West Cook News

Cook County has initiated a partnership with the South Suburban Humane Society (SSHS) to offer the Paw-Some Pets Project. This program provides no-cost dog and cat adoptions and free spay/neuter services for large dogs, beginning today for all Cook County residents.

The project waives adoption fees, which typically range from $25 to $200, for all county residents. Additionally, it offers free spay and neuter services for dogs weighing 44 pounds or more, services that usually cost between $75 and $180.

“The Paw-Some Pets Project is a wonderful opportunity to help pets find good homes and to ensure that more pets are spayed and neutered,” stated Mamadou Diakhate, DVM, Administrator of ARC. “One of our primary goals is to ensure the health and safety of the County’s pets and this program helps us achieve that mission.”

All adopted dogs and cats will receive spay/neuter services, vaccinations, microchips, along with other necessary services and supplies. Large dog spay/neuter services will include any needed non-elective procedures as well as medications and supplies.

Tracy Elliot, interim CEO at SSHS commented: “We are fortunate that President Preckwinkle and Cook County care so much about the homeless animals in our community, and we are excited to find them forever homes... The only way out of this crisis is for all of us to work together and we thank Cook County for leading the way."

Feral cat spay/neuter services are also available at no cost through ARC-approved sponsors.

Funding comes from the Housing Cook County’s Animals grant program which allocated $7.4 million towards planning and constructing a new SSHS facility opened in 2022. Of these funds, $268,440 is designated for this initiative running until October 31, 2026 or until funds run out. The grant program is supported by small fees charged for rabies tags issued by Cook County.