  Building Our Future
We have seen so many changes in animal welfare, especially in the last decade. It has evolved to consider an animal’s emotional health as interconnected to its physical health. It has pivoted from just taking animals in to counseling people and providing resources to keep people and pets together.
Our staff and volunteers have risen to the challenge of these positive changes with the help of caring people like YOU. Donor support has made it possible to provide daily enrichment, lifesaving medical care, and programs to support the bonds between people and animals.
We have adapted to the best of our ability, but now is the time to bring our shelter building in alignment with the high standards and best practices that we are holding ourselves to.
The DuPage County Board approved the expansion and renovation of our shelter building, but we are doing so with NO TAXPAYER DOLLARS. DuPage Animal Friends is helping us to raise $6 million dollars needed to complete this 2-year project. We are SO CLOSE to meeting that goal. With over $4.5 million dollars already generously donated, we have about $1.5 million dollars still left to go! Can you help us?
YOUR GIFT WILL CHANGE THE COURSE OF ANIMAL WELFARE IN DUPAGE COUNTY.
With the support of caring people like YOU, this new state-of-the-art shelter will enhance the quality of life for animals in our care and be a valuable resource to people in our community.
Any amount helps us reach our goal. Click the image below to send in your gift.
 Dr. Barbara Hanek, Laura Flamion
Veterinarian Administrator Operations Manager
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DCAS is one of the few places taking in small animals in our area. Whether as strays or owner surrenders, sometimes our shelter is cramped with all the small cuties. Rabbits, guinea pigs, mice, turtles, and birds - Oh my!
Currently, rabbits and other small animals are housed anywhere we can find extra space, including dog kennels and hallways. The new shelter will have a dedicated small mammal room where we can provide the space and care these animals need, without dogs walking past their enclosures in the hallways!
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Rendering of Small Mammal Room for New Shelter
Roxanne (cropped ear on right) and Georgie (left) have gotten more than their fair share of shelter time. These two large, white beauties spent over a year at DCAS when they were first here in 2019. Unfortunately, the person who adopted them has passed away, so this chonky pair is back again.
You won't find a more adorable wife and hus-bun. Roxanne is more outgoing while Georgie tends to be a little reserved, but they truly love each other and are often caught in full PDC - Public Displays of Cuddling. They love to groom each other and have been around rabbit-savvy cats and dogs before. Can you give them the fur-ever home they deserve? Click on their picture to fill out an application today!
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Cold Weather Safety
With Officer Anderson
As the weather starts to get colder with harsher conditions, DCAS has seen an uptick in calls for animals left outside in the cold. Hypothermia and frostbite are the main concerns for animals left outside in cold temperatures and can occur in minutes depending on the type of animal, breed, size, and environment. Signs to look out for in Hypothermia are violent shivering, problems breathing, weak pulses, lethargy, muscle stiffness and lack of appetite.
Frostbite is a much more prevalent issue and is most common on animals’ paws, ears, and tails. If animals are wet they can be even more vulnerable to frostbite. Signs of frostbite are discoloration of skin, coldness, pain, swelling, blisters, ulcers, and blackened or dead skin. If you suspect your pet has frostbite, please take them to your veterinarian for treatment as soon as possible.
Use warm compresses and wrap pets in dry towels or blankets to help warm them up, but never rub or apply heat as this can cause more pain to nerves damaged by the cold. Click the image for more information on caring for an animal exposed to cold weather.
To prevent cold weather issues, please keep animals indoors during cold and harsh conditions. The included chart provides a guideline for average temperature ranges for small, large, or medium pets. Individual animals will have individual needs, so please contact your veterinarian if you have any questions. If you have any concerns with animals left outside please do not hesitate to report it to your local police department or DuPage County Animal Services.
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 $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 4, 2023 9am-3pm
March 11, 2023 9am-3pm
https://bit.ly/DCASFirstAid
Join us at 7pm select Thursday nights all year long! Follow the links provided to register.
Boredom Busters for our Canine Buds – January 5, 2023 7pm-8pm
Truth: Being bored sucks. Over the years, we’ve bred dogs to do certain jobs and even today they need the challenge of a job well done to have a fully satisfying life. Explore the options to give your dog an outlet for their natural instincts.
Registration Link: https://bit.ly/3TqMNPF
DIY Enrichment – January 19, 2023 7pm-8pm
Bring snacks (for you and your pet) and bring your craft supplies! Create some easy enrichment items for your furry friends!
Registration Link: https://bit.ly/3hwK5e7
Fostering Success – February 2, 2023 7pm-8pm
Fostering an animal is very rewarding. It can also be tough. Get advice on how to set your foster animal up for success. Learn about decompression, common stress signs, and how to introduce the new animal into your home.
Registration Link: https://bit.ly/3G5ox2n
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