Less than a week after Chicago's Animal Care and Control said it may be forced to euthanize animals as the shelter filled to capacity during this month's brutally cold temperatures, the agency said adoptions have more than doubled as it offers new incentives for potential pet owners - but the struggle is far from over.
In the first two weeks of this year, at least 61 dogs have found new homes, a 154 percent increase over 2017, officials announced Tuesday. Still, new dogs continue to arrive at the shelter daily as temperatures hover in the 20s with wind chill values in the single digits and below-zero.
"Chicago Animal Care and Control (CACC) wants to sincerely thank Chicago residents, our valued partners, and everyone who has adopted a dog from CACC during the first two weeks of 2018," the shelter said in a statement. "While there is more work to be done and new dogs and cats arrive at the shelter daily, many kind, compassionate people shared information about CACC animals with their communities, dropped off donations, and best of all, came to adopt a dog."
Through the end of January, Friends of Chicago Animal Care and Control is offering $100 to $200 incentives for rescue partners to transfer 50 "long-term" dogs, or dogs that have been at the shelter for 30 days or more, out of its facility.
In addition, Pets and Vets USA is offering a $100 training rebate incentive for up to 50 dogs through Feb. 18. Anyone who shows proof they completed a dog training course can receive up to $100 in reimbursements.
"As the city’s only municipal shelter that must take all animals that come to its doors, [CACC] is committed to working to provide the best possible outcomes and find forever homes for all adoptable pets," the shelter said in a statement.
