  The 4th of July is a fun holiday for Americans, but it can be a stressful and scary period for pets. For dogs and cats prone to anxiety, prescription behavioral medications can ease stress during extra noisy weeks. If you think your pet might benefit from this medication, contact your veterinarian well in advance so the prescription is ready when you need it. Your vet will guide you on the best options available and ideal time to give the medicine so it is effective during the stressful event. You may also find it helps to keep your pet confined in a more central area of your home away from windows and play the television or music at a volume that drowns out the big booms.
At DCAS, we utilize these same types of behavior medications year-round. Similar to how a pet feels in a home during fireworks season, kennels are often incredibly overwhelming and anxiety-inducing for dogs and cats. The environment inside an animal shelter is vastly different from a typical home. Pets cannot act naturally or relax as they would in a familiar setting. This intense stress can negatively impact their health, making them more vulnerable to contagious illnesses such as kennel cough, which can quickly escalate.
We use behavioral modification medications in shelters not to sedate animals or mask their true personalities, but to help them cope mentally with an extremely challenging environment. In fact, it helps them act more like their true selves! Medication helps these pets experience a sense of calm and normalcy amid chaos, enabling them to adjust more comfortably while waiting for a new home.
Just as you want your pet to feel more at ease during the loud 4th of July celebrations, we want our shelter pets to feel safe and secure while in the kennel or transitioning to a new life. Providing this support is part of our commitment to their well-being and happiness just as much as toys, play-time, nutritious food, and other healthcare.
 Dr. Kristin Tvrdik, DVM
Deputy Administrator Veterinarian
Thanks to our wonderful community of animal lovers, Wendell had critical surgery last week to repair ruptured discs in his back. But his journey is not over yet. Once our medical team clears him, Wendell will need a special home to recover in. One that can help keep him clean (he doesn’t have full bladder control yet), has a flexible schedule to get him to therapy and follow up appointments, and can keep his activity limited for the next 6-8 weeks.
The ideal foster will be home a lot to monitor him and must live within 30 minutes from the shelter.
If you are that home, please email: caroline.rzewnicki@dupagecounty.gov to set up a phone interview.
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Looking for a way to treat your dog this summer and help them stay hydrated? It's as easy as 1, 2, 3!
- Shake out the leftover "dust" from a bag of treats or kibble and place in small containers or ice cube tray.
- Add water.
- Freeze!
Now you have a free frozen treat for your pet to enjoy this summer. Your dog will enjoy the flavor and get some extra hydration - a definite win/win during these hot months.
Officer Maria Simeo
Originally from Glen Ellyn, Officer Maria is excited to join the Animal Control Officer team at DuPage County Animal Services. She started working with animals when she was 13 years old, volunteering at different animal organizations in our community: Cosley Zoo, Danada Equestrian Center, Kline Creek Farm, and Willowbrook Wildlife.
Maria attended Ave Maria University outside of Naples, Florida, earning a BS in Environmental Sciences. She explored Florida's wilderness and marveled at the unique species who call Florida home, including the Crested Caracara, a distinct falcon named for their piercing cry and the nurse sharks she encountered snorkeling in the Florida Keys. After graduation, Maria returned home to work for Willowbrook Wildlife Center (now DuPage Wildlife Conservation Center) for four years in wildlife rehabilitation.
Officer Simeo is excited to turn her focus to domestic pets and helping the pets in our community live their best possible lives - whether they be strays who wandered too far from home or pets in tough situations who need a new start, she's looking forward to connecting with animals and their pet parents in DuPage County.
Outside of work, Officer Simeo can be found hiking, camping, baking her own bread, or even throwing together an Italian meal from scratch! Welcome to Officer Simeo, DCAS is so excited for you to join our potlucks, I mean, our team!
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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
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
Adults
Community Events
- 7/18/25 Cops Picnic Hanover Park
We hope to see you at a program soon!
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