  Let’s talk about poop. Seriously. No fooling. As pet owners, we often focus on the more pleasant aspects of caring for them like their soft fur or charming personalities, but keeping an eye on their poop can offer valuable insights into their overall health. The color, consistency, and frequency of your pet's stool can reveal important information about their digestive system. For example, if you notice a sudden change in color—such as black, red, or pale stool—it could indicate potential issues like gastrointestinal bleeding, parasites, or infections. Diarrhea may suggest they ate something they shouldn’t have, infection, or a food intolerance, while excessively hard or dry stools can signal dehydration and constipation.
One important thing to remember is that diet plays a major role in your pet's bathroom habits. High-quality pet food and a consistent diet helps ensure proper digestion and regular, healthy stools. Some pets may have allergies to certain ingredients, which could lead to changes in their stool. If your pet eats a foreign material like a toy or fabric, this can lead to a bowel obstruction in which case you might see them pass only small amounts of diarrhea or even no stool at all.
Finally, the frequency of your pet's bathroom breaks is another aspect worth monitoring. While it varies depending on the pet’s age, size, and diet, most healthy adult pets poop at least once a day. However, a drastic change in frequency—too frequent or not often enough—can point to a problem. If you notice persistently odd-looking stools or frequency changes, it’s a good idea to consult with your vet to rule out any underlying health concerns. Just like people, sometimes dogs and cats will have one abnormal bowel movement. There is no need to panic as long as they are otherwise acting normally, eating, drinking, and their stool returns to normal quickly. If it persists, it’s time to contact your veterinarian.
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Healthy poop is no joke. This April Fool’s Day, learn to appreciate all aspects of your pet, even the stinky ones you’re rather not fool around with!
 Dr. Kristin Tvrdik, DVM
Deputy Administrator Veterinarian
DCAS is pleased to announce our newest Animal Control Officer: Austin Phelps. Austin has a degree in Animal Science from Aurora University and has experience as a veterinarian technician and dog trainer in the Chicagoland area. His professional experience includes wildlife handling as well. During an internship at Wildlife Safari in Oregon, Austin worked on the Carnivore Care Team, working with the tigers, red wolves, African lions, bears, and cheetahs.
Austin is excited about being part of the DCAS team environment where all staff work towards the same goal: healthy relationships between people and animals in DuPage County. As a veterinarian technician, Austin handled the medical aspects of bite investigations, especially the rabies observations. Now he's excited to take that knowledge further into making a real impact on the residents of DuPage County, both 2 and 4-legged!
When not working, Austin can be found spending time with his 5 year old pit mix, Maddie, or leopard gecko, Ringa. He enjoys playing guitar and being outside - particularly solo camping wherever he can. He's traveled to remote places of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and even the backcountry of Yellowstone National Park. His carnivore training came in handy one camping trip when a bear decided to visit his campsite in the middle of the night. Looking for food, the most common reason bears visit campsites, the bear sniffed and snuffled all over the campsite and around the tent where Austin lay, listening carefully. Discovering that Austin used approved bear-safe food containers, the midnight visitor lumbered away, leaving behind an alert, but safe Austin.
While DuPage County may not hold any bears to intrigue Officer Phelps, he is especially interested to learn more about animal care from all angles. The Animal Control Officers hold the unique position in our community to work closely with both wild and domestic animals - a win-win for Austin. Welcome to the team!
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 Get your tickets now!
The DuPage Animal Friends annual gala Raise the Woof is coming up! Join us on April 25 at 6pm at the Sheraton Lisle Naperville.
Enjoy appetizers, open bar, four-course dinner, entertainment, auctions, paddle raise & more!
Learn more and purchase tickets at https://dupageanimalfriends.ejoinme.org/dafgala2025
Want in on the Fun from Behind the Scenes? We Need Volunteers!
We're looking for volunteers to help with set-up, clean-up, and everything in between! Follow this link to see the available tasks and times available.
Every year, hundreds of thousands of rabbits wind up in shelters across the US. They are the third most surrendered pet after cats and dogs. And like other shelter pets, it doesn't mean the rabbits are "broken." While pet ownership is a great responsibility, many factors affect a person's decision to surrender an animal. Our job is not to judge, but to educate future pet owners.
Rabbits can be wonderful companion animals - social, playful, learning tricks, and even litter box trained. If you're considering a pet rabbit this Easter, just like with any other pet, do your research to make sure it's the right choice for your family. Our Rabbit Care & Behavior Guide (PDF) is a good starting point to learn all things Rabbit. We also recommend these amazing resources:
If you decide a rabbit isn't right for you, no worries. Celebrate with delicious chocolate bunnies instead!
If you're ready to welcome in a new family member, don't forget to check your local animal shelter! Shelter rabbits come with health checks, are spayed/neutered, and you'll have the full support of our knowledgeable staff to support you on your bunny journey!
Consider Harpo, a sweet, dark chocolate coated rabbit who has seen too many homes in his short life. Bounced around through no fault of his own, Harpo is learning how to trust again. He's looking for a patient family who will let him blossom into the best friend he wants to be! Click his picture to take a peek at the bath-time cuteness and fill out an application today!
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 DCAS is pleased to announce the return of our popular AniPals Summer Camp for Ages 6-9.
Understand what it means to be a true friend to our pets. Uncover what we do at the Animal Shelter and learn how to safely interact with different kinds of pets through crafts, activities, games, and stories.
Registration Open!
3 sessions available
Meets: Mon–Thurs, 9:00am – 12:00pm
Ages: 6-9
Cost: $225 / session
Looking for Junior Camp Counselors!
Do you have an animal loving teen aged 13-17? They can earn service hours at DCAS this summer as a Junior Camp Counselor. Follow this link to learn more on our website!
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!
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