Will County Pop-Up Clinic Vaccinates Over 250 Dogs and Cats

Free clinic provided vaccines, microchips, and food for Will County pets

Will County hosted a pop-up pet clinic at the County Office Building on March 11, which vaccinated and microchipped over 250 local cats and dogs. The event was hosted by Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant, State’s Attorney Jim Glasgow, the K9 Enrichment Initiative, and Petco Love.

The free vaccines were provided by Petco Love as part of their national vaccination initiative, which is providing one million free pet vaccines to animal welfare partners, including K9 Enrichment Initiative, for family pets in need. The free vaccines provided through the initiative included DAPPv Canine and HCP Feline vaccines. Microchips, ID tags, dog and cat food, along with collars were also provided.

“Pop-up clinics ensure that residents have the resources they need to keep their pets healthy,” said County Executive Bertino-Tarrant. “I appreciate the residents who brought their dogs and cats to receive these lifesaving vaccines. With increased numbers of lost and stray animals being brought into local shelters, I urge everyone to vaccinate and microchip their pets.”

Volunteers with K9 Enrichment Initiative also distributed 100 bags of pet food, 84 pet waste scoopers, and 187 gift bags. Supplies were donated by Rescue Pack, FiNano, and Max & Neo.

“I’m very thankful for Petco Love and the supporters of the K9 Enrichment Initiative for their donations to allow us to offer free vaccines, microchips, and food,” said Cynthia Lynn Guzman, Executive Director of K9 Enrichment Initiative. “We had a great turnout of local residents to take advantage of this no-cost resource to ensure the health and wellness of our community’s pets. This would not have been possible without our donors.”

Animal shelters throughout the country have reported increases in animal pick-ups in recent years, underscoring the importance of universal microchipping for pets. Unvaccinated animals being brought into shelters can also contribute to disease outbreaks.

“Promoting a culture of caring for our animals, who are totally dependent on us, helps all of us become more compassionate and empathetic,” said State’s Attorney Glasgow. “Back in 1180 A.D, at a time in human history when cruelty, violence, and torture were commonplace, St. Francis of Assisi observed that people who would exclude any of God’s creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity will deal with each other in the same way. I believe the converse also is true -- people who include all creatures in the shelter of compassion and pity will deal with each other in the same fashion. Our compassionate and empathetic interaction with animals will make our community a more caring, safe place for all of us.”

For more information about future vaccine distribution events, visit K9 Enrichment Initiative www.k9ei.dog. To learn more about Petco Love’s national vaccination initiative, visit www.PetcoLove.org.