Protecting Pets, People, and the Planet - DCAS shares the One Health Guide and info on Avian Flu

DCAS Newsletter Banner with image of dog in sunshine outside animal shelter.
Interim Administrator HeaderOne Health: Human hand holding dog paw over green clover

Creating a Healthier Community for All

One Health Venn Diagram: Animal Health, Human Health, Environment Health

We want to wish everyone a Happy New Year and share our gratitude for helping us to save so many lives in 2024. January is One Health awareness month, and coincidentally an important time to talk about the recent concerns with bird flu. One Health is an integrated and collaborative approach that recognizes the health of humans, domestic and wild animals, plants, and the wider environment are closely linked and interdependent. For one to be healthy, all must be healthy.

We help protect our community through rabies control and collaboration with other agencies on zoonotic disease concerns. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is monitoring a large event of waterfowl deaths possibly linked to a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). HPAI can spread to humans and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) published important guidelines regarding the reporting and handling of deceased birds. The public is reminded to not handle or attempt to capture waterfowl or other wild birds displaying signs of illness. Members of the public are also encouraged to report concentrations of five or more deceased birds at one location to IDNR district wildlife biologists by going online

Protect yourself, your pets, and your family by staying informed and understanding your responsibilities as a pet guardian. Rabies vaccinations and registration are required by law for cats and dogs, regardless how much time they spend outside. Your veterinarian may recommend additional vaccinations to protect against zoonotic diseases. Together we can work together to help our community of homeless animals, take the necessary steps to implement a One Health model that protects us and our pets from disease, and support the human-animal bond that enriches our lives.  We see a bright future ahead of us in 2025!

Laura FLamion Signature

      Laura Flamion,

      Interim Administrator


Construction Update and Save the Date!

Raise the Woof Cover Image

At the end of last year, we moved into the newly completed shelter addition off Manchester Road. As we enter the final stages of our construction project, we look forward to all the exciting opportunities ahead. Stay tuned for information about our open house in June to celebrate with us!

As excited as we are, there is still much work to be done. We are thankful to our DuPage Animal Friends board for continuing to fundraise on behalf of our animals and this new building project. Save the date for the 2nd Annual Raise the Woof Gala on April 25, 2025 at the Sheraton Lisle Naperville. You can also make a legacy gift towards the new building with naming opportunities in many of our new and renovated spaces. Learn more at www.dupageanimalfriends.org.


Welcome to our New Deputy Administrator Veterinarian: Dr. Kristin Tvrdik

Dr. Kristin Tvrdik

Dr. Kristin Tvrdik, Dr. K, is excited to join the DCAS team officially as our new Deputy Administrator Veterinarian. Dr. K has learned the ropes over the past few months filling in on our medical team and discovered firsthand the passion and skillset our DCAS team delivers every day for the animals in our care. 

Originally from Western Springs, Dr. K has always loved animals, riding horses as a child and then competing on her college's equestrian team. She left the Chicagoland area for a Veterinary Medicine degree at Iowa State University and stayed on in the Quad Cities working at a small private shelter before becoming medical director for a spay/neuter clinic in Indiana and then medical director for Hinsdale Humane Society. 

When Dr. K isn't saving the lives of countless cats and dogs, she's relaxing with her own pets and cheering for the 3 B's: Bears, Blackhawks, and Bulls. Domestic shorthaired cats Zachary and Stanley (born in 2015 - IYKYK Blackhawk fans...), Schooner the cattle dog/corgi mix, and Anicca the terrier lead the living room cheering section. 

 


Pssst. Come Closer.....

White Bunny Nose Up Close

We have a secret. 

Did you know Sun and Penny, two sweet white rabbits, have been waiting for a new family since May? These gentle giants are friendly, laid back, and looking for a new family.  

These New Zealand whites are perfect representatives of their most famous inspiration: The Easter Bunny. They also have a love for treats and you won't find a more boop-able snoot anywhere. Are you ready to welcome these gentle giants into your home? 

Click the photo to see a video of the cutest noms around!! 

Sun and Penny

Pet CPR and First Aid Workshop Dates Open

Pet First Aid and CPR Workshop

$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 8, 2025 9am-3pm

https://bit.ly/DCASFirstAid


Upcoming Programs

Purrfect Partners Free Library Programs from DCAS

DCAS is pleased to announce our continuing partnership with libraries throughout DuPage County to reach more members of our community. See the current list of programs offered and contact your local library to register.

Children/Teens

Adults

We hope to see you at a program soon!