  Traveling with your Pet
Summer is the busiest travel season – amazing opportunities await you whether just down the street or halfway around the world. If you travel with your pet, preparation will keep your pet safe and will help your trip go more smoothly. There are so many precautions that I would like to share a couple of websites that will help you get a more comprehensive overview for driving and flying with your pet.
A happy car ride is a safe car ride. Dogs in cars and trucks WILL JUMP out an open window or the back of a pickup – even if the vehicle is moving. Just because your pet hasn’t, doesn’t mean that they won’t. I’ve learned with my own dog that I need to put the child lock on their window because they can stand on the button to open/close it. Having either happen while driving can be alarming at best, and dangerous at worst. Don’t take any needless risks with their safety. To prevent debris from going into their eyes, I open the window just enough to allow their nose, but not their head, to fit through the window. Dogs experience the world primarily by smell, as long as the fresh air is coming in, they’ll be happy AND safe.
If flying internationally, different countries have different requirements. Give yourself plenty of time to gather what you need: confirmation of your pet’s microchip, vaccinations, bloodwork, treatments, and a waiting period might be required. Your veterinarian is often an excellent resource to help provide guidance. An accredited veterinarian may be required to provide a health certificate, especially if flying in the U.S. or overseas. It’s always a good idea to carry your pet’s vaccine records with you along with extra medication they take in case your travels are delayed.
Exploring new places with your pet can be an amazing experience. Don't be afraid to embrace a new leash on life.
 Dr. Barbara Hanek,
Veterinarian Administrator
Get ready for your summer travels by getting your pets up to date on their vaccinations and microchips!!
DCAS is partnering with Hinsdale Humane Society to provide free microchips and vaccines to residents around DuPage County throughout the summer.
Check out the details below or visit their website!
- June 15th: Oak Brook
- June 29th: Lombard
- July 20th: Carol Stream
For such a serious topic, we couldn't come up with a good vaccine joke. But it was worth a shot.
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Christina D, Special Projects Coordinator
Okay. You got us. Christina's is not a "new" face at DCAS. In fact, Christina started her journey here in 2013 as an intern before joining as a full time Animal Care Specialist. Promoted to Animal Care Supervisor in 2015, Christina has worked with thousands of animals looking for new homes. Now she's moved into a new role, Special Projects Coordinator, helping the shelter in an administrative capacity. We're so glad to welcome Christina to the next leg of her adventure! Don't worry, no leg puns. We can't stand them.
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Grace R, Intern
A student of University of Illinois - Urbana, Grace joins the DCAS team this summer to broaden her animal care experience. Studying to be a large mammal veterinarian, Grace previously worked in several veterinary clinics and shelters around Illinois.
Originally from Burlington, IL Grace has always appreciated her rural roots. As a member of the Sigma Alpha sorority, Grace and the other members go into schools to talk to elementary students about agriculture.
When not working or studying, Grace can be found ice skating, playing softball, and spending time with family and friends. In high school, Grace even competed in pole vaulting. That fun fact went way over our heads.
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Lindsey J, Intern
As an animal science major at the University of Illinois, Lindsey wants to focus her career on equine rescue and rehabilitation - that's straight from the horse's mouth!
From the LaGrange area, Lindsey is very interested in learning more about shelter medicine this summer and learning how different problems are treated in a shelter setting. As a midwife on U of I's horse farm, Lindsey helped 8 colts come into the world.
DCAS isn't her first rodeo though. Lindsey has worked as a kennel assistant for companion animals and has 2 dogs and 2 cats at home.
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