One takeaway of the pandemic is: there is “no health, without mental health,” and the design for our new space focuses on providing our animals with their Five Freedoms. There will be a 30’ x 55’ indoor space to play and train in. We have dedicated volunteers who use only positive training methods to get astounding results, but unfortunately, we currently don’t have a space to train during inclement weather. We are beyond excited to soon have this state-of-the-art shelter… including a detached Real-Life Room – an innovative way to decrease shelter stress. This 18’ x 40’ room will provide our pets with a chance to leave the shelter, while learning important skills it takes to live in a home.
There are many ways you can support our work in helping animals, including the Raise the Woof Gala with DuPage Animal Friends April 12th and naming rights in our state-of-the-art animal shelter. Learn more about the new shelter on our website.
 Dr. Barbara Hanek,
Veterinarian Administrator
 Join DuPage Animal Friends for a night of fun & fundraising for the Capital Campaign to build a new home for the animals at DuPage County Animal Services.
Friday, April 12, 2024
6:00pm - 11:00pm
Abbington Distinctive Banquets
3S002 Route 53, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
Enjoy appetizers, open bar, four-course dinner, dueling pianos, auctions, paddle raise & more!
Everyone is so excited about the Raise the Woof Gala, we can't stop talking about it! And that includes Natasha - not only can this lady *speak* her mind, but don't mind her while she *sits* on the edge of her seat. In fact, she won't *paws* for a second once it's time to go to her furever home.
This incredible husky mix already knows an array of commands to show off! Click her picture to see her show off!
As smart as a whip, Natasha knows what's best for her - to be your one and only - Pet that is! She's ready to show off all her talents, but is looking for a perfect home with no other pets. Are you ready to welcome into a forever home where she can continue to wow everyone with her amazing skills? Ready to fall in love?
Fill out an application so you can meet this wonderful gal!
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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.
February 10, 2023 9am-3pm
https://bit.ly/DCASFirstAid
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