August 21, 2018

Mayor Emanuel And Chicago Animal Care And Control Announce Record Adoptions At Clear The Shelters Event

CACC finds new homes for 59 pets homes in one weekend

Mayor's Press Office    312.744.3334

Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Chicago Animal Care and Control (CACC) today announced a record number of adoptions took place at the Clear the Shelters event, CACC successfully adopted 59 pets, including 26 dogs and 33 cats, to new forever homes. 

“This milestone was made possible by our dedicated staff, volunteer, rescue partners, and the generous hearts of the people of Chicago,” said Mayor Emanuel. “The success of the Clear the Shelters event is proof positive that Chicagoans in every neighborhood know the benefits of the unconditional love of a pet.”

This year marked the third year that CACC participated in the NBC and Telemundo Stations’ Clear the Shelters™ nationwide pet adoption campaign, with more pets adopted each year. This year, CACC successfully adopted 59 dogs and cats into new homes. Last year, CACC adopted out 54 animals during Clear the Shelters, and in 2016, CACC adopted out 38 animals. On average CACC does five or fewer adoptions per day. In addition to a new best friend, families who adopted during Clear the Shelters took home a new collar and I.D. tags, as well as coupons worth hundreds of dollars in pet supplies and veterinary services from sponsors Petco and VIP Petcare. 

“Clearing the shelter truly takes a city, and the city showed up to help on Saturday. This incredible event demonstrates that finding homes for each of the animals in our shelter is possible with the support of the community,” said CACC Acting Executive Director, Kelley Gandurski. “I am grateful for the dedication of our staff, volunteers, and partnerswho showed up with enthusiasm and energy to make Saturday’s event possible.”

CACC continues to improve on the number of successful adoptions. So far in 2018, CACC has adopted 1,104 dogs and cats. CACC also works with nearly 200 transfer partners that, so far this year have helped pets get a second chance to find loving homes. All dogs and cats available for adoption at CACC are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, micro-chipped and licensed by the city prior to adoption.  

CACC is the city’s only municipal-run animal shelter with a mission to protect public safety and promotes the humane care of animals through sheltering, pet placement, education and animal law enforcement. CACC accepts all stray, owner-surrendered, abused and neglected pets, regardless of condition or health status, and serves as the triage center to provide a safe environment and medical treatment when needed.  

###