DuPage County Animal Services

DuPage County Animal Services is committed to serving people and helping pets in a safe way. It is important to know that, to date, there is no evidence of people catching the COVID-19 virus from companion animals or strong evidence to indicate that cats or dogs are falling ill with the virus. Our staff uses hospital-grade disinfectant throughout the shelter and high-traffic, common surfaces are being cleaned throughout the day. Our department is asking employees and volunteers who are sick to stay home. We are also reminding everyone to practice good hygiene to reduce the spread of germs.

To follow best practices recommended by the CDC for social distancing, we will continue to offer services to the public with the following changes to programs and procedures:

General Business Hours

Effective March 23rd to April 8th

We will be conducting business by appointment only. During this time our office will be open Monday through Friday from 8 am until 4:30 pm and Saturday from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm.

Adoption Programs

Open adoption hours are suspended immediately, and we will be facilitating adoptions by appointment only. We still need to find homes for our shelter pets so they can start their new life with a family and free up cage space for another pet in need.

Step 1.  Visit our website and Facebook page to learn more information about animals up for adoption.

Step 2. Call our office at 630-407-2800 to speak with a staff member about a pet you are interested in.

Step 3. If you are interested in meeting a pet, complete an adoption application and email it to animalservices@dupageco.org

Step 4. Once your application is approved, staff will call you to schedule an in-person meet and greet with that pet. Please note that a submitted application does not place that pet on hold for you or guarantee you will be able to meet that pet.

Step 5. Meet the pet, fall in love, and go home that same day with your new pet.

Rabies Tag Purchases

Over the counter tag sales are temporarily suspended. Tag sales can be purchased online by emailing your rabies certificate to animalservices@dupageco.org. You will then receive a reply email within 24 hours that contains a transaction code and instructions to pay online. Anyone that does not have the ability to pay online can mail their certificate with a check made payable to DuPage County Animal Services. Once your payment is received, your tag will be mailed to your residence. For more information on tag sales, please call 630-407-2800.

Stray Animals

We will continue to accept stray animal found in DuPage County. We ask that you call our office at 630-407-2800 to let us know you are bringing a stray animal to our shelter. This will allow us to adequately prepare housing and collect information regarding the stray animal prior to your arrival, thus minimizing your time in the building.

Owner Surrendered Animals

As we prepare for a decrease in adoptions and an increase in responding to public safety needs, we are hopeful the community will work with us to delay non-emergency owner surrenders. In times of emergency, we are concerned of the potential for a space crisis that could affect our ability to find live outcomes for animals. Our staff is available to discuss possible resources to help you keep your pet or safely rehome your pet on your own. An appointment is required to surrender your pet. Please call 630-407-2800 to speak with shelter staff about your options.

Education Events and Volunteer Program

All group education events and volunteer orientations/trainings have been canceled for the remainder of March. Only volunteers with critical animal care tasks will be approved to continue volunteering, if they wish.

Where to Find Animal Services Updates

We will continue to evaluate the situation closely and make a determination regarding changes to these procedures as we move through this month and receive guidance from our public health agencies. Please refer to the DuPage County Animal Services website for the most up-to-date information at www.dupageco.org/animalservices.

Information on animals and the coronavirus:

2019-nCoV and Animals

Q: What about animals or animal products imported from China?

CDC does not have any evidence to suggest that animals or animal products imported from China pose a risk for spreading 2019-nCoV in the United States. This is a rapidly evolving situation and information will be updated as it becomes available. The United States Department of Agriculture regulatesexternal icon the importation of animals and animal products, and CDC regulates the importation of animals and animal products capable of spreading human disease.

Q: Should I be concerned about pets or other animals and 2019-nCoV?

While this virus seems to have emerged from an animal source, it is now spreading from person-to-person. CDC recommends that people traveling to China avoid animals both live and dead, but there is no reason to think that any animals or pets in the United States might be a source of infection with this new coronavirus.

Q: Should I avoid contact with pets or other animals if I am sick?

Do not handle pets or other animals while sick. Although there have not been reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with 2019-nCoV, several types of coronaviruses can cause illness in animals and spread between animals and people. Until we know more, avoid contact with animals and wear a facemask if you must be around animals or care for a pet.

To learn more please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Events & Important Dates

• In an effort to follow best practices recommended by the CDC for social distancing, we are canceling group educational events and volunteer orientations/trainings for the remainder of March. We will continue to evaluate the situation closely and make a determination regarding April events as we get closer to the end of the month. If you have any questions regarding the Coronavirus please visit the CDC website at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html#animals
  
  

Animal services Committee

• All committees are canceled until further notice. Any Animal Services business will be presented at the County Board meetings.